Find Manningham March 2026 Edition by Find

anningham The

We are looking for business owners who like to join the

Manningham Network Group and Community Paper.

• Accounting Services

• Acupuncture

• Architect

• Architectural Interior Design

• Attorney- Family

• Auctions- Real Estate

• Bookkeeper

• Bowen Therapy

• Builder- Commercial

• Business Coach

• Business Equipment Financing

• Business Insurance

• Cabinets

• Caterer

• Graphic Designer

• Plasterer

• Chinese Medicine

• Chiropractor

• Creative Director

• Commercial Mortgage

• Computer Repair

• Computer Web Design

• Concrete

• Copywriting/Copy Editing

• Counselor/ Psychotherapist

• Dentist

• Digital Media

• Electrical Operations

• Electrician

• Finance Bookeeper

• Financial Planner

• Fitness Trainer

• Flooring

• Pilates

• Garage Doors

• General Insurance

• Health & Wellness Coach

• Homeopathy

• Lactation Consultant

• Lawn Care

• Lawyer

• Life Coach

• Loans

• Marketing

• Massage Therapist

• Meditation/Yoga

CLUB SPONSORS

• Mortgage Broker

• Naturopathic Medicine

• Nutrition

• Osteopathy

• Painter

• Personal Trainer

• Photographer

• Plumber

• Podiatrist

• Printer

• Project Management

• Psychologist

• Real Estate Rentals

• Real Estate Sales

• Reiki

• Residential Cleaning

• Residential Mortgage

• Security

• Signs

• Solar

• Solicitor

• Travel Agent

• Website Developer

• 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.

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.

A New Season, New Stories: The AFL in 2026

By Joe Lam

Few competitions capture Australia’s sporting heartbeat like the Australian Football League. From its beginnings as the Victorian Football League in 1897 to today’s fully national competition, the AFL has grown into the nation’s premier football league. Expansion beyond Victoria shapes the game’s reach, embedding football into communities across the country and making the Grand Final one of the nation’s most-watched annual events.

The 2026 season is already underway, blending the league’s rich history with fresh tactics, new talent, and shifting club fortunes.

Rules and a Faster Game

This season, rule tweaks promote speed and attacking football. Clarifications on deliberate out-of-bounds calls and faster ball-ups cut stoppages and reward teams that move the ball quickly. Coaches prioritise high-pressure forward lines and rapid transitions from defence, making endurance and versatility essential in every match.

Prime-time scheduling adds intensity, placing extra emphasis on squad depth and player recovery. How teams manage rotations and fitness is shaping ladder positions as much as skill and strategy.

Trades and List Moves

Off-season list changes are already influencing outcomes. Contenders like the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood Football Club strengthen their experienced cores, showing they are serious about premiership success.

Rebuilding sides, such as the West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne Football Club, focus on youth development through the draft, balancing long-term growth with immediate contributions. Clubs continue blending elite stars, adaptable role players, and promising youngsters to stay competitive.

Youth on the Rise

Emerging talent already shapes the season’s storylines. Young stars like Nick Daicos make an immediate impact, while prospects such as Harley Reid show they can influence games across multiple positions.

Academies and sports science programs allow clubs to rely on youth earlier than ever, and early breakthroughs are deciding close contests. Teams trusting young players gain an edge in tight matches.

Coaching and Tactical Trends

Coaching stability continues to provide an advantage. Leaders such as Craig McRae redefine modern coaching with collaboration and data-driven strategies. Across the league, tactical evolution is visible every week — defenders push into midfield rotations, forwards apply relentless pressure, and analytics increasingly shape game plans.

Clubs under pressure fight to improve, while top contenders prove their systems still deliver under expectation.

Predictions and Storylines

Brisbane’s strong midfield and Collingwood’s organised systems keep them in premiership contention. Carlton Football Club shows promise if consistency matches their talent.

Fast, young sides continue to surprise, and breakout seasons from developing midfielders and hybrid forwards shape the modern game. Injuries, form swings, and emerging stars continue to rewrite the story each week.

The Season in Motion

The 2026 AFL season delivers fierce rivalries, rising stars, and thrilling drama every week. Tradition meets innovation as the league honours its past while evolving the game. For fans, every bounce of the ball offers excitement, and this season is proving once again why Australian football is more than a sport — it’s a national ritual.

ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

I have been working as a financial adviser for over 20 years and I am an accountant. When I started out as a financial advisor, I did so because someone had set up a scheme for which many people lost their money. I was determined to make sure those around me would not lose their money again to scheme operators.

In that period of time, I have had more than my share of emails come across my desk and clients walking in my door regarding the advice they have received or they have come in requesting a second opinion on the fees they were being charged or asked to pay.

Example 1:

Mary is upset after learning that her annual fee will be $20,000 based on approximately $1,000,000 in funds under management (FUM). I understand we have to be careful with comparing fees but when the advisor is simply setting

up a managed account (MA) or a managed investment scheme (MIS) and simply providing a yearly report to the client, one has to ask what benefit is the client really receiving?

I often hear words of transparency and friendship but do clients come in looking to pay $20,000 per year to have another ‘friend’ hold their hand as they watch the investments go up and down? I don’t believe so. Nevertheless, we were able to demonstrate that our fees would be around $9,000 per year in total (that includes the fee paid to the pension fund and our advisor fee). Basically, it was either an overseas holiday for the client each year or paying the advisor high fees.

Example 2:

I was approached by a couple who wished to obtain a second opinion. An advisor was recommending they roll out of their industry fund, move into a retail platform, and set up an MIS. These clients would have about $1.5m combined. Again, their costs from moving out of the industry fund to the new retail platform,

when adding the advisor fee of 0.8% of FUM (about $12,000 to the advisor), would be a total of about $29,000 per year. This would be an increase of approximately $17,000 to move away from the industry fund. Again, I heard words of transparency and relationship. At least these advisors told the client they would end up paying more in fees each year for the privilege of having the relationship with them. Needless to say, we estimated our total fees (advisor and platform fees) would be around $11,000.

Example 3:

Roger was recommended to see a financial planner by his accountant. The accountant was nice enough to disclose that he would receive 22.5% for the referral from the financial planner. A simple Statement of Advice (SoA) was going to cost the client over $14,000 to prepare. We actually reviewed the SoA and I can tell you it fell short in many areas and did not meet the pub test of ‘best interest’. Even the ongoing fees were not disclosed correctly. Accountants now have a duty of care to act honestly and be above reproach where a conflict of

interest might occur. Given this SoA fee was well above the average, one has to ask if the advisor was inflating these costs simply because of the referral arrangement and having to pay the accountant nearly $3000 in referral fees. Again, the ongoing fees were above 0.7%. This client also had about $1.5M of FUM and so his fees were also going to be in excess of $25,000 per year. Not only were the fees high but the advice was far from being in the client’s best interest.

It surprises me that, despite improvements in education requirements for our profession, the new Code of Conduct for both financial planners and accountants, enhancements to the ASIC registry, and the establishment of a financial planning board to monitor our behaviour, we still have people entering or remaining in our profession for their own gains or for the wrong reasons.

When selecting an advisor, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key things to look for:

1. Qualifications and Experience:

Check the advisor's credentials, qualifications, and experience in the field. Look for relevant certifications, licenses, and professional affiliations. Consider their years of experience and track record in providing financial advice. You can view their credentials via their Financial Services Guide and on the ASIC website via the Professional Registry which will take you to the Money Smart website.

2. Fiduciary Duty:

Ensure that the advisor has a fiduciary duty to act in your best interests at all times. This means they are legally and ethically bound to prioritize your interests over their own. This could be as simple as asking the advisor why they

are moving your money out of the industry fund, resulting in you paying more in fees. An acceptable response should not be ‘transparency’ or ‘client relationship’. You are not paying advisors to be your friend!

3. Services Offered:

Understand the specific services offered by the advisor, such as financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and others. Make sure they can provide the type of services you need based on your financial goals.

4. Communication Style:

Consider the advisor's communication style and how well it aligns with your preferences. Do they communicate clearly and regularly? Do they listen attentively to your concerns and questions? Communication is key to a successful advisor-client relationship.

5. Fee Structure:

Understand the advisor's fee structure and how they are compensated for their services. Ask about any potential conflicts of interest, such as commissions or hidden fees. Ensure that the fees are transparent and reasonable. Shop around to compare fees from other advisors and what work they will provide for that fee.

6. Client References:

Request references from the advisor and speak with their existing clients to get feedback on their experience. This can provide insights into the advisor's reputation, professionalism, and client satisfaction.

7. Investment Philosophy:

Understand the advisor's investment philosophy and approach to managing investments. Make sure it aligns with your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. Also, find out if the advisor is personally looking after your investments or outsourcing it. Are they setting up a Managed Account (MA) or Managed Investment Scheme (MIS) whereby someone else is looking after the investments? If so, why move you away from your industry fund that is already managing your investments? Paying more in fees for no potential gain does not sound like a great idea to me.

One question you should ask your advisor before signing on is, "How do you manage conflicts of interest in your practice?" This will help you understand how the advisor handles potential conflicts of interest that may arise from their recommendations or actions and whether they prioritise your best interests above all else. It's important to clearly understand how your advisor manages any potential conflicts to ensure that they are acting in your best interests at all times.

Also, if you hear about someone offering you ‘risk free’ investment opportunities and a way to make high returns, consider running the other way. If unsure, please call us to discuss. We would rather spend 15 minutes on the phone pointing you in the right direction and protecting your investments than hear you have lost all your money.

If you have already set yourself up with a financial advisor and wonder if you are paying too many fees, then feel free to call Find Accountant on 1300 88 38 30 to compare our fees and services. We would prefer to see you enjoy retirement with more funds.

Common bookkeeping mistakes small businesses make

BOOKKEEPING

By JODIE MOORE

Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats. One minute you’re serving customers, the next you’re handling marketing, and somewhere in between you’re trying to keep your books up to date. Bookkeeping might not be the most exciting part of running a business but getting it wrong can cause serious headaches. The good news? Most bookkeeping mistakes are common— and totally avoidable.

Let’s walk through some of the biggest ones small businesses make and how you can steer clear of them.

1. Mixing personal and business finances. This is incredibly common, especially in the early days. You swipe your personal card for a quick business purchase or transfer money back and forth without much thought. The problem is that it creates a messy paper trail. When tax time rolls around, you’ll spend hours trying to untangle what was business and what wasn’t.

The fix: open a dedicated business bank account and use it consistently. It makes tracking income and expenses so much cleaner.

2. Not keeping receipts – This makes it difficult to verify expenses and claim deductions come tax time. Without receipts, you generally cannot claim the deduction – a costly mistake.

The fix: Use digital apps to scan and store receipts consistently i.e Hubdoc in Xero

3. Poor record-keeping – missing invoices and delayed data entry can lead to inaccurate financial records

The fix: Update your books weekly and ideally use accounting software such as Xero to help speed up and semi-automate the process.

4. Ignoring cashflow – when you don’t follow up on outstanding invoices for work you have done and haven’t planned ahead for future expenses, you can run into some cashflow issues causing you unnecessary stress.

The fix: Ensure you have a system in place for following up on payments from clients and know what expenses

you have coming up. This could be through a spreadsheet, having reminders set up for regular expenses, or again using accounting software such as Xero.

5. Misclassifying expenses – This can distort financial reports and cause issues at tax time.

The fix: Learn basic accounting categories or speak with a professional for guidance.

6. Forgetting about taxes – Not setting aside money for taxes can result in financial strain when it comes time to lodging your tax return.

The fix: Set aside a percentage of revenue for taxes. If you have previously lodged a return that resulted in you owing money to the ATO, you may already have been added to the PAYG Instalment system which means pre-paying an estimate of your tax debt in Quarterly instalments. This helps, but you still need to have the money saved for each quarter.

7. Trying to do everything alone (to save money) – You have your skillset and this may not be bookkeeping. This could open you up to making costly mistakes. Simply using

accounting software such as Xero can help with this for a small monthly (deductible) cost. Hiring a bookkeeper for a few hours a month to help keep on top of everything can also be money well spent.

The fix – Use accounting software and/or hire a bookkeeper.

8. Not understanding your business financials – This prevents you from being able to make informed decisions about your business, whether that be which product/ service to drop, when to expand your business, when to take on extra staff etc.

The fix: Generate monthly financial reports. If you have an accountant or bookkeeper discuss the reports so you understand what they mean and how they impact your business.

At the end of the day, bookkeeping isn’t just about staying out of trouble with taxes. It’s about understanding your business. Clean, accurate books help you make smarter decisions, spot problems early, and plan confidently for growth. With a few good habits and the right support, you can avoid the most common mistakes and keep your business finances on solid ground.

How to Effectively Manage Volunteers: A Practical Guide

DIGITAL MEDIA

By Ethan Strybosch

Volunteers are the backbone of many non-profits, providing essential support and resources to help further your mission.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to managing volunteers effectively:

1. Set Clear Expectations

From the outset, define specific roles, responsibilities, and goals for each volunteer. Clear expectations help ensure that everyone understands their contributions and how they align with the organisation's objectives. This clarity can significantly enhance engagement and accountability.

2. Provide Comprehensive Training

Equip your volunteers with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in their roles. Offering thorough training sessions not only prepares them for their tasks but also boosts their confidence. Regularly update training materials to reflect new processes or policies, ensuring that volunteers always have the most current information.

3. Show Appreciation Regularly

Acknowledge and recognise the hard work and contributions of your volunteers. Regularly expressing gratitude— whether through shout-outs at meetings, personalised thank-you notes, or volunteer appreciation events— can strengthen morale and loyalty. Celebrating milestones and successes together also fosters a sense of community and belonging.

4. Offer Growth Opportunities

Encourage volunteers to develop their skills and take on leadership roles. Providing opportunities for advancement can motivate dedicated volunteers to deepen their commitment. Consider implementing mentorship programs or offering workshops to help them grow professionally while benefiting your organisation.

5. Maintain Open Communication

Foster an environment where volunteers feel comfortable sharing their feedback and concerns. Regular check-ins can help address any issues before they escalate and allow you to gather valuable insights on their experiences.

6. Create a Community

Build a supportive community among your volunteers. Organise social events, team-building activities, or group projects to enhance relationships and foster collaboration. A strong community can lead to higher retention rates and a more engaged volunteer base.

7. Evaluate and Adapt

Periodically assess your volunteer management practices to identify areas for improvement. Gather feedback from volunteers about their experiences and adjust your strategies accordingly. This continuous improvement approach can help ensure that your volunteer

program remains effective and responsive to their needs.

By implementing these tips, your nonprofit can cultivate a dedicated and effective volunteer team that enhances your mission and supports your organisation’s growth.

Engaged volunteers are not only more productive but also become ambassadors for your cause, spreading awareness and enthusiasm within the community.

Cherry Wealth: Helping you create, protect and grow your wealth

By Erryn Langley Financial Planner

At Cherry Wealth, we believe that financial advice should be personal, practical, and empowering. Based in Croydon, we are a team dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners take control of their financial future with confidence and clarity.

Headed by our Financial Adviser Erryn Langley, our approach is built on genuine relationships, strategic insight, and developing a clear understanding of our clients’ goals. Whether you're planning for retirement, managing investments, protecting your assets, or navigating life’s major milestones, we offer tailored financial strategies to help you make informed decisions.

We specialise in:

• Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) Advice

• Retirement and pre-retirement Financial Planning

• Wealth Creation and Investment Advice

• Personal risk insurance

With a client-first philosophy, we aim to simplify the complex and guide you through every step of your financial journey.

Erryn has completed additional specialised qualifications to be able to offer Self-Managed Superannuation Fund Advice (SMSF) , people often ask what is an SMSF?

A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself, offering greater control over how your retirement savings are invested compared to traditional super funds.

Key features of an SMSF include:

• Control: Members (up to 6) are usually also the trustees, which means you make all investment decisions for the fund.

• Flexibility: SMSFs allow you to invest in a wider range of assets, including (if appropriate) property, Australian and International equities, listed investment companies, exchange traded funds, managed funds, term deposits, fixed interest products all in line with the specific SMSF’s investment strategy.

• Responsibility: As a trustee, you're legally responsible for complying with super and tax laws, including ongoing administration, audits, and reporting to the ATO this is where we can help provide expert advice and guidance.

• Cost-effectiveness: SMSFs can be cost-efficient for larger balances (typically over $300,000), but may not be suitable for smaller superannuation balances, due to setup and annual compliance costs.

An SMSF can be a powerful tool for sophisticated investors who want more control and tailored strategies for building retirement wealth. However, they are not for everyone — professional guidance is essential to determine if an SMSF aligns with your goals and capacity to manage it.

Thinking about an SMSF or planning for your retirement?

Contact Cherry Wealth on 1300 557 144 today to schedule a complimentary consultation and discover how we can help you meet your goals.

Erryn Langley

T:1300 557 144 Email: erryn@cherrywealth.com.au

Website: www.cherrywealth.com.au

Office Address: Suite 4 / 4 - 6 Croydon Road, Croydon 3136

The Quiet Risk Facing Older Australians: Isolation and Loneliness

WELLBEING

By MAREE SMITH

And why local community action matters more than ever

Australia is ageing. More than one in six Australians are now aged 65 or older, and this number continues to rise. While longer life is something to celebrate, there is a quieter and often overlooked risk affecting many older people in our communities: social isolation and loneliness.

Loneliness is not simply about being alone. It is the distressing feeling that our social connections are not meeting our needs. Social isolation refers to having few social contacts or infrequent interaction with others. They are different experiences, but they often occur together — and both can have serious consequences for health and wellbeing.

Australian research shows that loneliness and social isolation are now recognised as major public health concerns. They are linked to poorer mental health, increased psychological distress, functional decline, higher rates of dementia, cardiovascular disease and even premature death. The health risks associated with chronic loneliness have been shown to be comparable to well known risk factors such as smoking and physical inactivity.

Older people are particularly vulnerable. National studies suggest that around one in five older Australians experience loneliness, with even higher rates among those who live alone, live with disability, experience reduced mobility, or reside in residential aged care. Retirement, bereavement, illness, reduced confidence, and transport barriers can all quietly shrink a person’s world.

Over the past 25 years working as an aged care and community care nurse, I have seen these statistics reflected in real lives across our local communities. I have met older people who may go days without meaningful conversation, who hesitate to ask for help for fear of being a burden, or who withdraw as their independence changes. Often, the desire for connection is there — what is missing is opportunity, inclusion and support.

Isolation does not just affect emotional wellbeing. When older people become

disconnected, we often see declines in physical health, motivation, nutrition, and confidence. Help is delayed. Independence is lost sooner. Yet many of these outcomes are preventable.

This is where local not for profit organisations, neighbourhood houses, volunteer groups, faith organisations and community services play a vital role. Connection does not require large programs or complex systems — it requires people, consistency and care.

Simple, human actions make a difference: welcoming spaces, familiar faces, inclusive activities, transport support, intergenerational programs, and outreach that notices when someone hasn’t been seen for a while. Community connection is not an “extra” — it is protective care.

Importantly, we also need to shift how society views ageing. Older people are not a problem to be managed. They are a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom. When we include older people meaningfully, we strengthen our communities.

Loneliness in later life is not inevitable. It is shaped by social choices and that means it can be changed. Across our local government areas, we are fortunate to have strong not for profit networks and community spirit. By choosing inclusion, respect and connection,

we can ensure our older community members remain seen, valued and supported.

What Our Community Can Do

For organisations and community groups in Maroondah:

• Create welcoming, low pressure spaces where older people feel safe to attend alone

• Offer consistent activities, not just one off events — familiarity builds trust

• Partner with other local services to share transport, outreach and referrals

• Look for opportunities to involve older people as contributors, mentors or volunteers, not just recipients of support

For individuals and neighbours:

• Check in on an older neighbour or community member. A regular hello matters

• Invite older people into everyday activities, not just “aged” programs

Connection is everyone’s business.

A conversation, an invitation, or a sense of belonging can change a life

“Come on down for fun/barefoot bowls on Thursday evenings from 22nd February. There will be music playing & snacks and drinks available (South Melbourne dim sims on the first night!) Remember to wear your flat soled shoes! We look forward to welcoming you!”

There’s something special simmering in the Ajani kitchen in 2026, with a delicious lineup of cooking classes designed to bring people together through food, stories and shared skills.

The term kicks off with Mediterranean Summer Cooking, welcoming back our much-loved nonnas. With their trademark warmth and wisdom, they’ll share a menu of fresh, seasonal recipes inspired by Mediterranean summers — perfect for keeping cool while making the most of vibrant flavours and simple techniques.

In March, we’re excited to introduce Cook with Teta, led by Lebanese cooking extraordinaire Ekbal. In this hands-on demonstration, Ekbal will guide participants through simple yet flavour-packed Middle Eastern recipes, offering tips, traditions and plenty of inspiration for home cooks of all levels.

Rounding out the month, on 31 March, join us for a relaxed and Practical Dumpling Workshop. This easy how-to session will show you how to make dumplings you can confidently whip up at home — perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with family and friends.

Whether you’re keen to learn new skills, revisit familiar flavours or simply enjoy cooking alongside others, Ajani’s cooking classes are a joyful celebration of food, culture and community.

Don’t miss out – applications for Manningham’s Annual Grant Program close on Wednesday 1 April.

We have grants of between $3,001 and $20,000 available to support a huge range of projects, activities, and events for the Manningham community.

If you’re a local community group or not-for-profit organisation, apply today!

Grants are available in the following categories:

• Community Development

• Arts

• Festivals and Events

• Healthy Ageing

Grant applications close 5.00pm, Wednesday 1 April.

To help with your application, please visit our website for further information, including grant guidelines and details on how to apply.

Need more information?

If you’d like to chat with us about your application, our Community Grants Officers are happy to help on 9840 9333 or email grants@ manningham.vic.gov.au

We look forward to receiving your application.

Need more information?

Please visit our website for further information, including grant guidelines and details on how to apply.

If you’d like to chat with us about your application, please get in touch with our Grants Officers on 9840 9333 or email grants@manningham. vic.gov.au

Manningham’s Annual Grant Program closes in three weeks! Community grants give funding boost to local groups Manningham Council

Local not-for-profit organisations, clubs and groups can share in $290,000 in community grants through Manningham Council’s Annual Community Grants.

Applications are now open until Wednesday 1 April 2026.

The grants help fund local initiatives, projects and activities that make a positive impact in Manningham and eligible groups can receive between $3,001 and $20,000 in funding.

Manningham Mayor Cr Jim Grivas said community groups were at the heart of Manningham.

“Supporting our local community organisations is one of the most valuable investments we can make in Manningham,” Cr Grivas said.

“They bring us together, boost our health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities that would not be possible otherwise.” Grants are available in the following streams:

• Community Development

• Arts

• Festivals and Events

• Healthy Ageing.

The grants are open to local not-for-profit organisations, clubs and groups.

Heide Museum of Modern Art last year received a Healthy Ageing Grant to support their Creative Age Program, for adults living with dementia and their carers.

Heide’s Learning and Engagement Manager Evelyn Tsitas said that with an estimated 1,800 Manningham residents living with dementia, the program responded to a real and urgent need in the community.

“The response from participants and their families has been deeply moving and affirms how much this program matters,” Evelyn said.

“Each weekly session brings participants together for art observation, storytelling, garden walks and art making, and reminds us how profound that simple act of creative engagement can be.”

To support Manningham’s Annual Community Grant applicants, we’re hosting a range of free information sessions, including an online Q&A session on Wednesday 11 March, 4:30pm-5:00pm. Registrations are essential.

Visit manningham.vic.gov.au/community-grants to find out more and apply.

Aquarena outdoor redevelopment moves ahead Manningham Council

Aquarena is officially moving ahead, bringing the community closer to enjoying upgraded aquatic and leisure facilities and a more welcoming outdoor space for people of all ages and abilities.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Jim Grivas, said the redevelopment represents a significant investment in the community’s long-term health and wellbeing.

“We will be delivering enhanced water play area, improved change rooms, more shade, and better spaces for schools, clubs and families – which is what the community told us matters most, as well as an integrated indoor/outdoor café” Cr Grivas said.

“That said, this upgrade is about so much more than new facilities – it’s an investment in a healthier, happier Manningham for years to come.

“Since 1969, Aquarena has been a much-loved destination for our community and visitors.

“This redevelopment will honour that legacy, while ensuring the centre continues to support good health, wellbeing and social connection for future generations,” Cr Grivas said.

At its meeting on Tuesday 24 February, Council endorsed the Aquarena Outdoor Redevelopment, including the replacement of the ageing 50-metre outdoor pool, originally built around the time of the Melbourne Olympics and now at the end of its useful life.

In doing so, Council balanced value for ratepayers with longterm health and wellbeing benefits for the community.

The redevelopment will proceed with a new 50-metre outdoor pool design featuring a ramp and moveable swim wall to improve flexibility and accessibility.

The project will also deliver new change rooms and tiered spectator seating to better support clubs and schools from across the region.

Additional features include a new café with indoor and outdoor seating and a dedicated family and children’s zone, with toddler pool and water play area. New BBQs and landscape features will also be provided in keeping with the ‘Your Backyard’ theme of the project.

The project also incorporates a range of sustainable features including all electric heat pump technology to reduce environmental impact and ensure long-term efficiency.

Council has appointed McCorkell Constructions as the contractor for the redevelopment following a rigorous selection process.

“McCorkell Constructions was chosen to ensure high-quality outcomes, value for money and alignment with our budget considerations and timelines,” Cr Grivas added.

Construction is expected to start in April 2026.

During the construction period, the main centre at Aquarena will remain open to the public and continue to offer a broad range of indoor aquatic, leisure and fitness activities for the community.

The outdoor facilities will be closed during the construction period, however Council will work with centre operators Aligned Leisure, to minimise disruptions to patrons and our community.

Council will continue to keep the community informed throughout the delivery of the project.

For more information and updates, visit yoursay.manningham. vic.gov.au/aquarena-masterplan.

Manningham Council appoints social support service contract to Doncare Manningham Council

Doncare will continue to provide vital social support services to the community on behalf of Manningham Council after being awarded a new 3-year contract.

The contract, which starts in July 2026, will see the not-for-profit organisation funded to provide:

• emergency relief and material aid including food relief

• counselling

• wellbeing programs.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Jim Grivas, said Council was pleased to continue its partnership with Doncare to support the Manningham community.

“The health and wellbeing of our community, including mental health, are key priorities of our new Council Plan 2025-2029,” Cr Grivas said.

“That’s why we are committed to working with trusted partners like Doncare to provide compassionate, practical support when our residents need it most.”

Doncare Chief Executive Officer, Kylie Scoullar, said the organisation was proud to continue its partnership with Council.

“For more than 56 years, Doncare has been a trusted local organisation supporting the wellbeing of the Manningham community,” Ms Scoullar said.

“Our deep community knowledge positions us strongly to deliver the critical wellbeing and resilience programs people rely on.

“Time and again, residents tell us how much they value Doncare’s personal, skilled, wrap-around support during some of life’s toughest moments.

“We are proud to continue our work with Council towards a safe, connected and inclusive Manningham,” Ms Scoullar said.

For support or more information about Doncare services, visit doncare.org.au.

Manningham Council

Call for Artists: Expressions of Interest invited to have work exhibited with PUBLIC VIEW

Local artists have the opportunity to have their work showcased at Manningham’s outdoor gallery spaces as part of Manningham Council’s PUBLIC VIEW program.

PUBLIC VIEW presents artworks across a network of sites throughout Manningham.

This ongoing program features a rotating series of exhibitions that encourage visitors to pause, reflect and connect with diverse ideas and stories.

New artworks are installed every 6 to 12 months, with selected locations dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists. Participating artists will be paid to share their practice with the community in a highly visible public setting.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Jim Grivas, said that Manningham Council was excited to offer local artists the opportunity to have their work exhibited in their community.

“Manningham is home to a wonderfully creative community, and we want to be able to share local ideas and stories to engage and inspire both residents and visitors,” Cr Grivas said.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to bring to life some of our public spaces, making art part of our everyday experience,” Cr Grivas said.

The first exhibition as part of the program is now on display at Tunstall Square Laneway Gallery in Donvale. View of nature in art, by Park Orchards artist Terry Napier, features beautifully detailed prints of birds and flowers.

Individual artists and groups can now submit an expression of interest to be part of the program.

Proposed works can include any artform or medium that can be photographed, scanned or digitised ready to be printed at large scale for display. Examples include but are not limited to painting, drawing, collage, photography, digital art and printmaking.

Submissions will be accepted year-round and assessed quarterly. Each exhibition will run for 6 months.

For more information about PUBLIC VIEW and to apply, visit Council’s website: manningham.vic.gov.au/public-view-eoi