anningham The
We are looking for business owners who like to join the
Manningham Network Group and Community Paper.
• Accounting Services
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CLUB SPONSORS
• Mortgage Broker
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• Nutrition
• Osteopathy
• Painter
• Personal Trainer
• Photographer
• Plumber
• Podiatrist
• Printer
• Project Management
• Psychologist
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• Wedding Planner
COLUMNIST CONTRIBUTORS
About the Find Manningham
By Warren Strybosch
The Find Manningham is a community paper that aims to support all things Manningham. We want to provide a place where all Not-For-Profits (NFP), schools, sporting groups and other like organisations can share their news in one place. For instance, submitting up-andcoming events in the Find Manningham for Free.
We do not proclaim to be another newspaper and we will not be aiming to compete with other news outlets. You can obtain your news from other sources. We feel you get enough of this already. We will keep our news topics to a minimum and only provide what we feel is most relevant topics to you each month.
We invite local council and the current council members to participate by submitting information each month so as to keep us informed of any changes that may be of relevance to us, their local constituents.
EDITORIAL ENQUIRES: Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 warren@findnetwork.com.au
PUBLISHER: Issuu Pty Ltd
We will also try and showcase different organisations throughout the year so you, the reader, can learn more about what is on offer in your local area.
To help support the paper, we invite local business owners to sponsor the paper and in return we will provide exclusive advertising and opportunities to submit articles about their businesses. As a community we encourage you to support these businesses/columnists. Without their support, we would not be able to provide this community paper to you.
Lastly, we want to ask you, the local community, to support the fundraising initiatives that we will be developing
The
and rolling out over the coming years. Our aim is to help as many NFP and other like organisations to raise much needed funds to help them to keep operating. Our fundraising initiatives will never simply ask for money from you. We will also aim to provide something of worth to you before you part with your hard-earned money. The first initiative is the Find Cards and Find Coupons – similar to the Entertainment Book but cheaper and more localised. Any NFP and similar organisations e.g., schools, sporting clubs, can participate.
Follow us on facebook (https://www. facebook.com/findmanningham) so you keep up to date with what we are doing.
We value your support,
The Find Manningham Team.
anningham
POSTAL ADDRESS: 248 Wonga Road, Warranwood VIC 3134
ADVERTISING AND ACCOUNTS: editor@findmanningham.com.au
GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 1300 88 38 30
EMAIL SUPPORT: support@manningham.com.au
WEBSITE: www.findmanningham.com.au
OUR NEWSPAPER
The Find Manningham was established in 2019 and is owned by the Find Foundation, a Not-For-Profit organisation with a core focus of helping other Not-ForProfits, schools, clubs and other similar organisations in the local community - to bring everyone together in one place and to support each other. We provide the above organisations FREE advertising in the community paper to promote themselves as well as to make the community more aware of the services these organisations can offer. The Find Manningham has a strong editorial focus and is supported via local grants and financed predominantly by local business owners.
ALL THINGS MANNINGHAM
The City of Manningham is a local government area in Victoria, Australia in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Manningham had a population of approximately 125,508 as at the 2018 Report which includes 27,500 business and close to 45,355 households. The Doncaster and Templestowe Council administered the area until December 15, 1994.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Find Manningham acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where Manningham now stands, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, and pays respect to their Elders - past, present and emerging - and acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within our community.
DISCLAIMER
Readers are advised that the Find Manningham accepts no responsibility for financial, health or other claims published in advertising or in articles written in this newspaper. All comments are of a general nature and do not take into account your personal financial situation, health and/or wellbeing. We recommend you seek professional advice before acting on anything written herein.
sunshine, smiles & summer: school holidays in maroondah
By Joe Lam
Summer school holidays in Victoria are a special time for kids. The school bell finally stops ringing, the sun stays up late, and there are endless possibilities for fun. In the city of Maroondah, families and children can enjoy a mix of creative activities, sporty adventures, nature play, and outdoor exploration. Local councils run holiday programs for sports like basketball, badminton, soccer, tennis, and multi-sports at The Rings and Maroondah Nets. These programs are not just about competition—they help kids stay active, build confidence, and enjoy teamwork while burning off energy. Coaches guide children through drills and games in cool indoor venues, which are perfect on hot or rainy days.
Maroondah is also rich in parks, playgrounds, trails, and green spaces that make outdoor play exciting. One popular idea is Nature Play, which encourages children to explore outdoors using their senses—making leaf art, tracking animals, bird watching, or even creating “nature potions” with twigs, flowers, and water. Walking or cycling around local reserves or familyfriendly trails across Victoria provides memorable experiences, but children should always stay on marked paths and enjoy these adventures with friends or family.
Not every activity has to be loud or wild. Local libraries host weekly story times, reading clubs, and creative events, which are free and perfect on hot summer days. Community centres also organise arts and craft workshops where children can explore their imagination and develop skills. Programs at venues like Wyreena are designed to keep kids creatively engaged while learning new things, from painting and drawing to collaborative projects with peers. Beyond Maroondah, families can explore Victoria’s larger attractions, such as Funfields, which combines water slides and amusement rides for an unforgettable day.
Nature parks nearby also offer easy hikes, wildlife watching, and picnic spots where kids can run, explore, and discover the outdoors safely.
While summer brings fun, it also presents risks. Victoria’s climate can be very hot, so children are at risk of heat exhaustion, sunburn, or dehydration. To stay safe, kids should wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapply regularly, wear hats and UV-protective clothing, and drink water frequently. Outdoor adventures may also include encounters with wildlife, such as snakes, which usually avoid people but may bite if threatened. Children should wear closed shoes, avoid tall grass, and give snakes plenty of space if they see one. The buddy system is also important—children should explore new areas with friends or adults, especially near water or on hiking trails.
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. For heat exhaustion, children should move to shade, sip water slowly, cool the skin with wet cloths, and rest. Severe symptoms require immediate medical help. Sunburn can be treated with cool compresses and moisturiser while avoiding further sun exposure. Bug bites or stings should be washed and cooled, and allergic reactions require urgent medical attention. Sprains from sports should be managed with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, with professional care sought if pain is severe.
Summer holidays in Maroondah are all about joy, freedom, and discovery. Whether children are scoring goals on the court, sketching nature in a park, reading under a tree, or enjoying water slides and wildlife adventures, there is something for every interest. With the right preparation, safety measures, and a sense of adventure, these school holidays can create lasting memories, spark curiosity, and help children enjoy the sun, smiles, and excitement that Maroondah has to offer.
Differences Between Sole Traders, Partnerships, Companies and Trusts
BOOKKEEPING
By JODIE MOORE
(From a Bookkeeping Perspective)
When starting or running a small business, one of the first big decisions is choosing the right business structure. From a bookkeeping point of view, the structure you choose affects how your records are kept, what reports are needed, and how complex (or simple!) your ongoing admin will be. Let’s take a plain-English look at the four most common structures: sole traders, partnerships, companies and trusts.
Sole Trader – the simplest option
A sole trader is the easiest structure from a bookkeeping perspective. There’s just one owner, and the business income is the owner’s income.
Bookkeeping for a sole trader usually involves:
• Recording income and expenses
• Keeping receipts and invoices
• Reconciling bank accounts
• Tracking GST (if registered)
There’s no legal separation between the person and the business, so profits are reported in the owner’s personal tax return. Because of this, bookkeeping is generally straightforward, making it a popular choice for freelancers, tradies and small service businesses.
That said, it’s still important to keep business and personal transactions separate. A dedicated business bank account makes life much easier and keeps records cleaner. Simply ‘pay yourself’ to cover personal expenses by transferring a larger amount once a week rather than having lots of little transactions that can complicate things at tax time. Don’t forget to also make regular contributions to your Superannuation. Although these aren’t a legal requirement as a Sole Trader, they can be claimed as a personal deduction in your tax return.
Partnership – shared responsibility, shared records
A partnership involves two or more people running a business together. From a bookkeeping standpoint, things get a little more detailed than a sole trader.
In addition to the usual income and expense tracking, bookkeeping for partnerships includes:
• Recording each partner’s share of profits or losses
• Managing partner drawings and contributions
• Preparing partnership financial statements
While the partnership itself doesn’t pay income tax, it does lodge a partnership tax return. Each partner then includes their share of the profit in their own personal tax return.
Clear records are especially important in partnerships. Good bookkeeping helps avoid misunderstandings about who took what, who contributed what, and how profits are split.
Company – a separate legal entity
A company is its own legal entity, separate from the people who run it. This separation adds a layer of complexity from a bookkeeping perspective.
Company bookkeeping typically includes:
• Detailed financial statements
• Director and shareholder records
• Payroll and superannuation obligations
• BAS and company tax reporting
Because companies are taxed at a flat rate (rather than personal tax rates), accurate bookkeeping is essential to ensure compliance and proper reporting. Directors must also meet specific legal obligations, and poor records can have serious consequences.
While companies involve more admin, they also provide clearer financial boundaries between personal and business finances, which many business owners find reassuring as their business grows.
There are a lot of advantages to creating a Company which your Accountant can discuss with you.
Trusts – flexible but more complex
Trusts are often used for asset protection and tax planning, but they are the most complex structure from a bookkeeping point of view.
A trust involves:
• A trustee (who manages the trust)
• Beneficiaries (who receive income)
• Clear rules set out in a trust deed
Bookkeeping for trusts includes all the usual tasks, plus:
• Tracking distributions to beneficiaries
• Ensuring income is allocated correctly each year
• Preparing detailed financial reports
Trust income must be distributed correctly and on time, or it may be taxed at the highest rate. This makes accurate and up-to-date bookkeeping especially important.
Because trusts can vary widely in how they’re set up, bookkeeping often requires closer coordination with an accountant.
Choosing the right structure
From a bookkeeping perspective, the main difference between these structures is complexity. Sole traders are usually the simplest, while trusts and companies require more detailed records and reporting.
No matter the structure, good bookkeeping is essential. It helps you understand how your business is performing, keeps you compliant, and makes tax time far less stressful.
If you’re unsure which structure suits your situation, or if your business has outgrown its current setup, speaking with an accountant can save time, money and headaches down the track.
After all, the right structure — backed by good bookkeeping — sets your business up for smoother sailing.
SMSFs in Australia: Busting the Most Common Myths
Financial Planner
By Erryn Langley
SMSFs in Australia: Busting the Most Common Myths
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) continue to attract Australians who want more control over how their retirement savings are invested. Yet, despite their growing popularity, there are still plenty of myths and misunderstandings about how SMSFs really work.
Before deciding if an SMSF is right for you, it’s worth clearing up a few of the most common misconceptions.
Myth 1: You need a very large balance to start an SMSF.
You don’t need to be a millionaire to set up your own SMSF fund. While an SMSF tends to make more sense for those with larger balances — generally between $300,000 - $500,000 it’s important to understand whether the control and investment flexibility justify the additional cost and responsibility. For some people, especially couples combining super, an SMSF can be cost-effective option.
Myth 2: An SMSF is easy to run.
Running your own super fund is a serious responsibility. Trustees are personally accountable for all decisions, reporting and compliance. The ATO keeps a close eye on SMSFs to ensure rules are being followed. With the right advice and support, the administrative side can be managed efficiently, but it’s not something to take lightly. Talking to professional like financial planners and accountants can help you understand all the requirements.
Myth 3: You can invest in whatever you like.
SMSFs do offer flexibility of investments, from direct shares, exchange traded funds and property to term deposits and managed funds. Be aware there are strict rules around what’s allowed. Every investment must satisfy the “sole purpose test”, meaning it must genuinely be for providing retirement benefits. Buying assets for personal use or helping out family members is a definite no-go in the ATO’s eyes.
An SMSF can be a powerful structure for Australians who value control and are engaged with their finances, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Understanding the realities is the best way to decide if managing your own super is the right fit for you.
Erryn Langley
Director and Financial Adviser - GradDipFinPlan
Authorised Representative No 1269525
T:1300 557 144 Email: erryn@cherrywealth.com.au
Website: www.cherrywealth.com.au
Office Address: Suite 4 / 4 - 6 Croydon Road, Croydon 3136
Postal Address: PO Box 657, Croydon VIC 3136
Centrepoint Alliance group https://www.centrepointalliance.com.au/ Erryn Langley is Authorised representative (No. 1269525) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd.
Thisinformationhasbeenprovidedasgeneraladvice.Wemaynothaveconsideredyourfinancialcircumstances,needor objectives.You should consider the appropriateness of the advice.You should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek assistance from an authorised financial adviser before making any decisions regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this communication. Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material. It is based on our understanding of current regulatory requirements and laws as at the publication dates. As these laws are subject to change you should talk to an authorised adviser for the most up to date information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neitherAllianceWealthnoritsrelatedentities,employeesorrepresentativesacceptsresponsibilityforanylosssufferedbyany person arising from reliance on this information.
Find Wellbeing: Supporting Every Australian to Live Well
By Jan Mabelle Panase
In a world that often moves at an overwhelming pace, genuine care and meaningful connection have never been more important. That belief sits at the heart of Find Wellbeing — an organisation dedicated to supporting people not only physically, but emotionally and socially, so they can live with confidence, balance, and purpose.
At Find Wellbeing, true wellbeing is seen as more than just health or services. It is about feeling understood, supported, and connected. Every individual’s journey is unique, and genuine care begins by recognising people as whole individuals — not just clients, appointments, or case numbers.
More Than a Service — A Partner in Care
Find Wellbeing offers two key services, both designed to empower individuals and families to live well and reach their personal goals.
The first is Wellbeing Virtual Support and Care Management, a flexible service that helps simplify everyday life. Through this service, virtual care specialists work closely with individuals and families to coordinate services, manage wellbeing goals, and provide practical, ongoing support. By reducing complexity and stress, the service promotes independence, confidence, and a greater sense of control.
“Our goal is to take the stress out of managing care,” explains one of the Find Wellbeing specialists. “We help people stay organised, supported, and focused on what truly matters — enjoying life and maintaining their wellbeing.”
The second key service is Emotional and Social Support through Virtual Care, an increasingly vital part of overall wellbeing. Delivered through online sessions, phone calls, and digital programs, this service provides compassionate, personcentred support that nurtures emotional balance, social connection, and mental wellbeing. It is designed for those who may feel isolated, overwhelmed, or simply in need of someone to listen and guide them forward.
Virtual Care That Feels Personal
While virtual care offers convenience and flexibility, Find Wellbeing ensures it never feels distant or impersonal. Genuine relationships are at the core of the organisation’s approach. Safe, welcoming spaces are created where individuals can share experiences, express feelings, and develop practical strategies to build resilience and confidence.
Connection is central to everything Find Wellbeing does. By working in partnership with individuals, families, and carers, the organisation ensures no one feels alone in their journey. Each interaction is guided by empathy, respect, and a deep understanding that wellbeing is personal.
At its heart, Find Wellbeing is about community — helping people feel supported, connected, and empowered at every stage of life.
For more information, visit www.findwellbeing.com.au or call 1300 88 38 30.
Find Wellbeing — helping Australians find balance, connection, and care.
Manningham Matters Introductory Article
EV Strengthening Communities has launched a new service called the Virtual Volunteer Navigation Hub. The Virtual Volunteer Navigation Hub is a service available for anyone who is interested in finding volunteer opportunities in their local area according to their interests or needs. Prospective volunteers will submit a registration form on our website or via QR codes on postcards and flyers.
We have trained volunteer assessors who will meet with prospective volunteers online via Microsoft Teams or at our office in Ringwood to discuss the volunteer opportunities that are available locally. These volunteer opportunities would be referred to these volunteers to apply independently or with our support if requested. We also provide support in completing our registration form on our website if requested.
Feel free to send in a registration form on our website www.ev.org.au and select “I want to volunteer” OR scan the provided QR code to direct you straight to the registration form if you are interested in getting support in finding volunteer opportunities.
Manningham Chinese New Year Festival coming to Jackson Court Manningham Council
The Jackson Court activity centre in Doncaster East will play host to the Manningham Chinese New Year festival in February next year, with thousands of people expected to attend.
Manningham Council is a proud partner of the event, which was officially launched last week by the ABAW.
The festival will be held on Saturday 7 February, and will be a precursor to the highly popular Box Hill Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, which attracts 100,000 people each year.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Jim Grivas, said that the Jackson Court activity centre is set to come alive with vibrant lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, family activities, traditional arts, food vendors, and interactive experiences.
“We’re proud to support this festival. Events like these are a
wonderful way for us to celebrate Manningham’s diversity and bring our community together,” Cr Grivas said.
“ABAW are a strong advocate of the Asian Business Community. A majority of the ABAW committee are Manningham residents who want to share this wonderful celebration with their local community.
“Jackson Court is one of our most vibrant multicultural activity centres and is the perfect setting for this major event,”Cr Grivas said.
The Manningham Chinese New Year festival builds on the success of the inaugural Manningham Asian Cultural Festival, which was held at Jackson Court in March this year.
More information about the festival is available at the ABAW website: https://manninghamfestival.com/
Final design for Aranga Reserve dog park unveiled Manningham Council
Manningham dog lovers can look forward to a more enjoyable and accessible experience at Aranga Reserve, with the final design for the refreshed dog park now complete.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Jim Grivas, said the upgrades are a great example of how community feedback is helping shape local open spaces.
“We’ve listened carefully to what our community told us about how they use Aranga Reserve,” Cr Grivas said.
“The final design improves the park’s layout and amenities while also considering safe and responsible pet ownership. This makes it a better experience for everyone, including our fourlegged residents.”
Incorporating feedback from the community and Friends of Manningham Dogs and Cats (FOMDAC), the final design includes several exciting new features, such as:
• refurbished agility equipment and a new gravel-surface agility course with seating
• new side-by-side entrances for access to both the small dog and main dog areas (off Aranga Crescent)
• a new shelter and paved seating area
• two entry points to the main dog area: one from Eastway Avenue with a new maintenance gate, and another from Aranga Crescent
• the gradual replacement of older pine trees with indigenous species
• new lighting along the path from the carpark off Aranga Cresent to Eastway Avenue.
Council has responded to community concerns about dogs not being kept under effective control in and around the dog park, incidents of aggressive behaviour and uncollected dog waste.
To help address these issues, Council will include the following additions as part of the planned upgrade:
• dog-on-lead decals along key paths to encourage responsible behaviour
• updated signage outlining expectations for all visitors
• planting on the playground’s north side to create a buffer between the playground and the fenced dog park.
“FOMDAC has been an important partner in helping us develop the concept plan for the grant application and promote positive dog behaviour and awareness across the reserve,” Cr Grivas said.
“It’s been great to work together on creating a space that’s both fun and respectful for all park users.”
Construction is set to begin in early 2026, subject to weather and contractor availability.
“We’re excited to see this project move into the next stage,” Cr Grivas said.
“Aranga Reserve is a valued space, and these improvements will make it even more welcoming for the whole community.”
The Aranga Reserve dog park upgrade is supported by the Victorian Government through the New and Upgraded Dog Parks program.
For more information and to view the final design, visit yoursay. manningham.vic.gov.au/aranga-dog-park-upgrade
