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… Find your local councillor and ward View a list of all councillors and enter your address into our map search to … out which councillor represents you. View a list of all councillors and enter your address to find out which … local ward is: Your Councillor is: View full profile Our councillors Councillor Michelle Kleinert Mayor of Manningham …
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… Your councillor for Yarra Ward Tags About Council Councillors Yarra Ward … Councillor Carli Lange …
Cr Carli Lange is a resident of Warrandyte and an active community advocate.
Cr Lange is passionate about Manningham’s Green Wedge, protecting local parklands and sporting facilities, including cycling and walking connections. She supports school mentor programs, health and support services for both families and older residents. She is an advocate for emergency management, reducing traffic congestion as well as sustainable and responsible development.
Cr Lange believes in being authentic, proactive and transparent in representing the community’s needs and concerns. She has a background in teaching and has been president of the Warrandyte Community Association (WCA) since 2018.
… Your councillor for Schramm Ward Tags About Council Councillors Schramm Ward … Councillor Laura Mayne …
Cr Laura Mayne has lived in Manningham all her life and has been actively involved in the Manningham community through a variety of local sporting clubs.
Cr Mayne is passionate about protecting our parks and open spaces, reducing traffic congestion, limiting excessive development and improving public transport. She believes in supporting local businesses, building community connection especially among our multicultural, elderly and youth communities, and protecting our Manningham way of life.
Cr Mayne is currently studying Law and Commerce at university and is a VCE English Tutor, surf lifesaver and plays high level football.
… Your councillor for Ruffey Ward Tags About Council Councillors Ruffey Ward … Councillor Stephen Mayne …
Cr Stephen Mayne is a long-standing Manningham resident, has raised his family in Manningham and an active member of the local community. He previously served as a Manningham councillor from 2008 to 2012 and was a councillor of the City of Melbourne from 2012 to 2016.
Cr Mayne is an award-winning business journalist and values best practice governance and transparency. He is passionate about advocating for the best possible outcome from the North East Link, supporting Doncaster Rail and is an advocate for reducing gambling harm in Manningham.
Cr Mayne believes in improvements to parks and open spaces, embracing Manningham’s multicultural community and bringing experience and knowledge to council’s advocacy and decision-making processes.
… Your councillor for Manna Ward Tags About Council Councillors Manna Ward … Councillor Tomas Lightbody …
Cr Tomas Lightbody grew up in Donvale and is passionate about the local area and community.
With a background in urban planning, design, and architecture, Cr Lightbody believes in good urban planning and protecting Manningham’s precious green spaces, taking environmental action and investing in smart infrastructure. He supports renewable energy, strong climate change action and increasing recycling to reduce unnecessary waste going to landfill.
Cr Lightbody is an advocate for better public transport that suits the needs of the community, encouraging a strong local economy. He also wants to ensure all our residents are supported and to promote inclusion and equality in all aspects of our community and our council services.
… Your councillor for Bolin Ward Tags About Council Councillors Bolin Ward … Councillor Geoff Gough …
Cr Geoff Gough is passionate about Manningham, having grown up and then raised his own family in the area. He is one of Manningham’s longest serving councillors, having been a councillor continuously since 1997, and has served as Mayor for four terms.
Cr Gough sees the improvement of our footpaths, roads, streetscapes and parks as a priority and is committed to ensuring Manningham’s community infrastructure is well maintained.
He believes in prioritising community support, including local business support, transparency in decisions, sound financial management and accountability to our community. Cr Gough advocates that council needs to listen, consult and act with responsibility and integrity.
… Your councillor for Waldau Ward Tags About Council Councillors Waldau Ward … Councillor Anna Chen …
Cr Chen has lived in the Waldau Ward for 20 years and has been a Manningham Councillor since 2016.
Cr Chen values equity, inclusion and positivity as well as the importance of understanding local issues, listening and working together with our community. She stands for cost-effective operations, sustainable planning outcomes, reducing climate impacts and improving public transport. Cr Chen wants to see more civic participation opportunities provided for our young residents to grow and shine. Cr Chen also wants to see proactive traffic management around schools and that our parks and open spaces are protected and improved. Cr Chen believes in an inclusive, safe and sustainable community for all including seniors, youth and young families.
A practicing lawyer, Cr Chen is a volunteer solicitor at the Eastern Community Legal Centre and volunteers with Neighbourhood Watch in Manningham.
… Your councillor for Currawong Ward Tags About Council Councillors Currawong Ward … Councillor Andrew Conlon …
Cr Conlon has lived in the Currawong Ward with his wife and family of eight children for 17 years.
A Manningham Councillor since 2016, Cr Conlon previously served as Mayor during 2020 / 21 and 2017 / 18.
Cr Conlon is passionate about support services for families and older residents along with sports clubs and volunteer organisations and believes good governance starts with integrity and transparency. He advocates for improved local traffic management, footpaths, roads and streetscapes as well as park maintenance.
Cr Conlon has managed an engineering consultancy for many years and previously served as a board member of Donvale Christian College and co-ordinator of a local Donvale basketball club.
… Your councillor for Westerfolds Ward Tags About Council Councillors Westerfolds Ward … Mayor … Councillor Michelle …
Cr Michelle Kleinert is the Mayor of Manningham.
Cr Michelle Kleinert is a long-term resident of Manningham and has been a councillor of Manningham since 2012, serving as Mayor in 2016-17 and again in 2021-22.
Passionate about Manningham’s open space and our vibrant and connected community, Cr Kleinert believes in supporting local business in addition to community clubs and our youth.
In her first term as Mayor, Cr Kleinert led the charge to establish a youth mental health outreach service for Manningham with headspace Hawthorn. She is currently the multicultural ambassador for Mental Health Foundation Australia and holds a mental health first aid certificate.
Cr Kleinert has a long standing relationship with Bully Zero and is currently involved in a project to air on TV in late 2022.
With a focus on bringing the community together with a positive message all can relate to, Cr Kleinert is committed to shine a light on the ‘be kind’ message as we reconnect with one another post the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cr Kleinert also dedicates a significant amount of time supporting women in Local Government through her involvement with the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, Victorian branch (ALGWA Vic), where she has served as both president and is currently the Executive Officer.
She is a former vice president of the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA).
… Your councillor for Tullamore Ward Tags About Council Councillors Tullamore Ward … Deputy Mayor … Councillor …
Cr Deirdre Diamante is the Deputy Mayor of Manningham.
Cr Deirdre Diamante has lived in Manningham for more than 40 years and recognises the importance of sustainable economic and environmental decision making that enhances the long term liveability of Manningham.
Cr Diamante believes in growing opportunities for local businesses and efficient spending of our rates on services and infrastructure that better connects the local community, suburbs and streets. She is an advocate for equal opportunity and diversity, for programs that support our elderly residents and for greater state and federal government funding support for Manningham’s charities.
Cr Diamante has three school-aged children, is a business owner, a school council representative, Board Director of the Manningham Bendigo Bank Community Branch and an active member of the Manningham Business Excellence Awards.
… vote in Manningham council elections. Tags About Council Councillors … Voting in an election …
Enrolling to vote
Federal enrolment
To find out about options available to help you cast your vote at the 2022 federal election visit the Australian Electoral Commission website.
State enrolment
- If you’re an Australian citizen and 18 years or over, and have lived in Manningham for at least 1 month, you’ll need to register with the Victorian Electoral Commission.
- If you aren’t on the state electoral roll and have lived in Manningham for at least 1 month. And you’re 18 years or over, you’ll need to enrol with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
You can apply, check and amend your state enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au.
Voting in council elections is compulsory if you’re on the state electoral roll.
Council enrolment
You can apply to vote in council elections if you’re:
- aged 18 years or over
- pay property rates and are otherwise not able to vote.
This includes:
- non-Australian citizens
- property owners who don’t live in Manningham and previously not on the voters’ roll as a non-resident owner
- people who live in rateable property and liable to pay the rates
- directors or company secretaries whose appointments are on behalf of a rate paying corporation and represent their interests.
Voting isn’t compulsory if you’re only on a council electoral roll.
You can download the relevant application form below. There’s further information in the forms that’ll help. Return the completed form to us by email, by mail, or in person.
Voting process
In what order do the names of the candidates appear
A single, random draw determines in which order names will appear on a ballot. The election manager conducts the draw at the election officer after the close of nominations. The election manager will tell the candidates the time of the draw.
Voting in council elections is by post
You’ll receive a ballot pack and contains ballot papers by mail. The packs will have instructions and information about the candidates. Don’t worry if you don’t receive a ballot pack at the same time as someone you live with. They’re posted in random order to enrolled voters.
Return your ballot paper by mail.
What to do if you’ve changed your address
If you’ve changed address after the close of the roll or can’t collect your ballot pack, you’re able to request a redirect to your new address. To request a redirect, make sure it’s done before nominations have closed. You can make a request for an early postal vote after nominations have closed if you have a good reason.
How to check your enrolment status
You can apply, check and update your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au or pick up an enrolment form at any post office or AEC office.
For further information on voting in council elections, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission and Know Your Council.
Contact us
If you would like to speak with someone about your Council enrolment, please call 9840 9333.
You can find us at Office 7 The Point Corporate Centre, 600 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster.
How to vote in other languages
… and councillor allowances. On this page About Council Councillors … Review of Mayoral and Councillor allowances …
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Notice is hereby given in accordance with sections 74(1B) and 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act), that Manningham City Council is to undertake a review and determine the level of mayoral and councillor allowances.
Council resolved at its meeting on Thursday 28 January to give notice of its intention to review allowances and has proposed a:
- Mayoral allowance of $100,434 with a $9,541 superannuation contribution; and
- Councillor allowance of $31,444 with a $2,987 superannuation contribution.
Written submissions on the proposed allowances are sought in accordance with section 223 of the Act. Submissions will be received until 5.00pm on Monday 1 March 2021 and should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Manningham City Council, PO Box 1, Doncaster VIC 3108.
Any person who has made a written submission to the Council can request to be heard in support of their submission and is entitled to appear in person or by a person acting on their behalf. Please indicate in your submission if you wish to be heard.
Submissions made in accordance with section 223 of the Act are considered public documents and may be incorporated in the agenda and minutes of the Council Meeting at which they are considered and available on Council's website as part of the relevant agenda and minutes of the meeting.
For enquiries, please contact Council's Senior Governance Advisor on 9840 9333 or email manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au
(published in The Age)
… intention to review allowances. On this page About Council Councillors All News … Review of Mayoral and Councillor …
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Update (2021): this article refers to the 2020 review of Mayoral and Councillor allowances. Council resolved at its meeting on Thursday 28 January 2021 to give notice of its intention to review allowances.
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Following a recent review of mayoral and councillor allowances and a change in allowance category by the Minister for Local Government, Council resolved at its meeting on Tuesday 25 February 2020 to give notice of its intention to review and determine allowances in accordance with the Act.
Council proposed a:
- Mayoral allowance of $100,434 with a $9,541 superannuation contribution; and
- Councillor allowance of $31,444 with a $2,987 superannuation contribution.
Submissions are sought from the community in accordance with section 223 of the Act in respect of the review of allowances. Written submissions will be received until 5.00pm on Monday 6 April 2020 and should be addressed to:
Chief Executive Officer
Manningham City Council
PO Box 1, Doncaster, Victoria, 3108
Any person who has made a written submission to the Council can request to be heard in support of their submission and is entitled to appear in person or by a person acting on their behalf. Please indicate in your submission if you wish to be heard.
Submissions made in accordance with section 223 of the Act are considered public documents and may be incorporated in the agenda and minutes of the Council Meeting at which they are considered and available on Council’s website as part of the relevant agenda and minutes of the meeting.
For enquiries, please contact our Senior Governance Advisor on 9840 9333 or email manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au
… Message from our Mayor and Councillors With the ongoing community transmission of … many people in our community. On this page About Council Councillors COVID-19 … Message from our Mayor and Councillors …
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With the ongoing community transmission of COVID-19 and the introduction of mandatory face coverings, we understand how unsettling and stressful this time is for many people in our community.
In line with the Victorian Government restrictions, please remember to wear a face covering whenever you leave your home for one of the four permitted reasons listed below. Face coverings don’t need to be medical grade and you can make your own mask or use other suitable face coverings such as a scarf or bandana. Please refer to the Department of Health and Human Services website for the most current information regarding lawful exceptions and instructions on how to make your own mask.
As a council, we are also supplying all our staff who are in contact with the community disposal masks to ensure everyone’s safety.
Please remember there are still only four reasons to leave your home:
- shopping for what you need – food and essential supplies
- medical, care or compassionate needs
- exercises in your local area
- work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.
You also cannot have visitors in your home and no more than two people from different households are able to gather in public spaces.
We will continue to work closely with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Municipal Association of Victoria to get the latest updates and become familiar with the details of the latest COVID-19 related directions. We will ensure to communicate these to you as quickly as possible so make sure you follow us on social media, read Manningham Matters and check our website for updates on our services and facilities.
I want to thank everyone in Manningham who has responded with so flexibly and with resilience in this challenging time. These are tough times and I encourage everyone to stay kind to other, to businesses and to themselves.
Please continue to follow the Victorian Government health advice to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to yourself, your friends, family and our community.
Stay safe and stay well.
Mayor, Cr Paul McLeish
… Message from our Mayor and Councillors Summer holidays are now over for many of us and … will bring about a happy and productive 2021. On this page Councillors Strategies, Plans and Policies All News … Message from our Mayor and Councillors …
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Summer holidays are now over for many of us and we have well and truly embarked on this new year by starting many of the plans and projects that we anticipate will bring about a happy and productive 2021.
At Council, we have just launched a very exciting new initiative to help us guide our strategic direction for the next four years and we want you to be a part of it.
Increasingly, governments worldwide have been using deliberative decision-making involving community members to guide their strategic thinking, and so we are very excited to be incorporating this innovative approach as a pivotal part of our efforts to plan for the future of Manningham.
We are forming a brand new community panel that will represent the views and voices of all who live in our diverse community. If you work, live, study, or play in Manningham and have ideas for the future of our city then we want to hear from you.
The panel will come together for sessions during March and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people, discuss ideas and plan for our future. Registrations close on Monday 1 March so register your interest today.
The Fire Danger Period has just been declared for Manningham and I know many of you have been busy cleaning up your properties and ensuring your Emergency Plans are ready and up-to-date.
I invite everyone located in the Bushfire Prone Area to take advantage of the two weekends we are running this month to help you clean your properties of excess garden waste. These two free disposal days are in addition to those we ran in late November last year.
Despite the lack of restrictions in some areas, it is still important to ensure your property is prepared, and with large amounts of growth experienced this year, and more rain and growth expected this summer season, your property maintenance should be ongoing.
I firmly believe this approach helps not only protect your own house and property, but helps foster a strong community spirit as it helps protect those around your neighbourhood as well. I encourage all residents to manage your properties year round to prepare for emergencies, including fire, storm and flood.
I wish you all the best,
Cr Andrew Conlon
MAYOR
… Message from our Mayor and Councillors I hope this message finds you safe and well as we … in its roadmap to reopening. On this page About Council Councillors Kids and Family … Message from our Mayor and Councillors …
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I hope this message finds you safe and well as we continue to navigate this unique year.
On Sunday 22 November, the Premier announced further easing of COVID-19 restrictions as Victoria enters the Last Step in its roadmap to reopening.
These changes are great news for local businesses which are now able to welcome more people for indoor exercise, hospitality and other activities.
We also welcome increased limits for public and private gatherings, which means that more of our community can come together as we head towards the festive season.
I encourage you to visit the DHHS website to read a full list of the changes to restrictions effective from 11.59pm Sunday 22 November, which are now in effect.
I would like to say thankyou to our outgoing Councillors, Paul McLeish, Sophy Galbally, Dot Haynes, Paula Piccinini and Mike Zafiropoulos AM, for their hard work and dedication to the community over the last four years. We wish them all the best and thank them for their service.
We have a fantastic edition of Manningham Matters for you this week.
We have developed a draft landscape masterplan for Ruffey Lake Park to provide clear direction for the future design, development and management of the park over the next 15 years. Find out what our community has told us they love and want us to improve, and have your say.
This week marks two very important awareness campaigns in our community. 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence is currently underway until 10 December. Find out how you can help prevent sexism, sexual harassment and disrespect towards women.
On 3 December, International Day of People with Disability will be raising awareness for disabilities that are not always visible or obvious. Read our story to find out more.
The festive season is almost upon us, so I encourage you to share your goodwill this Christmas season as there are families in our community who are experiencing hardship and who might have been doing it extra tough this year. Find out how you can help them experience the festive season.
I look forward to seeing you out in the Manningham community.
Stay safe,
Cr Andrew Conlon
MAYOR
… Message from our Mayor and Councillors Welcome to our second digital edition of … as we navigate this new time. On this page About Council Councillors COVID-19 … Message from our Mayor and Councillors …
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Welcome to our second digital edition of Manningham Matters, which will be published fortnightly during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis to bring you all the latest news from us and from our community as we navigate this new time.
I would like to start by offering on behalf of our Council and community our deepest condolences to Victoria Police and the families of those involved in the tragic accident on the Eastern Freeway earlier this week. We're incredibly saddened by this news and want to acknowledge the dedication of Victoria Police and its service to our community.
We have been facing the COVID-19 crisis for some weeks now and the daily pressures of this new way of living, plus its challenges and surprises are continuing to evolve and be felt acutely throughout our entire community.
I would like to thank everyone in Manningham who has responded with flexibility and resilience to what is a very challenging time. I encourage you to continue following the steps you have taken to stay safe and healthy and to help slow the spread of the virus.
Please continue to follow the advice of health professionals and the government to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection to yourself and our neighbours and friends. Remember to follow the recommendations to stay at home if you can, protect the health system and save lives.
We are all learning to navigate new routines and disruptions to our usual ways of doing things. Like me and my family, you are no doubt finding new and interesting ways to stay connected with your friends and community.
We are here to help
We are especially aware of the social, emotional and financial impact COVID-19 is having on people in our community and understand that it will put pressure on everyone in the months to come. We have been working hard at Council to find ways we can immediately help and support you during this time.
We have launched a Community Connect service which is available seven days a week. You can ask us questions and find out where you can get the right support. We’re here to help, so call us on 9840 9333, or email communityconnect@manningham.vic.gov.au
Our Councillors have also been meeting regularly by video to work on some relief measures for our residents, businesses and community groups. We have extended our fourth quarter rates instalment due date to 30 June. If you still can’t pay by this date and are suffering genuine financial hardship, please call us to discuss other financial arrangements.
As a Council, we will be considering other ways to support Manningham residents, business and local organisations at our upcoming Council meeting on 28 April 2020.
Thank you and stay safe
I want to thank everyone in our community for your support of each other as we face the challenges and impacts of COVID-19 together. I encourage you to look out for your neighbours, friends and family while continuing to stay at home and practise good hygiene to stay safe, healthy and well.
And if you haven’t already, I encourage you to subscribe to Manningham Matters and receive future editions and updates on what’s happening locally, straight to your inbox.
Stay safe and well.
Cr Paul McLeish
MAYOR
… Message from our Mayor and Councillors A lot has happened over the past two weeks and I … (stay at home) restrictions. On this page About Council Councillors Assistance and Support … Message from our Mayor and Councillors …
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A lot has happened over the past two weeks and I am sure everyone is adapting to the new restrictions in place for the Melbourne metropolitan area. I was impressed by how well we, as a community, have accepted the move back to stage three (stay at home) restrictions.
While this reversal can be disheartening, it is also an important moment for all of us to continue working together as a community and keep our families and neighbourhoods healthy and safe.
The return of stage three restrictions means that there are only four reasons to leave your house:
- Shopping for food or other essential items
- To provide care giving, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment
- For exercise (outdoor exercise only, with only one other person or members of your household)
- Work or study, if you cannot work or study from home
There has also been an important change in the medical advice around masks. The current advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer when you leave your home is:
- for everyone to wear a mask, and
- keep a physical distance of 1.5 metres from others.
In Manningham, the restrictions mean that there have been further changes to some of our services and facilities. I encourage everyone to stay up to date by visiting our website.
These restrictions will also bring about changes to how we come together as a community. In this edition of Manningham Matters, you’ll find the latest information on how you can continue to safely enjoy our beautiful parklands, and how to support local businesses who will again be adapting to the restrictions. You will also find the latest news about some of our community facilities - many of their services have returned online allowing you to stay active and stay connected from your home.
Many of the businesses who had just restarted their operations will now be doing it really tough as the restrictions return. To help support these local businesses, the Victorian Government has this week released an additional round of grants as part of its $534 million Business Support Package. We’ve included more information in this edition, and encourage business owners to explore if they’re eligible for these latest rounds of funding. There are also many support options available to businesses locally and our Manningham Business team is here to help. I encourage any local businesses looking for support during this time to get in touch.
We all have the opportunity to make a huge difference for our entire community, and all it takes is a few small actions. Stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Wear a mask and keep 1.5 metres apart if you need to leave your home. Practise good hygiene and wash your hands regularly. Get tested if you experience any symptoms.
We’ve seen some incredible examples of the Manningham community uniting over the last few months and I look forward to hearing many more stories over the next five weeks.
This is our moment, Manningham. Stay safe and well.
Cr Paul McLeish
MAYOR
Want to read more stories like this? View Manningham Matters.
… Message from our Mayor and Councillors Last Sunday 24 May, the Premier announced another … reopen their doors. On this page About Council Councillors All News … Message from our Mayor and Councillors …
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Last Sunday 24 May, the Premier announced another wave of gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria.
As the restrictions ease, we look forward to seeing community, sports and arts activities and programs gradually start up again and some venues and businesses reopen their doors.
We are working closely with our local community groups, sports clubs, venue operators and at all of our facilities to ensure we can reopen in line with the advice and restrictions, and in a way that is safe for everyone.
We are already starting to see some of our facilities reopen.
Parks and playspaces
As of Tuesday 26 May, our parks, playspaces, outdoor fitness equipment, skate parks, BMX and athletics tracks are now open for everyone to enjoy.
The safety of our community is still our priority and we have a regular cleaning and sanitising schedule in place for equipment in our parks.
In line with the Government advice, is important that we not gather in groups of more than 10 people in these spaces, and to continue practising physical distancing by staying 1.5 metres apart and maintaining good hygiene at all times.
Our customer service counter
Our Civic Centre front counter in Doncaster will be open from Monday 1 June.
With physical distancing requirements still in place, I encourage you to contact us via phone, online or by making an appointment wherever possible but if you do need to come in, we’ll be here to assist you. Remember – we are also continuing to offer support via our dedicated phone support service, running seven days a week.
Other venues, facilities and cafes
We are looking at reopening our facilities and venues as the Victorian Government’s announcements are made.
We know everyone is eager to get back to venues like our Manningham Art Gallery, your local library, sports stadium or Aquarena as soon as possible, however we need to ensure that all of the proper precautions are in place before we do so.
We are planning thoroughly and taking all safety measures into account, and look forward to letting everyone know as soon as any of our facilities are ready to reopen.
We also anticipate that some of our local cafes and restaurants will begin to reopen to dine-in customers from 1 June, after the Victorian Government announced a plan to allow 20 patrons per enclosed space from then.
Cleansing and sanitising blitz
We are taking part in the state-wide cleansing blitz. You may see people out and about in parks and public spaces sanitising seats, handrails and other equipment. In some instances, these teams will also be helping to sanitise our newly reopened playground and fitness equipment.
This blitz is helping support jobs locally as part of the Victorian Government’s $500 million Working for Victoria initiative. The cleaning blitz complements the work that we are already doing to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read more about our efforts and how you can get involved.
Don’t forget, it’s important we all remain vigilant in following the health advice and recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services.
As we see more and more changes and easing of these restrictions, I want to encourage everyone to continue to Be Kind to one another and help support your friends, neighbours and local community.
Stay safe and well.
Paul McLeish
MAYOR
… Message from our Mayor and Councillors It’s been a busy fortnight as we’ve seen further … so that we can all stay safe. On this page About Council Councillors COVID-19 … Message from our Mayor and Councillors …
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It’s been a busy fortnight as we’ve seen further easing of restrictions and a new normal for us all in our daily lives. As we see these changes come into effect, let’s all remember to remain vigilant and careful so that we can all stay safe.
As the Victorian Government has advised, the State of Emergency in Victoria has been extended until 11:59pm on Sunday 21 June. The Stay at Home Directions have now been replaced by the Stay Safe Directions for this period. That means continuing to maintain physical distance of 1.5 metres from others, take appropriate hygiene precautions, avoid crowds, stay home and get tested if you feel unwell. It also means that if you can work from home, you must work from home.
This week we’ve seen the much-anticipated limited reopening of many favourite cafes and restaurants, as well as other businesses and services that we’ve have missed over the last few months. I hope that we all continue to support our local businesses as they adjust to the new environment.
Locally we are also seeing the Whitehorse Manningham Libraries work towards reopening with some services now available from this week. Read more about which services are available.
Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre has partially reopened this week for swimming only, however bookings are essential to keep within the limits prescribed in the Stay Safe Directions.
Our Civic Centre front counter is now open if you need to visit us. Most of our services are continuing on a work from home basis, so if you need to talk to our building, planning, city compliance, health or aged services teams please continue to contact us by phone, email or online.
As for our other facilities, we are working closely with our local community groups, sports clubs, venue operators to ensure we can reopen in line with the Victorian Government advice and restrictions, and in a way that is safe for everyone. The Government advice places strict controls upon venues which are reopening, so careful planning by each sporting and community group will be needed before they can recommence.
Sport and Recreation Victoria has published updated guidelines and resources to support sport and recreation organisations with their ongoing return to play.
Last week I was pleased to visit Lawford Reserve and meet some of the workers who are busy sanitising the park benches and playspaces for us in Manningham, as part of the state wide cleansing and sanitisation blitz.
It’s not just our parks being carefully cleaned but our local shopping strips, bus stops, pedestrian crossing buttons, and other common surfaces in public spaces across our city. The blitz is also providing jobs to many people who need them, and we have an interview with two sanitising team leaders who found new work through this program.
For the many in our community who speak languages other than English I am pleased to see the Migration Council Australia’s new multilingual COVID-19 app. With COVID-19 information and support in 25 languages, find out more about the MyAusCovid-19 app.
And, finally, we have some good news for our Manningham-based artists and creative professionals. We have launched a new creative industries program of small fellowships, workshops and mentoring opportunities, to help artists across Manningham develop new projects and to support them at this time.
I am confident that we will continue to work together to adjust to the new ways of doing things as we have already done so well over these past few months.
It has been great to see the community spirit of Manningham throughout these times and I encourage everyone to keep looking out for each other’s health and wellbeing and stay safe.
Paul McLeish
MAYOR