Cr Michelle Kleinert OAM is a long-term resident of Manningham and has been a councillor of Manningham since 2012, serving as Mayor in 2016-17 and again in 2021-22.

Passionate about Manningham’s open space and our vibrant and connected community, Cr Kleinert OAM believes in supporting local business in addition to community clubs and our youth.

In her first term as Mayor, Cr Kleinert OAM led the charge to establish a youth mental health outreach service for Manningham with headspace Hawthorn. She is currently the multicultural ambassador for Mental Health Foundation Australia and holds a mental health first aid certificate.

Cr Kleinert OAM has a long standing relationship with Bully Zero and is currently involved in a project to air on TV in late 2022.

With a focus on bringing the community together with a positive message all can relate to, Cr Kleinert OAM is committed to shine a light on the ‘be kind’ message as we reconnect with one another post the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cr Kleinert OAM also dedicates a significant amount of time supporting women in Local Government through her involvement with the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, Victorian branch (ALGWA Vic), where she has served as both president and is currently the Executive Officer.

She is a former vice president of the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA). 

Committees and working groups

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Cr Deirdre Diamante has lived in Manningham for more than 40 years and recognises the importance of sustainable economic and environmental decision making that enhances the long term liveability of Manningham.

Cr Diamante believes in growing opportunities for local businesses and efficient spending of our rates on services and infrastructure that better connects the local community, suburbs and streets. She is an advocate for equal opportunity and diversity, for programs that support our elderly residents and for greater state and federal government funding support for Manningham’s charities.

Cr Diamante has three school-aged children, is a business owner, a school council representative, Board Director of the Manningham Bendigo Bank Community Branch and an active member of the Manningham Business Excellence Awards.

Committees and working groups

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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.

Committees and working groups

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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.

Committees and working groups

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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.

Committees and working groups

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Cr Chen has lived in the Waldau Ward for 20 years and has been a Manningham Councillor since 2016.

Cr Chen values equity, inclusion and positivity as well as the importance of understanding local issues, listening and working together with our community. She stands for cost-effective operations, sustainable planning outcomes, reducing climate impacts and improving public transport. Cr Chen wants to see more civic participation opportunities provided for our young residents to grow and shine. Cr Chen also wants to see proactive traffic management around schools and that our parks and open spaces are protected and improved. Cr Chen believes in an inclusive, safe and sustainable community for all including seniors, youth and young families.

A practicing lawyer, Cr Chen is a volunteer solicitor at the Eastern Community Legal Centre and volunteers with Neighbourhood Watch in Manningham.

Committees and working groups

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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.

Committees and working groups

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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.

Committees and working groups

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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. 

Committees and working groups

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