News

Councils push back on glass bins

AS THE JULY 2027 deadline for implementing the introduction of a fourth “purple lidded” glass bin service gets closer, Manningham Council is reiterating its serious concerns about the rollout.
Both Manningham and Nillumbik Councils are among more than 30 councils objecting to the mandatory introduction of purple bins.
Manningham has urged the government to consider a different approach to glass recycling, pause the rollout, and instead work with councils on smarter, more cost-effective solutions that achieve strong environmental outcomes without burdening households.
“We want to see the Container Deposit Scheme expanded so that people can deposit their wine and spirit bottles through existing infrastructure,” said a statement from Manningham Council.
This approach is already in motion in other states, including Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland.
Manningham Council said this would provide similar environmental benefits, while shifting the costs to polluters rather than councils and their ratepayers.
Nillumbik Council noted a similar advocacy position in 2025.
Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas told the media that a glass-only bin service will cost Victorian councils millions of dollars to roll out.
Economic modelling has found that it would cost an additional $27 in waste-disposal charges per household, on average, each year.
The study, which examined 22 councils, found that:

introducing a glass only kerbside recycling service would cost councils a combined $75 million to implement, and
running a monthly glass collection service would cost a typical council an additional $1.43M each year.

“We ask the state government to listen to our communities’ concerns, delay the mandatory implementation date, and expand the options that exist and are already in regular use.
“Every cent counts, and people are already feeling the impacts of increased costs — we need to make sure our essential waste services aren’t a waste of money for our community.
“More bins mean more costs, more trucks, more congestion, and more contamination — there is a better way to recycle glass,”
The council statement said.

Some councils have also raised concerns about the extra burden on households to sort their recycling and the space needed to store another bin.
Cr Grivas said adding another kerbside collection service would increase truck movements, particularly in narrow suburban streets, and would increase congestion and emissions, as well as reduce neighbourhood amenity.
He said an expanded container deposit scheme would recycle glass effectively without adding new bins, trucks, or ongoing costs for households.
However, the State Government’s stated position is that Victoria’s CDS is designed to target beverage containers that most commonly contribute to litter.
“The kerbside reforms, which include the introduction of a separate household collection of glass, will complement the scheme by making recycling at home better.”
Manningham has released a survey, asking residents their opinions on the glass bin scheme.
Visit manningham.vic.gov.au/news/lets-be-clear-glass-recycling.
Nillumbik residents visit: participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/projects/glass-bin

State grants available for Men’s Sheds

WHAT HAPPENS in Men’s Sheds goes well beyond woodwork and a cuppa.
Information on the Federal Government’s Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing website states that Men’s Sheds improve the general mental, physical, and social wellbeing of men in Australia by providing a safe space where they can make friends, be social, and participate in meaningful activities.
Men in Warrandyte have had a Men’s Shed group for a number of years, but lack a permanent, bespoke home — something that was highlighted as part of the community response to the Warrandyte Community Facilities Review.
While this new round of financial investment by the State Government may have provided an opportunity, the local Men’s Shed group feel schemes like this will continue to be beyond their grasp.“Not surprisingly, although established well before COVID, the Warrandyte Men’s Shed (Inc) is still not in a position to utilise the numerous grants available for this key form of community connection for our menfolk,”
said Warrandyte Men’s Shed Vice President Don Hughes.
“Thwarted by the lack of appropriate bespoke facilities to bring men together, negotiations to find a suitable location for a ‘Men’s Shed’ with Manningham Council are ongoing.”
While this is not good news for the Warrandyte group, other Men’s Sheds in the area may be able to benefit.
Victorian Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence recently announced the opening of applications for grants of up to $100,000 to help Men’s Sheds buy new or update equipment, expand their sheds and upgrade their facilities, or build a new shed to improve community access.

“A shed isn’t just a room — for a lot of men, it’s where they build a community and find support.
“This is about more than just tools and timber — we’re proud to support the incredible work Men’s Sheds do in local communities across Victoria, helping men stay connected, healthy and supported.”

The State Government says there are more than 360 Men’s Sheds operating across Victoria and that the Government has delivered more than 600 grants to sheds across the state.
Yet in Manningham, the only official Men’s Shed is in Warrandyte, and it does not have a permanent place where its members can participate in traditional Men’s Shed activities.
A lack of Shed has not deterred members from being active in the community.

“The men continue to meet each Wednesday (10am to midday) outside the Warrandyte Scout Hall,”
said Mr Hughes.
“At the recent Warrandyte Festival, the Warrandyte Men’s Shed conducted a stall offering medical health checks for the community.
“It proved most popular.”

While the $100,000 grant is not available to Warrandyte at this time, perhaps the Men’s Shed groups in Eltham, St Andrews, and Ringwood can make use of the opportunity.
Men’s Shed groups looking to apply can visit at dffh.vic.gov.au/mens-shed-program.

Help shape Manningham’s future footpaths

MANNINGHAM Council is inviting residents to help shape the future of local footpaths by sharing their insights into how they use footpaths and providing feedback on a new draft Footpath Policy.
The draft policy aims to establish criteria for where new footpaths should be provided and outline a fair and transparent approach to funding and prioritisation.
Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas emphasised the importance of community input in shaping the future of Manningham’s footpath network.

“Footpaths play a big role in everyday life, whether you’re walking to the local shops, heading to the nearest bus stop, walking children to school, or simply getting some fresh air and exercise.
“While our current system has served us well, we want to make sure our longer-term planning reflects what matters most to our community.
“Your feedback will guide improvements to help Council plan, prioritise and invest in footpaths that meet the needs of the community now and in the future — creating a more connected and inclusive Manningham,”

Feedback on the draft policy and community experiences using footpaths will be considered together to help shape the final policy.
Have your say at yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/footpath-policy-2026 by Sunday, April 19.

Fire Restrictions ending

THE COUNTRY Fire Authority (CFA) has announced fire restrictions ended for some municipalities in Victoria on Monday, March 30.
This includes Manningham.
Nillumbik’s restrictions end on April 7.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer for North East Region, Gavin Thompson, said the easing of restrictions was due to a number of favourable factors in some areas.

“Recent fires in these areas have shown less intensity due to some recent rainfall.
“Nights are becoming increasingly cool, and we are seeing dew in the mornings that further reduces our fire risk.”

CFA Deputy Chief Officer for West Region Steve Alcock, said while the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will end in these municipalities, people are urged to remain vigilant.

“Even with milder weather, we still want landowners to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before burning off, and that someone is in attendance at all times to monitor the burn.
“Some of our neighbouring municipalities will still be under FDP restrictions, so it is important to always check your local restrictions before burning off to see if a permit is needed.”

Around Warrandyte, the municipalities of Maroondah, Knox City, Murrindindi, and Yarra Ranges are no longer under fire restrictions, but, as we go to print, Nillumbik restrictions are being lifted at the end of Easter.
Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant and to check the FDP that are in place in the region they are residing.
With the end of the FDP, some landowners may choose to resume burn-offs, but it’s essential to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before proceeding.
To prevent unnecessary emergency callouts, landowners must register their burn-offs.
If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response.
Burn-offs can be registered online at firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.
Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.

Burn-off safety checklist

Check fire restrictions in your area and register your burn-off.
Monitor weather conditions, especially wind.
Notify neighbours to prevent unnecessary emergency calls.
Maintain a three-metre firebreak, clear of flammable materials.
Have enough equipment and water to contain the fire.
Never leave a burn-off unattended — stay until it is fully extinguished.
If your burn-off gets out of control, call 000 immediately.

For tips on protecting your health from smoke, visit epa.vic.gov.au.

Feature image: CFA MEDIA

IWD breakfast spotlights injustices against women

COMMUNITY members gathered in Manningham on March 2 to mark International Women’s Day, with this year’s theme, Balance the Scales.
Announced by UN Women Australia, the 2026 theme focused on access to fair, inclusive, and accessible justice for women and girls and highlights the ongoing barriers that prevent individuals from seeking safety and support.
The Manningham breakfast brought the theme into a local context, combining personal testimony, frontline policing perspectives and community service insight.
Former professional tennis player Jelena Dokic delivered the keynote address, speaking about her experience of family violence and the long-term impacts of silence and stigma.
Globally, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, yet most will never seek formal help or justice.
Ms Dokic described being “taught, trained, and raised to stay silent” and spoke about the shame she felt speaking publicly about abuse, and how that caused her to hide this violence she was being subjected to longer.
Despite her professional successes, her abuse from her father was growing and her mental health declining, exacerbated by lack of support from social systems and the fear that she would not be believed.
She encouraged attendees to “call out injustice and advocate for change” and to remove judgement, shame and guilt from these conversations about violence.
Ms Dokic emphasised the importance of having open conversations because they lead to change, and said gender equality requires collective responsibility:
“It’s not a men’s problem or a women’s problem, we all need to come together.”
Community support plays a key role in ensuring victims and survivors are given respect and visibility, allowing women not just to survive, but to thrive.
Ms Dokic later joined a panel discussion with Inspector Carlie Kohler of Victoria Police and Doncare Chief Executive Officer Kylie Scoullar, which reflected on how to tackle this imperfect system, with the convergence of increased social and institutional support.
Inspector Kohler reflected on reforms introduced following Victoria’s 2015 Royal Commission into Family Violence, which produced 227 new recommendations.
She outlined changes in policing practice aimed at improving victim-survivor experiences, including specialist training and the use of audio-recorded evidence to reduce the need for repeated interviews.
She said reforms are focused on elevating those voices and “ensuring victims feel safe, secure, and are treated with dignity and respect.”
Despite reform efforts, panellists acknowledged ongoing challenges.
Demand for crisis accommodation continues to outpace supply, with shelters reporting waitlists.
Concerns remain about safety after reporting violence, and confusion about where to seek help can prevent people from coming forward.
With this, was emphasised the importance of believing, supporting and uplifting women.
Ms Scoullar noted that in the past, many felt “the system was unlikely to look after you,” contributing to under-reporting and reluctance to engage with services.
Practical community responses, she said, begin with “not looking away,” and continually advocating for changes, amplifying knowledge, and education, on how we can adequately support the women in our communities.
Manningham City Council CEO Andrew Day added “the responsibility to champion gender equality does not sit with women alone,” reinforcing the importance of shared accountability across government, organisations and the broader community.

Doncare providing vital social support services

Locally, we are fortunate to have the trusted organisation Doncare to provide these services, including counselling, emergency relief, wellbeing programs and material aid for individuals in need.
At the event, Mr Day confirmed that Doncare has been awarded a new three-year contract commencing in July 2026, to continue delivering social support services on Council’s behalf, including:

emergency relief and material aid, including food relief
counselling
wellbeing programs.

This partnership allows for continued support of women and paves the way for more awareness to the inequities faced by women, while supplying the community with the knowledge and resources to change for the better.
Ms Scoullar said Doncare 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,”
“Time and again, residents tell us how much they value Doncare’s personal, skilled, wrap-around support during some of life’s toughest moments.”

Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas said the partnership reflects Council’s priorities under its 2025–2029 Council Plan.
He added that a key objective of the plan is to ensure Manningham is “safe, connected and also inclusive, a community where violence and gender inequity are not tolerated.”
“That’s why we are committed to working with trusted partners like Doncare to provide compassionate, practical support when our residents need it most,” Cr Grivas said.
International Women’s Day remains both a celebration of the achievements of women and girls, and a continued commitment towards equality.
The Manningham breakfast reflected that dual purpose recognising and championing women’s voices while highlighting the structural, cultural and practical changes still required to achieve gender equity and improve access to justice at both local and national levels.

Funding comes through for Old Fire House

FUNDING FOR the remediation of the Old Warrandyte Fire House is one step closer, as Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King visited the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute to see what the promised government funding will cover.
Member for Menzies, Gabriel Ng, told the Diary that he was delighted that all the contracts have been signed off for the Old Warrandyte Fire House to be repaired.

“It was eaten by termites, and so we were able to make an election commitment to fix it up so that the fantastic Warrandyte Arts Pottery Group can continue to use it, and continue to expand and provide an opportunity for creativity, and that sense of community that people get from the pottery group”.

Ms King said Mr Ng, as the Labor Candidate for Menzies, came to her in the lead up to last year’s election and said, “we’ve got a project in Warrandyte that we’d like to see funded”.
She said she was and really keen to see more arts projects funded.
“We fund a lot of sport — which is also really important for young people — but arts is really important as well.”
During the Federal election, both major parties pledged $187,500 towards repairs to the building.
Ms King explained that they were very grateful to have won the election so they could get the ball rolling on their commitments.

“My department takes all of those election commitments and assesses them.
“That process is now concluded, and I get a report that says, this is value for taxpayer money — we absolutely think this should go ahead.
“I have now signed off on that, and the money will start to flow to this really terrific project”,

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Secretary of Warrandyte Arts Grant Purdy said with support from the Community Bank Warrandyte and the local Rotary club, and through its own fundraising activities, Warrandyte Arts has paid for the basic work to make the old building safe — after it was severely attacked by termites.
“However, the upper workrooms are now just a ‘shell’, and the Federal Government grant will be used to create and fit out purpose-built pottery workrooms and kiln room.”
He said the Federal funds will also be used to renovate the original downstairs “garage”, turning it into a multipurpose area for a range of arts activities, as a community meeting room, and as a community arts gallery.
Ms King said she knows how important community spaces are, and often a lot of it is ageing.

“I like to try and get a look at as many of these projects as I possibly can, because you get a real sense of why they’re important.
“I have now seen the ‘before’, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the ‘after’ is going to look like.
“And I think it’ll be something pretty special for the community.”

Mr Purdy said that they are looking forward to working with Manningham Council, who are sponsoring the project, to ensure early release of the grant funds so that work can start soon and the pottery group can move into the new workrooms before winter comes.

Community groups continue the fight for better outcomes

A COORDINATED effort by Warrandyte community groups and organisations aims to ensure the outcomes of a Manningham Council review meets community needs.
The eventual release of the Warrandyte Community Facilities Review in late December triggered a strong response from facility users across the Warrandyte area.
While a few positives were identified, many felt the review did not reflect the current needs of the community.
With many feeling the review could threaten the existence of many of these groups, a coordinated response by representatives from community groups and organisations across Warrandyte aimed to make sure the wishes of the community groups and organisations that depend on these facilities were heard.
Running in parallel, and in sympathy with this was the potential demise of the Warrandyte Scout Hall, and the subsequent demise of the Warrandyte Scout Group if the hall is lost.
Previous funding to upgrade the Scout Hall had been removed from the latest municipal budget, and the Warrandyte Community Facilities Review suggested it was no longer possible to modernise the space and to make it compliant, due to the existing overlays on where it is located.
The Warrandyte Scouts submitted a Save the Warrandyte Scout Hall petition at the February 2026 Manningham Council Meeting, with 1,611 signatures.
Yarra Ward Councillor, Carli Lange, spoke about the petition at the Council Meeting, highlighting the history and social significance of the space and clarified “no decisions have been made” as yet.
Cr Lange also asked Council Officers for some clarification regarding the Review community consultation, which closed mid-February, following two periods of extension beyond its original period of 10 days when it opened in late December 2025.
At the Council Meeting, Council Officers confirmed 38 submissions had been received and that the Officers were taking their time, to work through the feedback provided.
Meanwhile, the organised community groups and organisations responding to the Review were effervescent with rage when submitters received a boilerplate response from Council following their numerous detailed and considered submissions.
The Diary has seen a number of reports from the community alliance regarding responses from Council and advocacy progress to date, a representative of the groups provided an update, printed below.

Casual inclusion

While the Review consulted permanent hirers of the facilities, and while Council stressed any reshuffling would contribute to more effective usage by casual hirers, the Review seems to have failed to contact/consult with existing casual hirers.
No Lights No Lycra Warrandyte are regular users of the Warrandyte Community Hall, using the hall when the weather means it is not appropriate to hold the Wednesday night session outside on the Warrandyte Primary School Oval.
While the group considers the Hall part of No Lights No Lycra Warrandyte’s home, as ad-hoc or casual users, they were not consulted, and feel their needs have not been addressed.

WPS students make a splash on the silver screen

A JOYFUL celebration of the golden years of Hollywood, complete with tap dancing, real “rain”, Vaudeville humour, and Broadway kick lines, was how the WPS students chose to end 2025.
All students, from Prep to Grade 6, came together to entertain the 700-plus audience at George Wood Performing Arts Centre with a dynamic and era-authentic performance of Singin’ in the Rain JR.
Principal Nieta Manser finds it hard to list just one highlight.

“The tap dancing, in particular, had the audience smiling — I was stunned at how much new technique they had learned.
The solo songs from our lead cast members were confident and impressive, and the lead actors shone with their strong acting skills and stage presence.
Every character brought something special to the performance, and the cast did a wonderful job capturing the humour, charm and fun of this musical.”

The journey to the stage began with what has become a WPS tradition, the production reveal, which included a surprise umbrella flash mob by the staff.
From there, the students enjoyed getting to know the show’s fun characters and different music genres.
They drew connections between the story and Charlie Chaplin movie excerpts viewed in the Performing Arts class unit of study, The History of Film.
The unit focused on exploring the complexities of the transition from silent movies to the introduction of “talkies”, and included an excursion to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image to interact with old film exhibits and technology.
In addition to each grade preparing class song and dance items, the students were given the opportunity to extend their skills in the areas of Tap and Broadway dancing, by opting in to additional dance ensembles, which included attending an inspiring performance of On Tap at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Some of the fabulous props and backdrops were designed by senior students who used digital technology to research and create images for the cyclorama projection.
The audience particularly enjoyed watching the old-fashioned silent-movie-style titles and the re-creation of the scene where silent film character, Lina, famously tries to sing.
For now, the students are excitedly awaiting the announcement of this year’s whole school musical.
Teachers have reported that one of the most asked questions on day one of 2026 has been, “What is this year’s production?”
While they will have to wait a couple more weeks for the big “reveal”, Nieta is confident it will be another high-energy performance that will again show how much can be achieved when a small school comes together as a team.

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Schools bushfire plan causing confusion

ON FEBRUARY 2, 2026, the Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for the Central district was High — with a rating 46 on the Fire Behaviour Index — the trigger for an Extreme FDR is 50.
However, the FDR for many of the municipalities in the Central district was rated Extreme, which triggered the closing of local schools and/or relocation of students to home learning or to another site.
This is due to a policy by the Department of Education (DoE), which uses the Local Government Area-level forecast provided exclusively to them (and other Government agencies) by the Bureau of Meteorology to determine the local FDR.
In October 2025, this happened to schools in bushy areas of Manningham and Nillumbik, but the February 2 closures impacted the Central district more broadly and highlighted the widespread confusion about the DoE’s bushfire policy.
So what happens?
In Victoria, schools, kindergartens, and childcare facilities assessed to be at the highest risk of bushfire are placed on the education department’s Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).
This register includes all schools, kindergartens, and childcare facilities in Warrandyte, North Warrandyte, Kangaroo Ground, Research, Park Orchards, and Wonga Park.
The department says inclusion on the BARR is a trigger for action, including:

(Category 1-2) pre-emptive relocation, learning from home, or closure action plans for schools and co-located services at the highest risk due to a forecast elevated FDR in their local government area.
(Category 3) pre-emptive closure for schools and early childhood services on all days forecasted by the Bureau of Meteorology to be Catastrophic FDR in their fire weather district.

Independent schools, even if they are on the BARR are advised about fire ratings, but as far as the Diary can ascertain, they are not compelled to follow the directions of the DoE.
Warrandyte Primary School and Andersons Creek Primary School, along with their associated out-of-school-hours-care programs, are both Category 1.
They relocate students to schools in Templestowe on Extreme fire-rated days, and Warrandyte High School, at Category 2, relocates classes to Templestowe College.
However, Yarra Warra Preschool is in Category 3 and will only close on Catastrophic days.
Although the LGA level forecasts are not publicly available, a DoE spokesperson said the policy was developed to keep students in school, where possible.
“Using local government fire danger ratings set by the Bureau of Meteorology to determine the approach taken on extreme weather days ensures a more accurate assessment of local conditions and risks.
“Families are always encouraged to implement their own bushfire survival plan, including decisions on school attendance”.
BOM has previously told the Diary it has no plans to make the data publicly available.
Captain of Warrandyte CFA, Will Hodgson, said the Department of Education is moving children out of those locations into a safer environment, where the department is comfortable with the safety of students.
“The Education Department directs the school, so the Education Department contacts the schools and tells the schools what they’re going to do — the principals act on the directive of the DoE.”
Captain Hodgson also said it is then up to families to determine how the school closure (or otherwise) is going to fit in with their personal fire plan.

“It’s going to be also a personal choice on how you behave, just because the education department makes a call, don’t wait for an organisation to tell you when you should or shouldn’t enact your own plan and make sure it’s safe for you.
At that trigger point, are you going to a shopping centre or going to a friend’s home in Metropolitan Melbourne?
At 3:30pm, are you picking your kids up and bringing them back to Warrandyte if that was part of your original plan?
As a parent, I can tell you that with kids who go to local primary schools, we also lose before-school care, and after-school care, and you’ve got to drive 20 minutes to drop your kids off, and you’ve got to drive 20 minutes to pick them up.
You get them back at 3:30pm on a fire risk day.
Where are you going?
Are you driving back into risky Warrandyte, which could be going through a wind change?”

With the Seasonal Outlook forecasting a higher risk to forested areas in February and March, it is likely we may have more days where the district level rating is High, but the local conditions are deemed Extreme, which means parents and students will need to have a plan to react to these disconnects at short notice.
Captain Hodgson also wanted to stress that, as the DoE uses LGA-level data, just because schools on the BARR are open or closed in Manningham, it does not mean an equivalent school will be in the same situation in Nillumbik, Yarra Ranges, or Cardinia.

Statewide Total Fire Ban – January 27 2026

COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY (CFA) has issued a Statewide Total Fire Ban (TFB) for Tuesday, January 27, which means no fires can be lit, or remain lit in the open air from 12:01am to 11:59pm on the day of the TFB.
This will be the third Statewide TFB this month.
Victoria is set to experience severe heatwave conditions tomorrow, with potentially record-breaking temperatures forecast in the northern parts of the state.
Tomorrow’s conditions will be similar to those experienced on Saturday (January 25) albeit moderately hotter.
Fresh north-northwesterly winds are expected before a cool change later in the day.
A sharp, gusty southwesterly change will reach the southwest coast in the afternoon and hit Melbourne after sunset.
There is also the slight chance of dry thunderstorms over the west of the state.
Extreme fire danger conditions are forecast for parts of the Central, North Central, South West, Wimmera and Mallee Fire Districts, with high fire danger expected elsewhere.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the TFB has been declared due to ongoing fires in the landscape, combined with the extreme heat.

“Tomorrow is not a day for complacency.
Now is the time to have your bushfire plan ready, talk with your family about what you’ll do if a fire starts, and be prepared to act early
We’re urging everyone to restrict any unnecessary travel tomorrow.
Farming activity should also be paused.
Those in risk areas should stay informed by using the VicEmergency app, setting a watch zone, and having access to more than one source of emergency information.”

A statewide Advice message encouraging people to prepare for extreme heat has been issued on VicEmergency.
“It will be extremely hot with little to no overnight relief, particularly in the north and east.
“Make sure you’re staying hydrated and checking in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours,” CO Heffernan said.

Park closures

The Extreme Fire Danger Rating for Central District also means some public spaces, such as Warrandyte Library and parts of Warrandyte State Park are also closed.
Warrandyte Library is closed to the public on Extreme and Catastrophic Fire Danger days, which means even accessing the library outside of its usual staffed period is not possible.
Additionally, Pound Bend, Jumping Creek Reserve, and Normans Reserve in North Warrandyte are closed during Extreme Fire Danger days.
On January 7, North Warrandyte CFA posted on social media about cars parked illegally at the end of Bradleys Lane, North Warrandyte, impeding access for emergency services.
North Warrandyte CFA reported the illegally parked cars to Triple Zero (000).

Keep cool and informed

Relief information is available at emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.
For more information on what you can and can’t do on a Total Fire Ban day, visit the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website.
People can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban at www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where declarations are usually published by 5pm the day before.
Victorians should ensure they have access to more than one source of information, including:

ABC local radio, commercial radio and designated Sky News radio stations
The VicEmergency app and website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
CFA and VicEmergency social media channels

Keep cool and be prepared

HOT AND DRY conditions for the remainder of the week have triggered a Total Fire Ban for Wednesday, January 7, 2026, as well as heatwave warnings.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has issued Total Fire Bans (TFB) for the Central Fire District, as well as the Wimmera and South West Districts.

Strong, north-westerly winds are expected to develop over the South West and Central districts.

The Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for Central for Wednesday, January 7 is Extreme, with a Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) rating of 49.

The Bureau of Meteorology is reported as saying the forthcoming heatwave the worst since Black Summer, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan says tomorrow’s TFB may be “just one of many” in the coming days, and is reminding residents to adhere to TFB restrictions around using power tools, wood-fired pizza ovens, et cetrea.

“We’re asking people to follow the strict requirements associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration, consider postponing harvest and cropping activities, and make sure you have your bushfire plan ready to go.

“It is really important people take the actions needed to protect themselves and their family, and that preparedness starts early,” CO Heffernan said.

Visit cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i so you know what you can and cannot do during a TFB.

If you are caught doing something on a TFB day that you are not allowed to do, you could face a fine of over $47,000 (240 penalty units) or up to two years imprisonment.

Stay safe in the heat

But fire is not the only danger, extreme heat also poses a risk, but there are simple things everyone can do to prepare for the hot days ahead.

Drink plenty of water, stay cool by seeking out air-conditioned buildings
Plan ahead and schedule activities to the coolest part of the day
If heading outdoors, seek shade when possible, wear a hat and sunscreen and avoid exercising in the heat
Check in on others most at risk in the heat.

People who are vulnerable to extreme heat include the elderly, babies and infants, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.

These conditions can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, trigger heart attacks or stroke, or worsen existing conditions such as kidney or lung disease.

Walter Magilton

Funeral update

Due to the weather forecast, Walter’s funeral will now be held at 2:30pm, Wednesday January 7 at the The Manningham Hotel Grand Ballroom
1 Thompsons Rd, Bulleen

Walter Moreland Magilton

2 October 1933 – 21 December 2025

OBITUARY

Walter has gone for his last drive.

Born on 2 October 1933, Walter lived a long and richly layered life grounded in curiosity, craftsmanship, and quiet dedication. A long-time resident of Warrandyte, he was deeply connected to his community, his family, and his passions.

Walter was a renowned painter and long-serving educator whose teaching career and artistic practice spanned decades.

Through both brush and classroom, he inspired generations with patience, discipline, and a deep respect for creativity.

He was also an avid MG motor car enthusiast, a member of the Melbourne MG Car Club since its inception, and a proud Life Member.

The road, the machine, and the friendships formed along the way brought him immense joy.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife Denise; his son Matthew and his wife Imogene, and their twin daughters Isobel, Genevieve; his daughter Jannie, her husband Bruce, and their children Roy and Ali; and his stepdaughter Melissa and her husband Troy, stepson Craig, and stepdaughter Cecelia and her husband Tony.

He will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his steady hand, his love of learning, and a life well lived.

Lovingly remembered. Deeply missed.

Funeral details

Walter’s funeral will be held at the Warrandyte Uniting Church, Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte, at 2pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

For more on the life of Walter Magilton, please revisit an article the Diary published in 2024 about his Life’s Journey in Art

Artworks:

Self Portrait by Walter Magilton
Jaguar Cars in Action: from the Silverstone series by Walter Magilton

Consultation extended for Warrandyte Community Facilities Review

Following community feedback, Manningham Council has extended the deadline for comments on the Warrandyte Community Facilities Review.
Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas said that Council had listened to recent feedback from the community and extended the deadline to Monday, February 2, 2026.

“While no decisions have been made, our community has told us that they’d like more time to consider the opportunities outlined in the review.
This consultation process is part of a continuing conversation with the Warrandyte community, which has helped to shape the report and will also help us to explore options in more detail in the future.
Over the past 18 months, we have listened to feedback from more than 30 key stakeholders, including community groups and facility users — but we want to ensure that everyone has a further opportunity to have their say.
We have heard our community and appreciate their interest in this review, which is why we are extending the consultation time by six weeks.
I want to thank everyone who has already taken the time to share their thoughts, whether it be recently or during the development of this review.”

The Warrandyte Community Facilities Review Report identifies potential opportunities for improving local community facilities and was a key recommendation of the 2023 Manningham Community Infrastructure Plan.
In addition to consultation with key stakeholders, detailed needs analysis, and building condition assessments have been undertaken to better understand community needs and ensure any future works result in fit-for-purpose facilities.
“The review outlines opportunities for further investigation, and we will continue this important work in consultation with our community.
“I encourage everyone to share their feedback,” Cr Grivas said.

In the December edition of Warrandyte Diary, Sandi Miller wrote a detailed outline of what the Report, which is reproduced below:

Warrandyte Community Facilities Review
provides more questions than answers

By SANDI MILLER

OVER THE PAST 18 months, Manningham Council has undertaken a community facilities review for Warrandyte in an effort to identify ways to best utilise the community’s spaces.
As a result of the review, a number of key infrastructure projects around Warrandyte have been delayed, which is frustrating many in the community.
The Warrandyte Community Facilities Review 2025 is now available to view on Council’s YourSay website, with a chance for the community to provide feedback.
The report notes that Council prioritises public places, spaces, and programs:

“To ensure they are accessible, well maintained, and well used; ensuring community facilities are multipurpose and support intergenerational use and connections; and upgrading and consolidating facilities (including creating community hubs) in well-connected locations”.

Mayor of Manningham Jim Grivas told the Diary:

“The review has been undertaken to identify opportunities for land owned by Council.
It has been a complex and detailed needs analysis, which has taken some time as we have consulted widely with more than 30 community groups who use these spaces”.

What Warrandyte has

The review assessed existing, Council-owned community facilities and services across Warrandyte and Warrandyte South, and looked to find opportunities for Council to consolidate these community resources through co-location and relocation, while maximising use by groups and services across fewer sites, as the report notes many of the sites and facilities are underutilised.
Cr Grivas said:

“The review has been about identifying opportunities for our community infrastructure — we will not be developing a master plan, rather we will now explore each of the identified opportunities separately in consultation with the community.”

There are a number of Council-managed facilities across the Greater Warrandyte area:

Early Years

Warrandyte Kindergarten
Warrandyte Childcare and Preschool

Public Halls

Warrandyte Community Hall
Warrandyte Scout Hall
Warrandyte South Hall

Community spaces

Warrandyte Community Centre
Warrandyte Museum

Sporting facilities

Warrandyte Reserve
Warrandyte Tennis Club
South Warrandyte Tennis Annexe
Colman Park Sports Oval and Pavilion
Wyena Horse and Pony Club
Warrandyte Sports Centre

Consolidation

With some assets deemed too old or not accessible, and others deemed as being too remote, the report suggests moving some groups out of their existing buildings and into a new location that can address Council’s inclusivity, accessibility, and usage issues.
One example Council considered is a new Community Hub at Warrandyte Reserve, which could replace the Warrandyte Kinder and the Community Hall, or renovation to the existing Community Hall to accommodate new users.
The report proposes moving the Scouts and the Historical Society out of their existing, historic buildings due to a lack of compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act and the difficulties posed by the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay.
The Diary asked Council what the fate of these historic landmarks would be if the groups were moved to other spaces.
Cr Grivas said while there are no immediate plans to move these groups out of the existing facilities, there is still a lot of work to do to determine the future of the buildings “to maximise the best use of our facilities”.
He said Council’s immediate priorities will be to undertake a feasibility study into the potential expansion and upgrade of the Warrandyte Community Hall and to advocate to the State Government to relocate the Warrandyte Kindergarten to a new facility at one of the two local primary schools.
He said the $100,000 feasibility study will look at possibilities at the Community Hall to allow for storage and activity needs for the Men’s Shed and Scouts alongside the existing users, including the Senior Citizens.
This is instead of a large-scale community hub, which Council says is not cost-effective given Warrandyte’s relatively small population of 6,000.

Playing early years Tetris

Council is also keen on co-locating Warrandyte Kinder with one of the primary schools, as per the Victorian Government’s Best Start Best Life (BSBL) reforms.
These reforms require a progressive increase in the number of funded kindergarten hours over the next decade.
Under the reform, funded kindergarten services will be required to provide 15 hours of 3-year-old kindergarten per week from 2029, and 30 hours of 4-year-old kindergarten from 2034.
Alongside the Warrandyte Facilities Review, Council has released an Early Years Infrastructure Plan, which was endorsed at its November Council meeting.
Under this plan, Council will advocate for the State Government to move Warrandyte Kinder to either Warrandyte or Andersons Creek Primary School, this would potentially free up space at the reserve to move the Warrandyte Childcare and Preschool from its current location at Masonic Avenue to Taroona Avenue and be co-located in a new building along with the Toy Library.
The questions raised by this option are multiple and include whether the State Government would be willing to fund up to $4M for a kindergarten building on the school grounds, and indeed if the kinder were to be located on one of the schools, whether this would be detrimental to the other of our primary school’s prep intake, as the kinder would be a natural feeder to the host school.
When the Diary put this to Council, Cr Grivas said these questions are for the State Government to determine, as

“it is their decision how to accommodate changes due to the Best Start Best Life kinder program”.

Failing the State Government funding, another option the review considers is to renovate the existing kindergarten buildings to accommodate the BSBL program, and continue to maintain the Masonic Avenue facility.

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What are the options?

The review has suggested the following options be explored:

Opportunity 1:
Warrandyte Community Hall

Refurbish and expand Warrandyte Community Hall (Warrandyte Reserve) to accommodate increased use, such as Scouts and Men’s Shed.
Undertake feasibility, site and concept planning for the proposed refurbishment and expansion of the Hall in collaboration with existing users of the Community Hall, the Scout Hall, and Warrandyte Reserve.
Work with Warrandyte Toy Library to understand their future needs and investigate alternatives to accommodate their needs.
Determine the future of the existing Scout Hall in collaboration with key stakeholders, pending the ability to relocate the Warrandyte Scout Group and Men’s Shed to an alternate location.

Opportunity 2:
Early Years’ Facilities

Advocate and partner with the State Government to relocate Warrandyte Kindergarten to one of the primary schools in Warrandyte.
Relocate Warrandyte Childcare and Preschool to a new building on the Warrandyte Kindergarten site, subject to relocation of the kindergarten to one of the primary schools and pending Council’s support for childcare services in Warrandyte.
Alternate direction (if relocation of kindergarten to a primary school site cannot be achieved)
Develop a two-room kindergarten on the current Warrandyte Kindergarten site.
This will require a kindergarten to be temporarily relocated while the site is redeveloped.
Continue to maintain and upgrade Warrandyte Childcare and Preschool and explore partnering opportunities with private or not for profit organisations to address infrastructure and service needs.

Opportunity 3:
Warrandyte Community Centre

Explore opportunities for Warrandyte Community Centre to accommodate additional uses such the Toy Library, Youth programs, and the Warrandyte Historical Museum.
Address building functionality issues including:

Provide a rubbish bin enclosure.
Improve accessibility and safety around the outside of the building, including the car park, and along the Mitchell Avenue side of the building.
Improve wayfinding both outside and inside the building.
Implement a more co-ordinated approach to operating and managing the Community Centre to encourage co-operation between tenants and users, facilitate increased use of the Centre, and provide clear communication pathways for raising and addressing issues.

Opportunity 4:
Sporting facilities in Warrandyte Reserve

Explore opportunities to increase the use of the Warrandyte Sports Club pavilion (particularly on weekdays during the day) by reviewing existing lease arrangements in collaboration with user groups.
Progressively improve sporting facilities in accordance with Council Policy and Capital Works Program including pavilions, storage areas, outdoor shelter, and access to public toilets, in consultation with sporting groups.

Opportunity 5:
Warrandyte Historical Museum

Explore options for addressing the long-term needs of Warrandyte Historical Museum including:

Retaining the Historical Museum in its current location and addressing functionality deficits e.g. storage, workspace and toilet facilities.
Relocating the Historical Museum to other premises e.g. Warrandyte Community Centre (pending further investigation)

Opportunity 6:
Colman Park

Undertake further planning to explore options and alternatives for Colman Park including the tennis facilities, the main pavilion, sports ground, and horse and pony grounds.
Explore opportunities to increase the use of the Colman Park pavilions by reviewing existing lease arrangements in collaboration with user groups.
Assess functionality issues with the main pavilion and associated sports ground to determine possible capital works initiatives, consistent with Council’s existing policies and standards for investment in community facilities and sporting infrastructure.

What is ruled out?

The review is not committing to any of the options for immediate action, but has determined a number of proposals the community has been calling for over many years are not feasible — this includes the purchase of either the old Warrandyte Café on the corner of Police Street for use as an early years hub, or the old Petrol Station at 44 Yarra Street for use by the Scouts and/or Men’s Shed.
It has also ruled out ideas such as using either the ground floor of the Warrandyte Tennis Club or the former Police House for a Men’s Shed.
It has also labelled the upgrade of the Warrandyte Scout Hall, the Taroona Avenue Kinder, and the Masonic Avenue Childcare and Preschool as “not preferred”.

Community concerns

One of Council’s preferred options for the Men’s Shed is to move it to Colman Reserve or the South Warrandyte Hall.
A spokesperson for the Warrandyte Men’s Shed has told the Diary that moving to South Warrandyte would not be in the best interest of the Men’s Shed, as transport issues and isolation of the sites would deter members from attending.
Cr Grivas said Council acknowledges that access to Warrandyte South is more challenging and has a higher reliance on private transport.

“Access would need to be considered as part of further exploration of these options, in consultation with user groups.
“We continue to advocate to the State Government for improvements to Manningham bus services, and we are pleased that as a result of Council and community advocacy, an upgrade to the 5-ways intersection is now being planned.”

The Diary has questioned Council about it wanting to consolidate such a broad range of community groups into either an expanded Warrandyte Hall or the Community Centre, and suggested having groups trying to time-share these spaces could compound the problem, similar to the issue faced by Warrandyte Basketball Association with regards to access to appropriate facilities, such as Mullum Mullum Stadium as everyone wants the space at the same time.
Cr Grivas said they were exploring synergies with “complementary groups” sharing the space, for example, the Senior Citizens would have most use of the hall during the day, and the Scouts would use it in the evenings.

“We have, and will continue to work closely with the user groups to understand their needs,”

He also suggested that there could be some dedicated storage and meeting rooms for groups within the buildings, with shared facilities such as kitchens and toilets.
Although there is sufficient space to develop a large-scale Community Hub at Warrandyte Reserve, Council determined it was not their preferred option due to concerns about per-capita cost, as well as traffic management and parking, and not being able to meet the needs of the Scouts and Men’s Shed.
The Scouts have been vocal about the lack of maintenance of their building and are strongly opposed to moving (see letter Page 21 in the December edition).
A spokesperson for the Warrandyte Scouts has said that without bespoke facilities in a central Warrandyte location close to the river and market, and the ability to have control of its own space, the club would struggle to survive.
While time is of the essence for many of these groups, who have been waiting for years for action on urgent upgrades to existing facilities — or just for finding a space for them — Council says there is still much consultation to undertake before any progress is made on works for these facilities.

What do you think?

The Diary is already ware that a number of communtity groups and organsiations have already reached out to, or plan to reach out, to Council to voice their concerns regarding the Report.
With the consultation extended until February, there is more time (during the holdiay period) for the communtiy to provide their response.
The Diary will be following up this story next year, if you would like to share your views and or/suggestions regarding any aspect of the Review, please do send us an email.

Read the report at Your Say Manningham and provide feedback by 5pm, Monday February 2, 2026.

Don’t let your actions start a fire this summer

Featured image courtesy CFA Media

DESPITE the cold, wet weather leading up to the first day of summer, the Fire Danger Period has begun, and fire restrictions are in place for most of the State.
As we go to print, only Manningham, Maroondah, Yarra Ranges, and Knox are yet to be declared.
The recently released summer Seasonal Outlook has indicated the potential for an above-average fire season in the forested areas around Melbourne in January and February, including Kinglake and the Yarra Ranges.
With the start of summer upon us, CFA is urging the community to act safely, with nearly half of all bush and grassfires in Victoria being caused by reckless behaviour.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said recklessly or deliberately lit bush and grass fires have potentially disastrous consequences.

“These types of fires are avoidable.
“They put our firefighters at risk and the community at risk.
“We are urging everyone to be mindful of their actions and act sensibly to protect themselves and their loved ones”.

Said CO Heffernan.
At the end of the last fire season, a bushfire started due to a spark from welding at a property in Christmas Hills.
More than 35 crews from CFA brigades across the region, including air assets, took 36 hours to control, contain, and ultimately extinguish the fire.
Reckless behaviour can include disobeying restrictions relating to total fire ban or fire danger periods, leaving campfires unattended, burning off without a permit, or using hot tools or machinery that emits flames or sparks on total fire ban days.
It is a criminal offence under Victorian law to cause a bushfire recklessly, or to be reckless as to the spread of a fire to vegetation or property belonging to another.
The official bushfire seasonal outlook for summer released by the Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services (AFAC), suggests an increased bushfire risk for parts of Victoria this year due to severe rainfall deficits.
An increased risk of fire is forecast for the south-west and western Victoria, as well as north central, east central and south-west Gippsland.
This includes Melbourne’s outskirts and the Mornington Peninsula, where coastal heathlands and heathy woodlands will be a significant risk this summer due to high amounts of dead fuel.
CO Heffernan said all Victorians would play a role in keeping everyone safe this summer.

“It only takes one bad day to have a bad fire season, so we need to stay vigilant.
“We know we have a challenging season ahead and we want to ensure our firefighters are not being called out for things that could have been avoided.”

He urged people to follow the rules of the Fire Danger Period.

“Make sure you understand the rules; they are there to keep us all safe.
“Before the festive season gets too busy, take time to make an escape plan, especially if you’re travelling to a bushfire risk area.
“Your plan should include which Fire Danger Rating will trigger your decision to leave, where you’ll go, and how you’ll get there.
“Always consider different scenarios and back-up plans.
“Leaving early, either the night before or early morning on a high-risk fire day, is the safest option.”

On Sunday, December 14, at 11am, Warrandyte CFA have a Fire Planning Workshop at the Warrandyte Fire Station.
To register your attendance, visit the Warrandyte CFA Facebook page.

Circle of support: CareNet and Box Divvy unite to tackle rising food insecurity this Christmas

ACROSS Victoria, more people than ever are struggling to put food on the table, and in the lead-up to Christmas, that need is being felt sharply across Melbourne’s northeast, where CareNet is working to increase food accessibility and help the community overcome food insecurity.
With demand already surging, CareNet is facing an additional challenge as one of its key suppliers prepares to pause operations in the coming weeks for a major warehouse move.
The timing could not be more difficult, but community grocery network Box Divvy, alongside its fresh produce partner BivianoDirect, has stepped in to help ensure food relief continues without disruption.
Box Divvy will send a truckload of pantry staples from its Sydney warehouse to support CareNet’s Christmas program, ensuring families do not miss out on food relief during one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year.
“It’s a real circle of support,” said Kellie Wishart, CEO of CareNet and leader of the Box Divvy Templestowe Hub.

“This is our busiest time of year.
“Every week, more people are reaching out for help, often for the first time.
“Having Box Divvy, Biviano, and the wider community rally around us means we can keep food flowing to the people who need it most this Christmas.”

Tackling food insecurity together

CareNet works with local partners to increase access to nutritious food and build community resilience.
The organisation rescues over 1,000 kilograms of food each week, destined for landfill, from local businesses and redistributes it through a network of volunteers and community programs to people experiencing hardship.
Box Divvy, which recently expanded into Victoria, operates like a modern-day food co-op.
Neighbours join together to buy fresh, seasonal food and pantry staples from mostly Australian suppliers, reducing packaging, waste, and costs.
Its community-driven model has been shown to reduce food insecurity, according to research conducted by the University of Wollongong and Western Sydney University.
The study found that Box Divvy improves access to affordable, nutritious food while strengthening social connections, values that align closely with CareNet’s mission.
The partnership is a natural fit, with both organisations focused on practical, community-led solutions to ensure everyone has access to good food.
“Box Divvy exists to make good food more accessible while supporting local communities and growers,” said Jayne Travers-Drapes, Box Divvy Co-Founder.

“When we heard CareNet could be affected by a supply pause right before Christmas, we wanted to help.
“This partnership shows how community-based solutions can make a real difference where it’s needed most.”

The Templestowe Hub, run out of CareNet, was the first Box Divvy Hub to open in Victoria and now has local members working together to source affordable food for their neighbourhood.

How you can help

CareNet is inviting residents, schools, and workplaces to take part in its Reverse Advent Calendar appeal, a simple and meaningful way to give back.
Participants add one non-perishable item to a box each day in December, then drop it off at CareNet, to be shared with a local household in need.
People can also sponsor a hamper or download the Reverse Advent Calendar list at carenet.org.au.

“Every item and every donation makes a difference.
“It has been a tough year for many, but this reminds us of what can happen when communities come together.
“The heart of Christmas is right here, in people helping people.” added Ms Wishart.

To connect with CareNet, or pick up or drop off a reverse advent calendar, visit carenet.org.au, visit them at 143 Parker Street, Templestowe, or call 9846 7244.

Community connection for the vision impaired

Feature photo: Stephen Reynolds
Photo description: Carole sits at her computer getting ready to listen to the latest edition

SINCE JANUARY this year, the Diary’s editorial team has been producing high-quality audio recordings of all articles printed in both the Warrandyte Diary and Manningham-Nillumbik Bulletin.
JOZICA KUTIN spoke to two local residents who are now able to enjoy the Diary despite vision impairments.

Grabbing a copy of the Diary each month is part of being and living in Warrandyte.
But what happens when you can no longer read print?
What happens when you can no longer read your beloved copy of The Diary?
The Lions Club of Warrandyte funded a project this year to create an audio version of all articles in the Diary and the Manningham and Nillumbik Bulletin to improve access for people with vision impairment or print disability.
Local resident, Carole Adis has been reading the Diary ever since she moved to Warrandyte:

“We moved here into our new home in 1969, I don’t know when it started, but we’ve been reading it since then, if it was around then.
“I used to read the Diary more or less from cover to cover.
“It’s a very good paper.”

However, in recent years, Carole has developed macular degeneration and has lost all but a tiny amount of vision in her right eye.
Carole’s vision impairment has had a significant impact on her day-to-day life.

“I have peripheral vision in both eyes, which allows me to see shapes, people, colours, things, go for a walk, see cars, but I can’t see details.
“And it’s been a couple of years or more since I was able to read print.”

Carole now relies on her husband Alf to read sections of the Diary to her, but given her use of audio books from Vision Australia, she was keen to know more about the audio version of the Diary — the “Podcast” or “Audio Editions”.

We navigate to the Apple Podcast App on her phone and start playing one of last month’s articles titled Art to Art: Tony Mellen Scuptor.
Immediately, on hearing the article, Carole’s face lights up and she smiles as she listens.

“Is that his real voice?
“It doesn’t sound like a real voice.
“It’s too good.”

In fact, it was read by the Diary’s editors.
We start to listen to the next article by Carly Lunt, read by one of the Diary’s volunteer readers from the Warrandyte Arts Association.
Again, Carole notes the quality of the narration, and there is a clear sense now that she need not miss out on the Diary anymore.

“Well, it was good.
“It was telling me what was written in the Diary.”

Tony, another long-time Warrandyte resident, is also experiencing worsening vision.
He is no longer able to read the paper version and accessing the digital version of the Diary is becoming increasingly difficult.
Some weeks ago, I told Tony about the audio versions on the Warrandyte Diary webpage and asked what he thought of it.
Tony said,

“Well, I found them very helpful.
“It saved me struggling around to try to read them [on the website] and they were very clear.
“They were good — well read.”

The recent Australian Eye and Ear Health Survey found that five per cent of Australians have bilateral vision impairment (that is, loss of vision in both eyes).
But when we look at the data for people over 80 years of age, vision loss in both eyes is at its peak: 19.6 per cent for Indigenous Australians and 11.7 per cent for non-Indigenous adults.
All editions of the 2025 Warrandyte Diary and Manningham & Nillumbik Bulletin are now in audio format – all in all about 800 articles.
The articles are read by Rebecca Rose, Diary Office and Advertising Manager, who has also credits as a film and stage performer, the Diary Editors, Sandi Miller and James Poyner, volunteers from the Warrandyte Arts Association Adrian and Hazel Rice, and sometimes the authors themselves, in a professional recording studio.
I asked both Tony and Carole — what could be done to improve access to this resource.
Tony said,

“I would never have found out about them had it not been for the fact that you told me about them.
“So, I had no idea, and I suppose if it was publicised in the Diary that these things were available, then the information, even had I not read it, somebody would’ve told me about it probably.
“Well, really it needs to be known generally so that somebody who is helping with the vision problems knows about it and can refer you to it and show you how to use it.”

Carole was equally enthusiastic about getting the word out.

“Well, I think they need to have a big leaflet inside the Diary with big writing to attract people’s attention and how to do it, how to set it up on your phone.
“I think rather than write a paragraph or something which is overlooked, if you want people to use it, know it’s there, then it needs to be a full page with big writing, not very much of it either.”

The funding from the Lions Club of Warrandyte has been instrumental in creating the high-quality audio version of the Diary and M&N Bulletin.
More funding is being sought to continue the recordings, but to also improve the visual accessibility of the Diary webpage and developing a program to facilitate uptake and use of the audio–Diary for people with vision impairment.
Losing eyesight, and losing access to the Diary, can lead to a loss of connection with our local community and exacerbate isolation.
The audio-version of the Diary goes some way to keeping people connected to what’s happening in our great community.
You can access the audio editions through the Diary website (select Audio Editions from the menu) or directly through Soundcloud, YouTube, Podcast Addict, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.
Just search “Reading of the Manningham & Nillumbik Bulletin” or “Reading of the Warrandyte Diary articles”.
If you would like to know more about the audio version, would like to volunteer to read, or coach a vision impaired person to access the site, please contact the Editors via email at editor@warrandytediary.com.au.

Fitzsimons Reserve flow trails park

FITZSIMONS Reserve is set for an upgrade, creating a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable space for local residents and visitors.
Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas said the upgrade is about giving the community more opportunities to get outdoors, stay active, and enjoy Manningham’s natural environment.

“We want this space to reflect what matters to you.
“Now is your chance to tell us what you think about the proposed improvement at Fitzsimons Reserve and to help shape the final design,”

Cr Grivas said.

Proposed improvements include:

Manningham’s first mountain bike flow trail for riders of all abilities
a new canoe launch ramp upstream of the rapids
additional parking for easier access
tree planting to enhance habitat links for local wildlife
new park furniture and updated signage

The mountain bike flow trail will be the first bike facility delivered under Manningham Council’s Recreational Bike Facilities Plan, endorsed in October 2025.

“This upgrade marks an important step in bringing our long-term vision to life.
“Your feedback and ideas will help us create a trail that riders of all skill levels can enjoy,”

Cr Grivas said.
Complete the survey by Monday, December 15 at yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/fitzsimons-reserve-upgrade.
Manningham Council is delivering this project as part of its Parks Improvement Program and Recreational Bike Facilities Plan.
Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2026 and will take around two months, subject to weather conditions.

Wildlife collisions on the rise – Are virtual fences the answer?

AS THE DROUGHT brings wildlife into closer and closer proximity to our population centres, wildlife road strikes are becoming an increasing problem in Manningham and Nillumbik’s rural roads.

Insurance data shows thousands of collisions involving kangaroos have been reported across the state in recent years.

Between 2021 and June 2025, RACV Insurance received over 23,000 claims for kangaroo-related collisions, with 2024 recording the highest number of claims (5,883).

The average RACV claim total following a collision with an animal in the 2025 financial year was $8,984.

RACV General Manager Insurance and Roadside Bill Bloodworth said collisions with wildlife are unfortunately common across Victoria, especially in areas where urban development meets regional roads.

In an attempt to reduce collisions with animals, Manningham Council has installed Virtual Fencing along Jumping Creek Road, Wonga Park.

Tony McGann, Manningham’s Acting Director of City Services, explained that there are 20 virtual fences along Jumping Creek Road — between Nelson Drive and the entrance to Jumping Creek Reserve.

He said Council’s virtual fencing was installed as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade in locations identified as high-risk areas for wildlife incidents to improve road safety for all road users.

“These fences form part of a series of initiatives such as overhead canopy bridges and community education to help reduce roadkill across Manningham.

“We have received many anecdotal reports from both local wildlife carers and residents that the virtual fences, along with the canopy bridges, are reducing roadkill along Jumping Creek Road,” he said.

While it is still too early for Manningham to have any conclusive data on the effectiveness of the fencing, a three-year trial has been carried out along Forest Road, Anglesea, with some astonishing results.

Jason Cichocki of Surfcoast Wildlife Rescue said 250 kangaroos and wallabies were being hit and killed annually prior to the fencing being installed.

The trial showed an 81 per cent reduction in the incidents of wildlife road strikes in the trial area.

Which is down 608 over the three-year period on this one road alone.

And on top of that, he said there were significant reductions in bird strikes, and for other animals such as echidnas and possums.

In the three years prior to the trial, an average of five birds per day (or around 5,500 in total) were being hit and killed on Forest Road.

In the three years following the installation of virtual fencing, that number was just 16 in total for the whole period, and zero echidnas were killed during that time.

Nillumbik Mayor John Dumaresq said road strikes are something Council is very concerned about.

“We are actively working towards reducing incidents.

“We recently provided a submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Wildlife Road strike in Victoria and are currently awaiting its outcome.

“The recommendations that come from the inquiry should help provide guidance on steps we could take on local roads in our shire,” he said.

Nillumbik’s submission to the inquiry said the vast array of wildlife (342 recorded indigenous fauna species and 26 introduced fauna species) presented significant wildlife-safety and driver-safety issues along Nillumbik’s extensive road network, which includes 310km of unsealed roads and 460km of sealed roads.

The submission presented data collected over the past 10 years showing that wildlife-vehicle collisions are the primary cause (47.6 per cent) of reported wildlife-related incidents across the Shire.

During that time, over 3,500 animals were recorded as being “hit by a vehicle”, with the vast majority being kangaroos.

Council highlighted the significant hours that volunteers give to responding to road strikes.

Nillumbik Council has suggested the State Government could provide greater financial, coordination and marketing/promotional support for wildlife injury/rescue volunteer groups and individuals.

The submission also highlighted the increasing numbers of deer across the state means that the risk of major trauma incidents and motor vehicle damage arising from road strikes is increasing.

“Given the visible nature of road-strikes, wildlife death and injury is a prominent and distressing matter for many in our community, and also for visitors to the shire,” the submission stated.

It also noted the heightened risk of hitting a deer or kangaroo at dusk and in the evening, resulting in an avoidance of travelling at these times for many Nillumbik motorists, which can have socio-economic and well-being impacts.

Its submission is also calling for variable speed limits at dusk in targeted locations.

Through its submission to the inquiry, Council is seeking support and commitment from the State Government to deliver virtual fencing on state and local roads in Nillumbik.

The top potential locations for virtual fencing, as per Wildlife Victoria callout statistics are:

Eltham-Yarra Glen Road
(349 callouts)
Yan Yean Road (164 callouts)
Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Road (140 callouts)
Heidelberg-Kinglake Road
(137 callouts)
Bannon’s Lane (118 callouts)
Research-Warrandyte Road
(68 callouts)
Kangaroo Ground-Wattle Glen Road (60 callouts)
Arthurs Creek Road (57 callouts)
Rangeview Road / Broad Gully Road (57 callouts)
Cottles Bridge-Strathewen Road
(49 callouts)
Ben Frilay Reserve Access
(47 callouts)
Doctors Gully Road (47 callouts)

A Warrandyte resident recently illustrated this stark data.

“While driving between Warrandyte and St Andrews, we counted maybe a dozen dead kangaroos and/or wombats on the edge of Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Road,” they said.

Staying safe on the road

Tips to avoid animal collisions:

Be aware of peak times: Kangaroos are most active at dawn, dusk and night.
Slow down: Reduce speed in areas with wildlife signage or when visibility is poor.
Scan ahead: Look both sides of the road and the edges of the tree line for movement.
Avoid swerving: If a collision is unavoidable, brake firmly in a straight line.
Use high beams: When safe to do so, high beams can help detect animals further ahead.

RACV General Manager Insurance and Roadside, Bill Bloodworth, added that while hitting a kangaroo can be distressing, motorists should prioritise safety.

“If you’re involved in a collision, pull over safely, activate hazard lights and check on passengers.

“If anyone is injured, call 000.

“If the animal is injured, contact local wildlife services on 8400 7300.”

Northern Oval “dogpark” works set to begin

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THE “UPGRADE” to the Warrandyte Reserve Northern Oval, and surrounds, to make it a more accessible space for dog walkers, sporting clubs, and the community in general, is about to begin.

The initial announcement in the 2023/2024 State Budget was for Manningham Council to be granted $300,000 towards a dog park at Stiggant Reserve, through the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program.

This was later clarified to be the Warrandyte Reserve Northern Oval, following “protracted negotiations” between the State Government and Manningham Council.

The long process of consultation, design, and general bureaucracy now has the works scheduled to begin in “late 2025”.

Key aspects of the final design include:

relocation of the new shelter to the eastern side of the oval, opposite the tennis court car park, to protect significant trees and improve access to existing paths and amenities
installation of a new 1.5-metre-wide concrete footpath to help manage erosion on the steep terrain
replacement of the existing timber retaining wall with a more robust mudstone rock wall
new garden beds featuring indigenous trees and plants around the new path areas
new bollards along the northern edge of the car park to enhance pedestrian safety.

The media release also notes that areas of the reserve will be temporarily closed during construction.

The Diary contacted Manningham Council to seek clarification on some of the noted final design points, Acting Director City Services, Tony McGann, provided the following statement:

“The Warrandyte Reserve Northern Oval upgrade aims to improve the reserve facilities for all users, including dog owners and sporting groups.

Upgrades will include replacing older sections of fencing to match the newer black design, along with installing additional gates to improve access to the oval.

To maintain compliance with sporting standards, the fence will remain semi-enclosed, with openings near the coaching boxes.

We’re also installing a new shelter with seating, which will replace the existing goal storage bay, located between the oval and tennis courts.

This shelter has been relocated from its original concept design to protect significant trees and better connect with surrounding facilities.

Goals and equipment will be stored at the Manningham Depot.

The upgrade will be delivered in two stages.

Stage 1 will start with landscaping works in late 2025.

Stage 2 will focus on upgrading drainage in the northern oval, with works expected to start in February 2026.

We’ll continue working closely with sporting clubs to manage any impacts on the 2026 cricket season.”

While these works improve dog park facilities in the Warrandyte area, what the community still lacks is a fully enclosed, dedicated dog park, and it is unclear how this will address the issue of uncollected dog poo on Warrandyte’s sporting ovals.

Hot, dry fire season predicted

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AN INCREASED risk of fire is predicted for drought-affected areas of Victoria as the state has record-low rainfall over the past 18 months.

According to the latest Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) Seasonal Outlook, autumn was very dry across Victoria.

The report notes the state has had some winter rain, this has resulted in the top layer of soil being damp, with lower-level soil remaining historically dry in some areas, and uncertainty in how long the top layer of soil will stay damp.

While forest fire potential is likely to remain suppressed through early to mid-spring, a lack of spring rainfall could see underlying dryness rebound quickly, driving a rapid shift to above-normal fire potential in late spring and summer.

Areas with arid vegetation types may dry out quicker and support bushfires with any warmer, windy weather.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range September to November forecast predicts above average rainfall is likely (60 per cent to greater than 80 per cent chance) for much of the eastern half of Australia.

Maximum temperatures during September to November are likely (60 per cent to greater than 80 per cent chance) to be above average across south eastern Australia with minimum temperatures also very likely to be above average almost nationwide.

There is an increased chance of unusually high maximum temperatures across northern and south-east Australia.

As a result, AFAC is predicting above-average fire potential in Victoria, mostly later in spring.

It says the rainfall likely to generate green growth in paddocks through spring, once again concealing underlying dryness.

Grass is likely to dry out earlier than normal.

There remains uncertainty about the rain expected around the Dandenong Ranges, if less than expected rainfall occurs, the region may rapidly switch to above-average fire potential.

Monitoring of rainfall and fuel conditions will occur throughout spring to identify key risk areas leading into the summer period.

AFAC says the background global warming trend means Australia will experience ongoing changes to its weather and climate, including:

more heat extremes, and fewer cold extremes
reduced average cool season (April to October) rainfall over the southern half of the continent
greater intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events, even in regions where average rainfall has decreased
a longer fire season, with more dangerous fire weather days.

Rob Mitchell MP, Federal Member for McEwen, which covers parts of Nillumbik, said communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and alert as deadly and dangerous fires can still occur during average or below average seasons.

“The electorate of McEwen has a long history of bushfires that have ravaged our community.

“We will never forget events such as Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday,”

“As we approach the end of the year, we know that there is always going to be an increased risk of severe weather, including bushfires.

“It is important that communities start thinking about their emergency planning and preparedness while they can.

“There are so many things we can do to prepare for the season.

“Like establishing a family emergency plan or cleaning up around your home as these things all help in a fire or storm.”

Mr Mitchell said.

Despite the recent AFAC Spring Seasonal Bushfire Outlook indicating increased fire risk across several drought-affected parts of the state, a recent CFA survey found that out of the 611 people interviewed, 24 per cent did not feel adequately prepared around their home.

The survey found that 40 per cent of Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas do not have a bushfire plan in place to save their family.

One in five people in these areas do not believe “leaving early” in a fire emergency is the best way to safeguard their loved ones, and 16 per cent would stay to protect their property.

CFA’s annual post-season bushfire community survey has been conducted every year since 2009 to understand the attitudes, behaviours and preparedness of householders living in bushfire risk locations in Victoria.

Over the last two years, the survey shows the perception of a bushfire being a threat to Victorians and their property has declined from very large to small, with 50 per cent of people not showing concern and nearly 40 per cent are not alarmed enough to warrant direct interaction with CFA.

Worryingly, those least concerned, and less likely to be prepared were located just 500 metres to one kilometre from bushland.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan expressed his concerns about the distressing statistics, warning Victorians that now is not the time to be complacent with an earlier and more active fire season predicted.

“It is never too early to prepare.

“Don’t gamble with your safety this season.

“Residents living in high fire-risk areas must take their preparation more seriously.

“Take a moment to sit down with your household and make a plan so everyone knows what they need to do and where they need to go if a fire threatens your local area.

“It’s easy to panic and make poor decisions if you’re not prepared, and the last thing you want in an emergency is to become trapped.

“Leaving early is your greatest form of protection,” Mr Heffernan said.

A further 31 per cent of respondents would delay leaving until threatened by a bushfire, waiting for the danger to increase or for instructions from emergency services.

“It is vital you understand the risks of your residential area and where you are travelling this summer.

“The best way to do this is to download the VicEmergency App and set your watch zones to your locations so you are alerted to warnings wherever you are,”

“Don’t wait for an official warning before you take action to protect your family.

“We have a number of resources available on our website to actively help you prepare before it is too late, and our volunteers are always happy to help you with any questions you may have.”

Mr Heffernan said.

North Warrandyte CFA are one of many brigades who will be holding a Get Fire Ready weekend on October 4 and 5, where brigades will open their doors to connect with local community members, hoping to build public awareness and preparedness across Victoria.

“We’re seeing a concerning decline in property preparedness around Victorian households, so we’re really encouraging you to tidy up around your homes over coming weeks,” Jason said.

“Before the warmer weather arrives, ensure you move your winter piles away from your houses and sheds, give your trees a prune, clear your gutters and maintain the length of your grass.

“Get your emergency kit packed and ready to go, fill it with clothes, medications, toiletries, chargers and blankets and take it with you when you head to shelter.

“As we witnessed throughout the fires in the Grampians last season, the mountain of work done in the lead up to summer can make all the difference in lessening devastation on communities.

“We want to be really clear this summer — our members will always be prepared and on hand to assist you, but fire safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play.

“We cannot have a fire truck at every property during a major bushfire; we need you to do your bit too and take small steps to be more fire safe this year.”

Burn-off safety checklist

Doncare providing vital social support services

Casual inclusion

Park closures

Keep cool and informed

Funeral update

Walter Moreland Magilton

2 October 1933 – 21 December 2025

OBITUARY

Funeral details

Artworks:

Warrandyte Community Facilities Review provides more questions than answers

What Warrandyte has

Consolidation

Playing early years Tetris

What are the options?

What is ruled out?

Community concerns

What do you think?

Tackling food insecurity together

How you can help

Warrandyte Community Facilities Review
provides more questions than answers