These awards recognise residents who’ve made exceptional contributions to the Manningham community through volunteer, unpaid or paid work.
Congratulations to our new Manningham Civic Award recipients
Key dates for Civic Award nominations and announcements
Congratulations to our 2023 winners
Meet this year's Manningham Civic Award winners.
Nominations
Find out how to nominate and how winners are selected.
Anyone can nominate for the Manningham Civic Awards.
To nominate someone for a Civic Award, please complete the online nomination form below. You can also pick up a hardcopy form from the Manningham Civic Centre.
Nominations must be at least 150 words, and include:
- background about the nominee
- the reason for the nomination including how this person has contributed to the community and how the community benefited from these contributions
- the achievements of the nominee including a list of awards and acknowledgements
Attach copies of any photos, newspaper articles or documents that support your nominee’s contributions and achievements.
Provide at least one referee to support your nomination.
Each year, Manningham Council selects a judging panel to assess nominations and choose a recipient. The panel consists of three independent people, the Mayor and the Manager of the Business and Events team.
Nominations for this year's Civic Awards open on Monday 1 May and close on Friday 14 July 2023.
Eligibility Criteria
Find out who can be nominated and what is required of the winners.
- Nominees must reside in Manningham.
- Nominees must be over 25 years of age on 20 May 2023.
- Nominees must be an Australian citizen.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Manningham Councillors, Manningham Council employees, State and Federal politicians are not eligible but are encouraged to nominate others.
- Nominations under 150 words will not be considered for judging.
- Award winners should be willing to share their achievements in the 12 months after winning, promote civic values and to reflect positively on the principles of the Manningham Civic Awards. This may include but is not limited to public speaking, promotional campaigns and having photos taken and displayed.
- The decision of the judging panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into in respect of the decision.
- Nominees must reside in Manningham.
- Nominees must be under 25 years of age on 20 May 2023.
- Nominees must be an Australian citizen.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Manningham Councillors, Manningham Council employees, State and Federal politicians are not eligible, but are encouraged to nominate others.
- Nominations under 150 words will not be considered for judging.
- Award winners should be willing to share their achievements in the 12 months after winning, promote civic values and to reflect positively on the principles of the Manningham Civic Awards. This may include but is not limited to public speaking, promotional campaigns and having photos taken and displayed.
- The decision of the judging panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into in respect of the decision.
- Nominees must volunteer in the Manningham community.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Manningham Councillors, Manningham Council employees, State and Federal politicians are not eligible, but are encouraged to nominate others.
- Nominations under 150 words will not be considered for judging.
- Award winners should be willing to share their achievements in the 12 months after winning, promote civic values and to reflect positively on the principles of the Manningham Civic Awards. This may include but is not limited to public speaking, promotional campaigns and having photos taken and displayed.
- The decision of the judging panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into in respect of the decision.
- Not for profit community organisation nominees must have a physical presence in Manningham and be of benefit to Manningham community.
- Self-nominations by community groups are acceptable in this category.
- Manningham Councillors, Manningham Council employees, State and Federal politicians are not eligible, but are encouraged to nominate others.
- The decision of the judging panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into in respect of the decision.
- This award winning group should be willing to share their achievements in the 12 months after winning, promote civic values and to reflect positively on the principles of the Manningham Civic Awards. This may include but is not limited to public speaking, promotional campaigns and having photos taken and displayed.
- Nominations under 150 words will not be considered for judging.
- Nominees must be involved with sport in the Manningham community
- Self-nominations will not be accepted
- Manningham Councillors, Manningham Council employees, State and Federal politicians are not eligible, but are encouraged to nominate others
- The decision of the judging panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into in respect of the decision
- Award winners should be willing to share their achievements in the 12 months after winning, promote civic values and to reflect positively on the principles of the Manningham Civic Awards. This may include but is not limited to public speaking, promotional campaigns and having photos taken and displayed
- Nominations under 150 words will not be considered for judging.
The Manningham Civic Awards recognise residents who’ve made exceptional contributions to the Manningham community through volunteer, unpaid or paid work.
Citizen of the Year
Manningham's Citizen of the Year award goes to a resident whose outstanding contributions have improved the lives of our local community. Their contributions demonstrate a long-term commitment to community service, community innovation, philanthropy or volunteer work.
Citizen of the Year 2023 – Dennis Clarke
Dennis is a pillar within our community through his work with Doncaster RSL as the Senior Vice President, Secretary of RAEME Vietnam Southern Chapter (previously Inaugural President), Anzac and Poppy Appeals, active participant of commitees such as VVAA Box Hill Committee, ALPGA, VACC, RACV and more.
2023 | Dennis Clarke |
2022 | Margaret Kelly |
2021 |
Ian Goldsmith |
2019 | Hardy Shum |
2018 | Geoff Roberts |
Young Citizen of the Year
This award recognises the outstanding contribution made by a young Manningham resident to improve our local community. This can be demonstrated through leadership qualities, inspiring others through action or being a positive role model.
Young Citizen of the Year 2023 – Shin Thant (Berry) Eain
Berry is committed to making a difference and is determined to bridge the gap between local and international students within her school and also wider community. She is an incredible role model to her peers and is an advocate for student voice.
2023 | Shin Thant (Berry) Eain |
2022 | Stephanie Martinez |
2021 |
Sulaymaan Hafeez |
2019 | Zoe Petropoulos |
2018 | Jade Chan |
Doreen Stoves AM PSM JP Volunteer of the Year
This award recognises the outstanding contribution made by a volunteer in the Manningham community. It highlights the contributions made by the quiet achievers, who often work behind the scenes to build a stronger and more caring society. You can nominate someone for any volunteer contribution made in the areas of community service, civic engagement, environment, sport, the arts, education, business or advocacy.
Doreen Stoves AM PSM JP Volunteer of the Year 2023 – Frank Johnston
Frank has been volunteering for Manningham organisations for over 30 years. He has dedicated his time and purpose to our community with organisations including, Manningham Uniting Church, LinC Manningham Inc., MannaCare nursing home, Outback Links, Blaze Aid and planting trees for the Tree Project.
2023 | Frank Johnston |
2022 |
Varvara Ioannou |
2021 |
Patricia Wheeler |
2019 | Kathy Monley |
2018 | Teresa Clarke |
Community Organisation of the Year Award
This award recognises community organisations, clubs or groups who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to improve the lives of the Manningham community. Nominees must be not for profit community organisations who’ve made a tangible difference to diversity, acceptance and tolerance, community spirit and social connectedness in the Manningham community.
Community groups may be nominated for a specific project undertaken in the last 12 months that demonstrates a positive impact made to the Manningham community.
Community Organisation of the Year Award 2023 - LinC Manningham Inc
LinC Manningham Inc. is a community organisation made up of volunteers from various Christian churches within Manningham. It provides house cleaning, social support to new migrants and women affected by domestic violence, home cooked meals, decluttering homes, gardening, goods from Eastern Emergency Relief, or even the little things like taking clients out for a coffee or to do their shopping.
2023 | LinC Manningham Inc |
2022 |
CareNet Program |
2021 |
Manningham State Emergency Service |
2019 | Doncaster All Abilities Basketball |
2018 | Women’s Friendship Group |
Sports Volunteer of the Year
This award recognises individuals who demonstrate excellence in the sporting arena and/or displays exemplary leadership in the Manningham sporting community. This award is for people who inspire others, encourage participation and embody the principles of sportsmanship and fair play.
Along with those who play sport, you can nominate anyone who contributes to Manningham’s sporting community off the field. This includes coaches, referees/ umpires, organisers, volunteers and officials. If you’d like to nominate someone for an achievement made through a paid role, please demonstrate how they’ve contributed to the Manningham community in addition to their expected duties.
Sports Volunteer of the Year 2023 - Caroline Clarkson
Caroline has devoted her energy to the Committee of Doncaster Dolphins Masters Swimming club in various roles such as, club Registrar, Recorder, Secretary and President.
2023 | Caroline Clarkson |
2022 |
Vince Montuoro |
2021 |
Roland Frasca |
2019 | Alan Duffus |
2018 | Alf Molinaro |
We have three awards that recognise the outstanding contribution of locals who have distinguished themselves with their service to the community.
- Freeman or Freewoman of the City - this award recognises the outstanding contribution made to the community by an individual. All nominees have given extensive and distinguished service, in a largely voluntary capacity to local organisations and community groups.
- Key to the City - this is a single event award which acknowledges the contribution of an individual, group or organisation for an outstanding achievement in sport, entertainment or humanitarian work at a national or international level.
- Freedom of Entry to the City - this award reflects a special relationship between a local emergency services unit or an Australian Defence Force unit and the local community.
Our award recipients
The following people have received Freedom of the City Awards.
- Mr William (Bill) Howard Larkin, OAM - Freeman of the City 2011
- No. 401 Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets - Freedom of the City 2001
- The Honourable Neil Anthony Brown, QC, - Freeman of the City 1991
- Mr Barry Anthony Jones - Freeman of the City 1990
- Mr Leslie John Cameron - Freeman of the City 1990
- Mr Irvine Heber Green, OAM - Key to the City 1988
- Sir Raymond William Garrett, AFC, AEA - Freeman of the City 1987
Please note award recipients include those made by the Manningham Council's predecessor, the City of Doncaster and Templestowe.
Key dates
You can make a nomination anytime.
On Thursday 21 September we announced our 2023 Manningham Civic awardees who go above and beyond for our community through volunteer or paid work.
Our five category winners are:
Citizen of the Year – Dennis Clarke
Dennis is a pillar within our community through his work with Doncaster RSL as the Senior Vice President, Secretary of RAEME Vietnam Southern Chapter (previously Inaugural President), Anzac and Poppy Appeals, active participant of commitees such as VVAA Box Hill Committee, ALPGA, VACC, RACV and more.
Doreen Stoves Volunteer of the Year – Frank Johnston
Frank has been volunteering for Manningham organisations for over 30 years. He has dedicated his time and purpose to our community with organisations including, Manningham Uniting Church, LinC Manningham Inc., MannaCare nursing home, Outback Links, Blaze Aid and planting trees for the Tree Project.
Sports Volunteer of the Year – Caroline Clarkson
Caroline has devoted her energy to the Committee of Doncaster Dolphins Masters Swimming club in various roles such as, club Registrar, Recorder, Secretary and President.
Community Organisation of the Year – LinC Manningham Inc
LinC Manningham Inc. is a community organisation made up of volunteers from various Christian churches within Manningham. It provides house cleaning, social support to new migrants and women affected by domestic violence, home cooked meals, decluttering homes, gardening, goods from Eastern Emergency Relief, or even the little things like taking clients out for a coffee or to do their shopping.
Young Volunteer of the Year – Shin Thant (Berry) Eain
Berry is committed to making a difference and is determined to bridge the gap between local and international students within her school and also wider community. She is an incredible role model to her peers and is an advocate for student voice.
Highly Commended Community Organisation – Doncaster Junior Football Club
DJFL fosters the importance of sportsmanship, diversity, teamwork and pride in our local community and consistently works towards a community culture that enriches friendships and fosters joy in sport.
A heartfelt thanks to the awardees who have dedicated so much of their time and efforts to improve our community.
More to come...
Meeting Date: 25 October 2022
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.
Council meeting livestream
Agenda item timestamps
Timecode | Item |
---|---|
5. PRESENTATIONS | |
03:30 | 5.1 Yarra Strategic Plan |
5.2 Staff Service Awards | |
5.3 Councillor Service Awards | |
6. PETITIONS | |
9:00 | 6.1 Macedon Square Traders |
10:50 | 6.2 Women's Friendship Group Inc |
12:00 | 7. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME |
10. CITY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY | |
22:50 | 10.1 Manningham Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-25 |
29:50 | 10.2 Kevin Heinze Grow Community Gardens 39-41 Wetherby Road, Doncaster - Seeking Council approval of Development Plan (Page 34) |
11. CITY SERVICES | |
33:18 | 11.1 Asset Management Annual Report (Page 80) |
12. EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY | |
41:15 | 12.1 Annual Report 2021/22 (Page 110) |
50:20 | 12.2 Manningham Quarterly Report, Quarter 4 (April - June), 2022 (Page 403) |
13. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | |
57:20 | 13.1 Council Meeting Schedule for 2023 (Page 427) |
57:50 | 13.2 Informal Meeting of Councillors (Page 429) |
58:20 | 13.3 Documents for Sealing (Page 440) |
59:00 | 15. COUNCILLORS REPORTS AND QUESTION TIME (Page 443) |
Meeting Date: 28 March 2023
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.
Council meeting livestream
Time stamps
Time Code | Item |
---|---|
4:35 | 5. PRESENTATIONS |
4:45 | 5.1 Manningham Staff Service Awards |
6:20 | 5.2 Victoria Police Honours and Awards Ceremony |
6. PETITIONS | |
8:05 | 6.1 Request to Cease Plans to Build a Footpath along Unwin Street, Templestowe |
8:50 | 7. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME |
26:45 | 8. ADMISSION OF URGENT BUSINESS |
25:51 | 9. PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATIONS |
26:05 | 10. CITY PLANNING |
27:10 | 11. CONNECTED COMMUNITIES |
27:10 | 11.1 Sports Facility Development Plan |
36:00 | 11.2 Draft Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre Outdoor Masterplan |
12. CITY SERVICES | |
44:04 | 12.1 Draft Strategic Property Acquisition Policy |
13. EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY | |
55:28 | 13.1 State Government Advocacy Update |
1:06:55 | 13.2 MAV State Council 2023 - Cost of Living Motions |
14. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | |
1:13:08 | 14.1 Appointment of Authorised Officer - Planning and Environment Act 1987 |
1:13:40 | 14.2 Informal Meeting of Councillors |
1:13:10 | 14.3 Documents for Sealing |
1:14:50 | 15. URGENT BUSINESS |
1:15:00 | 16. COUNCILLOR REPORTS AND QUESTION TIME |
Get involved at our next council meeting
We invite you to join us in acknowledging the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) as we gather together to recognise the strengths, contributions and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Attendees are welcomed to join us in raising the Pride Flag on the concourse out the front of the Civic Centre. We will then move into the function rooms to listen to and learn from our guest speaker, Sally Goldner, share her lived experiences and speak to this year's IDAHOBIT theme.
2024 IDAHOBIT theme "No one left behind: Equality, freedom and justice for all".
Please note: registrations are required for this event.
Keynote speaker
Sally Goldner AM’s massive involvement in Victoria’s queer communities spans nearly 30 years. Her diverse contributions include being a founding member of Transgender Victoria, presenting 3 CR’s “Out of the Pan,” Transfamily Treasurer, Just.Equal Australia Treasurer and Bisexual Alliance Victoria Treasurer. She is the focus of an autobio-doco “Sally’s Story”, a life member of four queer-focussed organisations and has made broad-ranging contributions to many groups.
Sally was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2016 (the first trans and first known bi woman to receive the honour), awarded LGBTI Victorian of the Year in 2015 and noted in The Age’s Top 100 most creative and influential people in Melbourne in 2011. She was awarded the Order of Australia in 2019. She is a professional wrestling ring announcer, MC, speaker, educator, life coach and occasional performer (all in contrast to her original accountancy training!).
Meeting Date: 26 March 2024
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.
Council meeting livestream
Timestamps
Timecode | Item |
---|---|
04:25 | 2. APOLOGIES AND REQUESTS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE |
04:34 | 3. PRIOR NOTIFICATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST |
04:45 | 4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES |
5. PRESENTATIONS | |
05:30 | 5.1 Manningham Staff Service Awards |
07:20 | 7. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (Page 2) |
55:55 | ADMISSION OF URGENT BUSINESS (Page 2) |
10. CITY PLANNING | |
57:20 | 10.1 Manningham Residential Discussion Paper - Residential Strategy (for Community Consultation) (Page 3) |
14 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (Page 252) | |
01:09:40 | 14.1 Informal Meetings of Councillors (Page 252) |
15. URGENT BUSINESS (Page 263) | |
01:10:11 | 15.1 Documents for Sealing |
01:10:55 | 16. COUNCILLOR REPORTS AND QUESTION TIME (Page 263) |
01:18:17 | 17. CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS (Page 263) |
Get involved at our next council meeting
Meeting Date: 26 September 2023
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.
Council meeting livestream
During the meeting, Mayor Cr Diamante read out a statement attributed to the Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. The Statement was taken from a social media page administered by the Corporation.
After the Council meeting, we were advised that the Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation may update this statement. The Statement is therefore not included on Council’s website as stated by the Mayor.
Timestamps
Timecode | Item |
---|---|
5. PRESENTATIONS | |
05:26 | 5.1 Acknowledgement of Ryan Smith |
14:51 | 5.2 Staff Service Awards |
17:54 | PUBLIC QUESTION TIME |
11. CONNECTED COMMUNITIES | |
30:40 | 11.1 Advisory Committees Membership Recruitment for 2024 |
35:28 | 11.2 Manningham Economic Development Strategy for 2023-2028 (Final) |
13. EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY | |
43:20 | 13.1 Manningham Quarterly Report, Quarter 4 (April - June), 2022/23 |
14. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | |
52:19 | 14.1 Audit and Risk Committee Chair's Biannual Report |
57:00 | 14.2 Informal Meetings of Councillors |
58:00 | 14.3 Documents for Sealing |
58:52 | 16. COUNCILLORS REPORTS AND QUESTION TIME |
01:15:53 | 17. CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS |
Get involved at our next council meeting
Meeting Date: 31 October 2023
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.
Council meeting livestream
Timestamps
Timecode | Item |
---|---|
5. PRESENTATIONS | |
05:20 | 5.1 Cr Stephen Mayne - 10 Year Service Award |
06:56 | 5.2 Finn Huber - World Indoor Cricket Federation |
08:05 | 6. PETITIONS |
09:08 | 7. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME |
9. PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATIONS | |
11:22 | 9.1 Planning Application PLN22/0462 at 7 Second Street, Warrandyte for a two-lot subdivision and associated works (including creation of access and removal of one Victorian native tree) |
10. CITY PLANNING | |
25:11 | 10.1 Endorsement of Final Affordable Housing Policy (Page 45) |
28:47 | 10.2 Housing Reform Announcements - Implications for Manningham (Page 82) |
11. CONNECTED COMMUNITIES | |
57:46 | 11.1 Tom Kelly Athletics Track Usage Plan (Page 136) |
13. EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY | |
01:39:25 | 13.1 Annual Report 2022/23 (Page 198) |
14. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | |
01:51:17 | 14.1 Council Meeting Schedule for 2024 |
01:51:49 | 14.2 Informal Meetings of Councillors |
01:53:39 | 14.3 Documents for Sealing |
01:54:24 | 15. NOTICES OF MOTION |
01:58:04 | 17. COUNCILLORS REPORTS AND QUESTION TIME (Page 359) |
02:16:38 | 17. CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS |
Get involved at our next council meeting
Meeting Date: 27 February 2024
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.Limited seating is available in the chamber and a limited number of seating will be available in the foyer.
Council meeting livestream
Timestamps
Timecode | Item |
---|---|
5:15 | 4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES |
5. PRESENTATIONS | |
6:00 | 5.1 Passing of Mr Ivan Edgar Peter-Budge |
8:44 | 5.2. Australia Day Honours 2024 |
6. PETITIONS | |
09:54 | 6.1 Petition - Requesting Council to develop an LGBTQIA+ Action Plan |
10:45 | 6.2 Petition - Calling for Solidarity with Palestine |
11:30 | 6.3 Online Petition - Calling for Solidarity with Palestine |
12:30 | 7. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME |
15. NOTICES OF MOTION | |
39:00 | 15.1 Notice of Motion by Cr Tomas Lightbody (NOM No. 1/2024 (Page 154) |
11. CONNECTED COMMUNITIES | |
01:15:10 | 11.1 Health and Wellbeing Action Plan 2024 - 2025 (Page 3) |
01:20:00 | 11.2 Manningham Draft Gambling Policy & Action Plan 2024 (Page 25) |
12. CITY SERVICES | |
01:29:30 | 12.1 Quarterly Capital Works Status Report - Quarter 1 (Page 51) |
01:39:00 | 12.2 Cyclic Block Pruning and Tree Maintenance Contract Award (Page 95) |
13 EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY | |
01:41:15 | 13.1 2024/25 Deliberative Panel (Page 99) |
01:47:20 | 13.2 Manningham Quarterly Report, Quarter 2 (Oct-Dec), 2023/24 (Page 106) |
14. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (Page 134) | |
01:53:00 | 14.1 Appointment of Authorised Officers - Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Page 134) |
01:54:00 | 14.2 Informal Meetings of Councillors (Page 140) |
01:54:30 | 14.3 Documents for Sealing (Page 152) |
01:55:00 | 17. COUNCILLOR REPORTS AND QUESTION TIME (Page 156) |
02:02:00 | 18. CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS |
18.1 Future Directions Regional Assessment Service (Page 156) |
Get involved at our next council meeting
Meeting Date: 26 July 2022
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Members of the public can attend Council meetings in person. We have reviewed our Council meeting practices to ensure we provide a safe environment for Councillors, staff and the community at meetings. Council meetings will continue to be live streamed and we encourage you to follow the meeting on our Facebook page (even if you don’t have a Facebook account) or website. The live stream is not interactive. Any comments or private messages directed to us while the stream is live will not be presented to Council or have a bearing on the conduct of the meeting.
Other temporary changes to our Council meetings:
Public Question Time – At this time, anyone wanting to ask a question of Council should submit their question via email by 5.00pm on the Monday before the meeting. As you cannot be present in the chamber, your question will be read out at the meeting by the CEO. For more information visit the Council Meeting Procedures page.
Council meeting livestream
Agenda item timestamps
Timecode | Item |
---|---|
00:04:00 | 5.1 Parks and Leisure Region Award of Excellence |
10. CITY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY | |
00:06:00 | 10.1 Liveable City Strategy 2040 - Final Endorsement |
00:48:00 | 10.2 Doncaster Park & ride - Transit Orient Development |
01:00:00 | 10.3 Integrated Water Management Strategy - Implementation Plan |
01:13:00 | 10.4 Amendment C137mann adoption - Amendment to Special Building Overlay - Schedule 1 (SB01) in and around Hillcroft Drive, templestowe |
13. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFIVER | |
01:18:00 | 13.1 Audit and Risk Committee - New Independent Member 2022 |
01:20:00 | 13.2 Informal Meeting of Councillors |
01:22:00 | 13.3 Documents for Sealing |
14. NOTICES OF MOTION | |
01:23:00 | 14.1 Notice of Motion by Cr Stephen Mayne (NOM No. 3/2022) |
01:28:00 | COUNCILLORS' QUESTION TIME |
01:28:00 | CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS |
This week is National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest celebration of volunteers, and did you know that we have one of the largest volunteer communities in Victoria!
To celebrate, between Monday 15 and Sunday 21 May, we will honour our dedicated volunteers and the vital role they have in our community.
Our Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante said volunteers are the backbone of the community, dedicating their time and skills to provide a range of services and improve the lives of residents of all ages.
“Whether they’re volunteering their time on our advisory committees, as L2P driver mentors, in community service support roles, sporting clubs or the many areas in between, we are so grateful for the incredible contribution of our volunteers,” Cr Diamante said. “I can’t wait to meet 100 of our volunteers when we host our annual volunteer reception on Wednesday night (17 May),” the Mayor added.
Reception guests will hear from 2022 Citizen of the Year, Margaret Kelly. Margaret has dedicated over 25 years to community service and voluntary work in Warrandyte.
National Volunteer Week is a great time to consider volunteering. Also honoured at last year’s Civic Awards, Doreen Stoves Volunteer of the Year, Varvara Ioannou said for her, volunteering had become a way of life.
“It has given me the opportunity to meet new friends and contribute to something bigger and better in creating a better world.”
Cr Diamante thanked all the inspirational winners of last year’s Manningham Civic Awards and encouraged the community to nominate for this year’s awards via our Civic Awards website before 10 July.
“The awards recognise residents who have made exceptional contributions to our community through volunteering and paid work.”
Speaking of exceptional contributions, our dedicated advisory group committee members volunteer their time to provide advice to Council on the needs of the community. Manningham has six advisory groups:
- The Disability Advisory Committee
- Gender Equality and LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee
- Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee
- Manningham Youth Advisory Committee
- Multicultural Advisory Committee
- Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee.
“Advisory committees strengthen the voice of people, build their capacity and support the community to be accessible and inclusive for all Manningham residents,” Cr Diamante said.
“At our April meeting we endorsed the appointment of our three newest Disability Advisory Committee members. On National Volunteer Week I’d like to thank you, and all our advisory committee members, from the newest to the longstanding, for volunteering your time to provide valuable advice from your lived experience.”
Another valued program that our Council delivers with the support of volunteers is the L2P Driver Mentor program. The program is funded by the Victorian Department of Transport, Manningham Council and Whitehorse Council.
It supports young learner drivers who do not have access to a supervising driver and/or vehicle at home. Volunteers mentor young drivers so that they can achieve the hours required to obtain their licence.
Greg Longden, L2P mentor driver said, “There’s plenty of support programs for you as a mentor and it’s a great contribution and experience”. Greg also felt that “patience, a desire to give free time of your own, a desire to contribute to a young person and their future” is important if considering on becoming a L2P volunteer.
To learn more about these volunteering programs or the 2023 Manningham Civic Awards visit: