… Your councillor for Ruffey Ward Tags AboutCouncil Councillors Ruffey Ward … Councillor Stephen Mayne …
Cr Stephen Mayne is a long-standing Manningham resident, has raised his family in Manningham and an active member of the local community. He previously served as a Manningham councillor from 2008 to 2012 and was a councillor of the City of Melbourne from 2012 to 2016.
Cr Mayne is an award-winning business journalist and values best practice governance and transparency. He is passionate about advocating for the best possible outcome from the North East Link, supporting Doncaster Rail and is an advocate for reducing gambling harm in Manningham.
Cr Mayne believes in improvements to parks and open spaces, embracing Manningham’s multicultural community and bringing experience and knowledge to council’s advocacy and decision-making processes.
… Your councillor for Manna Ward Tags AboutCouncil Councillors Manna Ward … Councillor Tomas Lightbody …
Cr Tomas Lightbody grew up in Donvale and is passionate about the local area and community.
With a background in urban planning, design, and architecture, Cr Lightbody believes in good urban planning and protecting Manningham’s precious green spaces, taking environmental action and investing in smart infrastructure. He supports renewable energy, strong climate change action and increasing recycling to reduce unnecessary waste going to landfill.
Cr Lightbody is an advocate for better public transport that suits the needs of the community, encouraging a strong local economy. He also wants to ensure all our residents are supported and to promote inclusion and equality in all aspects of our community and our council services.
… Your councillor for Bolin Ward Tags AboutCouncil Councillors Bolin Ward … Councillor Geoff Gough …
Cr Geoff Gough is passionate about Manningham, having grown up and then raised his own family in the area. He is one of Manningham’s longest serving councillors, having been a councillor continuously since 1997, and has served as Mayor for four terms.
Cr Gough sees the improvement of our footpaths, roads, streetscapes and parks as a priority and is committed to ensuring Manningham’s community infrastructure is well maintained.
He believes in prioritising community support, including local business support, transparency in decisions, sound financial management and accountability to our community. Cr Gough advocates that council needs to listen, consult and act with responsibility and integrity.
… Your councillor for Waldau Ward Tags AboutCouncil Councillors Waldau Ward … Councillor Anna Chen …
Cr Chen has lived in the Waldau Ward for 20 years and has been a Manningham Councillor since 2016.
Cr Chen values equity, inclusion and positivity as well as the importance of understanding local issues, listening and working together with our community. She stands for cost-effective operations, sustainable planning outcomes, reducing climate impacts and improving public transport. Cr Chen wants to see more civic participation opportunities provided for our young residents to grow and shine. Cr Chen also wants to see proactive traffic management around schools and that our parks and open spaces are protected and improved. Cr Chen believes in an inclusive, safe and sustainable community for all including seniors, youth and young families.
… Your councillor for Currawong Ward Tags AboutCouncil Councillors Currawong Ward … Councillor Andrew Conlon …
Cr Conlon has lived in the Currawong Ward with his wife and family of eight children for 17 years.
A Manningham Councillor since 2016, Cr Conlon previously served as Mayor during 2020 / 21 and 2017 / 18.
Cr Conlon is passionate about support services for families and older residents along with sports clubs and volunteer organisations and believes good governance starts with integrity and transparency. He advocates for improved local traffic management, footpaths, roads and streetscapes as well as park maintenance.
Cr Conlon has managed an engineering consultancy for many years and previously served as a board member of Donvale Christian College and co-ordinator of a local Donvale basketball club.
… Mayor of Manningham Your councillor for Yarra Ward Tags AboutCouncil Councillors Yarra Ward … Councillor Carli Lange …
Cr Carli Lange is the Mayor of Manningham.
Cr Carli Lange is a resident of Warrandyte and an active community advocate.
Cr Lange is passionate about Manningham’s Green Wedge, protecting local parklands and sporting facilities, including cycling and walking connections. She supports school mentor programs, health and support services for both families and older residents. She is an advocate for emergency management, reducing traffic congestion as well as sustainable and responsible development.
Cr Lange believes in being authentic, proactive and transparent in representing the community’s needs and concerns. She has a background in teaching and has been president of the Warrandyte Community Association (WCA) since 2018.
… Find out how to enrol and vote in Manningham council elections. Tags AboutCouncil Councillors … Voting in an election …
To vote in the upcoming Manningham Council election, you must be enrolled by 4.00pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
Voting process
Voting in council elections is by post
You’ll receive a ballot pack that contains ballot papers by mail. The packs will have instructions and information about the candidates. Don’t worry if you don’t receive a ballot pack at the same time as someone you live with. They’re posted in random order to enrolled voters.
Return your ballot paper by mail.
What to do if you’ve changed your address
If you’ve changed address after the close of the roll or can’t collect your ballot pack, you can request a redirect to your new address. To request a redirect, make sure it’s done before nominations have closed. You can make a request for an early postal vote after nominations have closed if you have a good reason.
In what order do the names of the candidates appear?
A single, random draw determines in which order names will appear on a ballot. The election manager conducts the draw at the election officer after the close of nominations. The election manager will tell the candidates the time of the draw.
How to vote in other languages
The Victorian Electoral Commission provides voting information in languages other than English and in Easy English. Choose one of the links below.
You can apply, check and update your enrolment details online at Victorian Electoral Commission or pick up an enrolment form at any post office or AEC office.
Enrolling to vote
In a council election there are two types of voters:
state-enrolled voters
council-enrolled voters.
State enrolled voters
Read the following information to find out which group you fit into.
Manningham resident on the state electoral roll
If you live in Manningham and are enrolled to vote in State elections, you will be automatically enrolled to vote in Council elections.
Manningham resident not on the state electoral roll
If you are not yet on the State electoral roll, you will need to enrol with the Victorian Electoral Commission. This applies to Manningham residents who are Australian citizens aged 18 or older on 26 October 2024.
Manningham resident on the state electoral roll at a previous address
If you are living in Manningham but are on the state electoral roll for a previous address outside Manningham, you will need to enrol directly with the Victorian Electoral Commission. This applies if you have lived at your current residential address for at least one month and have not updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.
Voting in council elections is compulsory if you’re on the state electoral roll.
Council enrolled voters
You may be eligible to vote in Manningham’s elections even if you aren’t automatically enrolled. The Local Government Act 2020 includes a number of voting entitlements that may apply, provided you are not automatically enrolled as outlined above.
You may be eligible to apply directly to Council to be included on the voters’ roll if you are aged 18 years or over on 26 October 2024 and fit into one of the following groups.
Owner ratepayer
You own and pay rates for a property in Manningham. This includes non-Australian citizens and owners who do not occupy the property.
Occupier ratepayer
You occupy a rateable property in Manningham and you are liable to pay the rates.
Corporation
You are either a director or secretary of a corporation which pays rates in Manningham. You consent in writing to be appointed and are not already enrolled through appointment by another corporation.
Apply online
If you meet the above criteria for a Council enrolled voter, you can apply to enrol online.
You can only enrol to vote once per council, regardless of whether you are a resident, ratepayer or corporation representative. You must be 18 years or older on election day to be enrolled.
A property can have any number of State residents enrolled at a single address. A property can also have up to two joint owner ratepayers and up to two joint occupier ratepayers enrolled in respect of each property by council. In practice this means a property could have up to four council electors in addition to any number of State residents.
A corporation may only exercise the right of entitlement once in any municipal district, regardless of how many properties it owns or occupies or jointly owns or occupies in the municipal district. A corporation may only appoint one representative to enrol for this property.
More information
For more information on voting in council elections, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission or one of the following links:
… is hard to picture, but happens every day. Learn more about how we’re tackling ageism in Manningham. Everyone has … elder abuse, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Learn more about how we’re tackling ageism in Manningham. Getting help … University. The project engages with older people about their experiences of ageing and age discrimination in …
Everyone has the right to live their lives free from abuse.
There’s a number of things we can all do to prevent elder abuse from getting out of hand such as:
The OPERA project is a partnership between Eastern Community Legal Centre and Swinburne University. The project engages with older people about their experiences of ageing and age discrimination in the community.
The aim of the project is to ensure that older people feel valued and respected. It’s also about challenging some of the harmful beliefs and attitudes that can lead to age discrimination.
Every individual has the right to feel safe, respected and valued.
… Learn about our early childhood education and care service. Tags …
We put your child’s needs first
Our play based learning values individual children’s needs, strengths and interests. We've a flexible and fun approach to learning. Our curriculum includes planned experiences and opportunities for unplanned learning.
Using emergent curriculum, we focus on children’s unique interests and abilities to help them develop. We have 3 rooms grouped according to age.
Age
Description
No. of places
0 to 2 years old
In our 0 to 2 age group, we plan experiences and routines for engagement and learning. We give varied learning experiences which help children to connect to their environment and people.
For all young children, a sense of security and attachment is important. We have a specific focus on helping children feel safe and be confident in a new environment.
8 places each day.
2 to 3 years old
In our 2 to 3 age group we extend children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Children get to work in small groups and develop their sharing and cooperation skills. We encourage some independent skills, but it’s balanced with being mindful of the wider community.
8 places each day.
3 to 5 years old
In our 3 to 5 year age group is full of exploration and engagement. We encourage self-selection of learning materials that follow individual interests, while also practising intentional teaching. We work with children on projects, extending their ideas and understanding of the world.
22 places each day.
Our approach to behaviour guidance
Using a positive approach to behaviour guidance, we focus on understanding everyone’s rights. This helps us be inclusive while making sure everyone feels safe.
We initiate discussion and will respond to any of your concerns. We’ll work with you to develop a behaviour guidance plan if necessary. It’ll outline strategies that we can implement in the centre, and at home to guide behaviour.
Our educators invest in your child
Our qualified educators invest time and energy getting to know each child. They also communicate with you, so we can work towards shared goals.
… Mayor of Manningham Your councillor for Schramm Ward Tags AboutCouncil Councillors Schramm Ward … Councillor Laura Mayne …
Cr Laura Mayne is the Deputy Mayor of Manningham
Cr Laura Mayne has lived in Manningham all her life, is an active member of the community, and is currently studying Law and Commerce at university.
Cr Mayne is passionate about making Manningham as inclusive as possible, building community connection, encouraging sustainable transport, and supporting strong climate action.
She currently sits on the Gender and LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee, the Audit and Risk Committee, and is chair of the Youth Advisory Committee.
… There are nine wards, with a representative in each. Tags AboutCouncil … Council elections …
The Manningham Council general elections will be held on 26 October 2024. Voting is by post.
The Local Government Act 2020 and the Local Government (Electoral) Regulations 2020, regulates conduct of council elections. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) manages the process.
If you’ve got any questions about the electoral process, you can contact the election office on 8619 1140.
Manningham ward structure
Manningham has nine wards with one councillor representing each ward. The wards are:
The Local Government Act 2020 requires us to adopt an Election Period Policy. This provides guidance to councillors and officers leading up to and during the election period.
… curl up in the giant nest or count the ants the echidna is about to eat. Reynolds Road Doncaster East VIC 3109 Australia …
This is a great place for kids to explore and immerse themselves in the outside world.
Discover the sculptures dotted around the trails in the bush. Landscapers, sculptors and artists have helped create a natural play space for kids to explore at Currawong Bush Park. Can you spot the kangaroo? Play in the woven cubby, curl up in the giant nest or count the ants the echidna is about to eat.
See if you can spot the native birds, lizards and frogs on your adventure, or maybe you will be lucky enough to catch sight of a wombat, or koala.
Stay for a bite to eat and enjoy a picnic in the bush, or cook up a feast using the onsite barbecue.
Places and spaces
There are many tracks around the park to explore on foot. Our self-guided walks will familiarise you with different areas such as the scar tree and the billabong:
All Manna of Gums Walking Guide – Takes you along the Mullum Mullum Creek via the Mullum Mullum Trail and Currawong Bush Park
Currawong Bush Park Walks are a series of eight walks, each focusing on different aspects of the reserve. All of these walks start and finish at Currawong bush Park. Downloading the audio guides will enhance your Currawong experience
Mullum Mullum Trail is popular with nature loving cyclists and walkers. The trail runs on the other side of the Mullum Mullum Creek and is connected to Currawong Bush Park with a pedestrian bridge just north of Reynolds Road.
Conference Centre available for hire for your next functions, meetings or seminars
Getting there and car parking
You can park your car at one of the two carparks from the Reynolds Road entrance.
The first carpark is at the top of the driveway and is closest to the conference centre.
The second carpark is closer to the park, you will find the carpark further along the road.
Walk to the park and enjoy the surroundings. Cross the pedestrian bridge near the Mullum Mullum Trail north of Reynolds Road. This track forms part of a 4.5 kilometer circuit walk through the park or for a shortcut, take the driveway to the central area.
Take the bike and use the pedestrian bridge from the Mullum Mullum Trail and the vehicle track from Arnold Drive. To protect the park and animals that live here, you can only use bikes on vehicle tracks.
Please also check the weather before arriving, the park will be closed on total fire bans days.
Please don't bring your dog
Dogs are not allowed at Currawong Bush Park because it is a protected habitat.
All Manna of Gums - Currawong Bush Park to Mullum Mullum Creek Walk
All Manna of Gums - Currawong Bush Park to Mullum Mullum Creek Walk
All Manningham reserves are closed on days of total fire ban, or higher extreme or catastrophic Fire Danger Rating. Visiting a reserve on these days places you at risk and potentially in danger.
To check the current Fire Danger Rating or find out if it’s a total fire ban day, go to the CFA website.
Report an issue
Please let us know if you notice anything unsafe, like a broken tree branch or damaged playground.
What we do to reduce fire risk at Currawong Bush Park
Finer fuels such as leaf litter, tree branches and twigs raise the level of risk within reserves. Large fallen trees require a much higher level of heat to burn and provide habitats for native wildlife.
Here are some actions we take throughout the year to reduce the fire risk at this reserve:
create and maintain fuel breaks within the reserve
maintain grass heights with slashing, brush cutting and tractors year round
remove fine fuels such as loose and fallen branches
annual inspection and maintenance of Fire Access Tracks, to ensure emergency service vehicles can access the reserve
inspect access points, gates and locks
We manage 20 per cent of the land in Manningham, but the other 66 per cent is privately owned. Visit the CFA website for information on how to prepare your private property for fire.
Safer Together
Watch the video below to learn more about:
different types of vegetation
how a fire may behave within the reserve
how to prepare for a fire
Report an issue
Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?
… and apply for our recruitment and selection process. Tags AboutCouncil Careers Apply … How to apply for a career with us …
Thanks for your interest in working with us! We want to help you create a great application.
Application checklist
Your application should include:
Resume
Cover letter (including Key Selection Criteria) or
Key Selection Criteria
When are the closing dates?
Applications close at 5.00pm (AEDT) on the closing date, unless otherwise stated. After this time you will be unable to submit an application online. We are unable to accept late applications.
How to apply
We only accept applications online. To start the process, follow the step below:
Select the position you wish to apply for (you will be directed to our recruitment system).
Read the role overview.
Select 'Apply now'.
Complete the application form and add any supporting documentation.
Select 'Submit'.
We only accept applications made through our online recruitment system. Unfortunately, we can't accept applications by email.
Need help using the system? Contact us
What happens after you apply?
Our recruitment process aims to give you an equal opportunity to show your suitability for a position. We have an objective and comprehensive selection process and all appointments are based on merit.
Your application follows this process after you apply:
Application is submitted and an acknowledgement email is sent.
After the closing date, the hiring manager reviews all applications.
Short listed applicants are contacted, which may include a phone interview.
Short listed candidates will be interviewed by a panel of three council officers (staff members).
Pre-employment screening is undertaken, which includes:
reference checking
National Criminal History Check (Police Check)
VEVO/Work Right Check
psychometric testing (for selected positions)
pre-employment medical (for selected positions)
Working With Children Check (for selected positions)
proof of COVID-19 vaccinations
Qualification and/or professional Registration check (for applicable roles).
Unsuccessful applicants are contacted (usually by email).
View current job vacancies
Kickstart your journey with us and view the available roles, here at Manningham.
… Request a planning property enquiry Get written advice about whether or not your proposed building, works or land … the scheme Our maps Explore our maps to find information about your property. View up to date and historical aerial photography and discover more about your neighbourhood. The Manningham Planning Scheme View …
Whether you need official property information to support permit applications or for buying and selling properties - below are links to some of our most common requests:
You may request a certificate of ownership for multiple needs. You may also use this link to find out who owns your neighbouring property for fencing purposes.
Explore our maps to find information about your property. View up to date and historical aerial photography and discover more about your neighbourhood.
… wards, healthcare centres and other places of interest. AboutCouncil Maps … Discover your neighbourhood using our maps …
How to find Council Wards
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left of the screen and select the What's nearby menu
Select About Manningham > Wards from the menu listing
Select from Heide, Mullum Mullum or Koonung wards
The map will outline the area of the ward selected and a pop-up will appear at the bottom of the screen with links to more information on the ward, its Councillors, and community demographics.
Search by property address
Search for a property using the search bar in the top left corner
A pop-up will appear on the bottom of the screen, which will show the ward the property is located in
Select the ward to learn more information
How to find suburbs
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What's nearby menu
Select About Manningham > Suburbs from the menu listing
Select a suburb to view its location in Manningham. A pop-up will appear at the bottom of the screen with links to a brief summary and the community demographics of the suburb
How to find activity and shopping centres
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the what’s nearby menu
Select Key Destinations and choose from Neighbourhood Shopping Centres or Local Shopping Centres from the menu listing
Select a centre to view more information in the pop-up at the bottom of screen
How to find Capital Works
Search in Manningham
Select Capital Works from the menu listing and choose a financial year in which the Capital Works was undertaken
Select a project to view more information about the budget and category in the pop-up at the bottom of screen
How to find Maternal and Child Health centres
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Health and Families > Maternal Child Health Centre from the menu listing
Select a Maternal and Child Health Centre
A pop-up will appear on the bottom of the page with links to more information on the centre. The centre’s address and phone number will appear under each centre in the listing to the left.
Search by property address
Search for a property using the search bar in the top left corner
A pop-up will appear on the bottom of the screen, which will show the Maternal and Child Health centre assigned to the property address
Select the Maternal Child Health link to view more detailed information about the centre.
How to find immunisation sessions
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Health and Families > Immunisation Sessions from the menu listing
The sessions will appear on the map. Select a session from the listing on the left to view more details about a session.
How to find childcare and kindergartens
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Health and Families > Childcare and Kindergartens from the menu listing
The child care centres and kindergartens will appear on the map. Select a location from the listing on the left to view more details.
How to find retirement villages
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Health and Families > Retirement Village from the menu listing
The retirement villages will appear on the map. Select a location from the list on the left to view more details.
How to find libraries
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Facilities > Libraries from the menu listing
The libraries will appear on the map. Select a location from the list on the left to view more details.
How to find council venues for hire
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Facilities > Council Venues for Hire from the menu listing
The council venues for hire will appear on the map. Select a location from the list on the left to view venue details.
How to find sports stadiums for hire
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Facilities > Sports Stadiums for Hire from the menu listing
The council venues for hire will appear on the map. Select a location from the list on the left to view venue details.
How to find public toilets
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Facilities > Public Toilets from the menu listing
Public toilets in Manningham will appear on the map. Select a location from the list on the left to view a location.
How to find schools
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Local Schools > Primary Schools from the menu listing to search for primary schools
Select Local Schools > Secondary Schools from the menu listing to search for secondary schools
Primary schools / secondary schools in Manningham will appear on the map. Select a location from the list to view links to more information on the school in the pop-up on the bottom of the screen.
How to find bus stops
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Public Transport > Bus Stops from the menu listing
Bus stops situated in Manningham will appear on the map. Select a location from the list on the left to view more bus stop details in the pop-up on the bottom of the screen.
How to find parks, parks with dog off lead areas and reserves
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Active Manningham > Parks and Reserves from the menu listing to search for parks and reserves
Select Active Manningham > Dog Off Lead Areas from the menu listing to search for dog off lead areas
Select a park/reserve from the list on the left to view the location, visitor information and details about the park.
How to find sports and leisure centres
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Active Manningham > Sports and Leisure Centres from the menu listing
Select a centre from the list on the left to view the location, contacts and details about the centre.
How to find playgrounds / skate parks / BMX tracks
Search in Manningham
Refer to the top left corner of the screen and select the What’s nearby menu
Select Active Manningham > Playgrounds from the menu listing to search for playgrounds
Select Active Manningham > Skate Parks/BMX Tracks from the menu listing to search for skate parks / BMX tracks
Select a playground / skate park / BMX track to view the location and more details on Manningham Council website.
… 3108 View on map Report an issue Report an issue Tell us about an issue. Make a complaint Feedback and complaints Do … or a complaint? You can contact us at anytime to tell us about it. https://yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/ Have your … feedback on projects that are important to you. /about-council/how-council-works/find-your-local-councillor-and-ward …
Phone
You can talk to us in a way that you prefer. An interpreter service is available.
The National Relay Service (NRS) is an Australia-wide phone service for people who are deaf, have hearing impairment and/or speech impairment and people wanting to communicate with them.
… people, the Traditional Owners of Manningham. Tags AboutCouncil Our History … Our First Nations history …
Manningham Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways now known as Manningham.
Council pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and values the ongoing contribution to enrich and appreciate the cultural heritage of Manningham.
Council acknowledges and respects Australia’s First Peoples as Traditional Owners of lands and waterways across Country, and encourages reconciliation between all.
Manningham Council values the contribution made to Manningham over the years by people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Local Government plays a key role in activating Reconciliation within local communities by:
playing a leadership role in creating meaningful relationships
recognising and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and cultural rights
building understanding of our shared history
celebrating, recognising and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritages
providing our local community and the education sector with an opportunity to take an active part in the process of Reconciliation
offering public programs, projects and events
providing accessible services; and
being a proactive employer and procurer of services.
Council articulates how this can be achieved through a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Manningham Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
The Manningham Innovate RAP 2023-25 has been developed in partnership with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Corporation, local First Nations peoples, local residents, Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group and Reconciliation Australia.
Council is committed to fostering respect for and understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge and rights throughout our organisation and the municipality.
The Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group will monitor the implementation of the RAP along with Reconciliation Australia.
In 2019, Council established regular Cultural Consultations with Elders and staff of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Corporation).
As the Registered Aboriginal Party for Manningham, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Corporation plays a key role in decision making for and protection of cultural heritage and as such are recognised as the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
The regular Cultural Consultations with Elders provide Council with an opportunity to ensure our projects, services and systems work towards progressing reconciliation.
The East Kulin Nation have lived in the area now known as Melbourne, for more than 65,000 years harnessing the rich resources of the Yarra River and surrounding bush lands and ranges. Part of the East Kulin Nation are the Wurundjeri people who spoke the Woi-wurrung language who are the Traditional Owners of Manningham.
Wurundjeri people called the Yarra River "Birrarung" – 'river of mists and shadows'. The Birrarung was central to the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri willam people. Throughout Manningham, Wurundjeri people lived near the Birrarung and its tributaries, caring for the many culturally significant places in the area. The Yarra Flats in Manningham are associated with the accomplishments of creation ancestors and spiritual beings. Bolin Bolin Billabong in Bulleen was an important living and eel fishing area, a place which Wurundjeri people requested for their reserved use in 1840. It remained an important living area and visiting place for Wurundjeri people returning from lyrebird hunting in the Yarra Ranges into the 1850s.
For thousands of years the Wurundjeri nurtured and protected this land and its creation stories, and in return, enjoyed the highest standards of living, health and wellbeing. The river was plentiful with teeming wildfowl in the wetlands of Bulleen, continual harvests in the fish traps, and freshwater mussel farms along the Yarra. The Stringybark and Manna Gum forests also provided abundant game and bush tucker for a population of several hundred people.
The Wurundjeri people shared the same belief system as the East Kulin Nation. The creation period stretches back to when the creation ancestors and spirit beings travelled across the land, creating and naming as they went.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's oral tradition and religious values are based upon reverence for the land, and a belief in the creation period. The social moiety division and associated spiritual beings of the Woi-wurrung speaking people were Bunjil the wedge-tailed eagle and Waa the crow. Wurundjeri people were of the Waa moiety. During the creation period, Bunjil is their ancestor responsible for the creation of earth and men. Pallian the bat is their ancestor responsible for the creation of water and women. Waa was the protector of humankind.
Some very famous Wurundjeri people are associated with Manningham. In particular, William Barak and Simon Wonga who were both leaders of their community and have descendants still living in the region, some of whom are now Senior Elders themselves.
First Nations cultural heritage places in Manningham
First nations cultural heritage places relate to a particular place that's considered to be a sacred or historically important place for First Peoples. However, it should be noted that not all First Peoples cultural heritage places hold significance to the Wurundjeri community. Within Manningham, we have more than 90 sites of Wurundjeri significance, some of which are the most significant within regional Melbourne. These sites include burial or birthing sites, trading places, travelling pathways, campsites and ceremonial sites, gathering places, mission sites, reserves, and places where conflict took place. Archaeological evidence or artefacts verify where such sites exist within Manningham, as well as stories passed down from generations of Wurundjeri Elders.
Wurundjeri Stories Trail at Pound Bend
Pound Bend Tunnel Reserve, Warrandyte State Park, Pound Bend Road Warrandyte
Wurundjeri Stories is a fascinating and beautifully presented interpretive signage trail at Pound Bend that explores the Wurundjeri history, culture, traditional life, spirituality, events and the people linked to this sacred site.
There are seven signs, each containing in-depth historical accounts presented by a Wurundjeri working group, with stunning artwork and historical photographs, following a flat 1km riverside path, which walkers may wish to continue along the 3.5km River Walk or Loop Walk. Each sign features a section entitled ‘Bunjil’s Challenge’ which encourages walkers to explore the local surrounds in search of key features such as bush tucker, and to consider traditional lifestyle scenarios, making the trail an incredibly engaging, thought provoking and interactive experience.
Wurundjeri Stories is ideal for the casual walker, organised school and pre-school excursions, community groups and a ceremonial space for special Wurundjeri events. Groups are able to arrange for a Wurundjeri Elder or Educator to lead their organised excursion to the site.
A Wurundjeri Stories interpretive sign is also located at Wittons Reserve in Wonga Park, which shares the Wurundjeri history of this site, considered to be Sacred Women’s Country. The sign marks the beginning of the scenic Mount Lofty walk, a section of the Wurundjeri Songline route, the major Wurundjeri travelling route to the Yarra Valley.
For more information about the trail content, or to organise an Elder please contact the Wurundjeri Tribe Council at reception@wurundjeri.com.au or phone 9416 2905.
Resources to support your visit to Wurundjeri Stories at Pound Bend:
Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are important ways to recognise and respect Traditional Owners.
A Welcome to Country can only be performed by an Elder from the traditional custodial tribe. The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation is the nominated Registered Aboriginal Party for Manningham, and as such all request for Welcome to Country ceremonies held within Manningham should be directed to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Corporation. A Welcome to Country is a paid service and can be arranged by submitting an online booking request form.
An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement a speaker makes at the beginning of an event to acknowledge the traditional owners.
… and places to improve liveability in Manningham. Tags AboutCouncil Committees and Working Groups … Liveability, …
Our purpose
Through innovation and technology, our Liveability, Innovation and Technology (LIT) Committee aims to:
improve liveability
public value.
By connecting people, places and assets.
Our role
Our LIT Committee is represented by a councillor and community members who meet the following criteria:
have an interest and knowledge in innovation and technology and how it applies to liveability
live or work in Manningham
can regularly attend and participate in meetings
has skills that compliments the committee.
Who are our members
If you meet the above criteria, you can nominate to be a community member on our LIT committee for a three year term.
We'll choose cross section of the community that best represents our diversity.
Unfortunately, we are currently not taking nominations. Follow our news channel and local media for when we advertise calls for nominations.
When do we meet?
LIT meets at least four times a year, on a quarterly basis.
What is the appointment process?
We will advertise calls for nominations in local media and on our news channels.
From the nominations received, we will select community members who best meet the selection criteria to join our committee for three years. Members can renominate to join the committee after their term ends.