MANNINGHAM Council is inviting residents of Warrandyte, Wonga Park and surrounds to help shape infrastructure projects planned for their neighbourhoods.
Locals are encouraged to attend a drop-in session this August to view project designs, ask questions, and share feedback.
Manningham Mayor Deirdre Diamante said hearing directly from residents is essential to making decisions that reflect the community’s priorities.
“Discussing projects with residents throughout the design and planning phase leads to better decision-making and outcomes that reflect community needs and preferences.
“These sessions are a chance for us to explain decisions that have been made and ensure future outcomes are shaped by community input.”
Projects open for consultation include:
Footpath construction — Paynters Road and Reserve Road, Wonga Park
Main Yarra Trail Extension (stage three) — Pound Road to Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte
Footpath construction — Tindals Road, Warrandyte
Drainage upgrade — Trezise Street, Brackenbury Street and Cemetery Road, Warrandyte
Final designs available for viewing:
Footpath and drainage upgrades — Alexander Road, Warrandyte
Pedestrian refuge installation — Russell Road, Mullens Road and Ringwood Warrandyte Road intersection, Warrandyte
Intersection upgrade — Pound Road, Warrandyte
Community drop-in session details:
Monday, August 18, 4pm to 7pm
Warrandyte Community Hall, 2–8 Taroona Avenue
Monday, August 25, 4pm to 7pm
Wonga Park Hall, corner of Launders Avenue and Yarra Road
BUNNINGS HAS announced that Warrandyte’s own Pink powerhouse Katie Taubert is one of the local footy volunteers to be recognised as part of the “Legend of the Tongs” initiative.
In partnership with the AFL, Bunnings Legend of the Tongs is a nationwide search to reward and celebrate the local legends who fire up the BBQ weekly at their local footy clubs.
This recognition highlights Katie Taubert’s unwavering dedication to the club and the positive impact she has on their community.
A true community champion, Katie has been a beloved member of the Warrandyte Football Club for more than 14 years, from what started as a cheering supporter on the sidelines, to now the club’s legend at hand.
Whether it’s coordinating raffles, running bake sales, or leading the iconic Saturday sausage sizzle, where she proudly wields the silver tongs, she is always at the heart of action.
Always dressed in a touch of pink, her unwavering commitment has helped raise the club thousands of dollars for various charity causes, including an incredible $30,000 for the McGrath Foundation — earning her the title of Volunteer of the Year at the club’s 2024 awards night.
Katie told the Diary she was “absolutely in shock” when she learned she had won.
“I’m absolutely honoured to be named a regional winner in the “Bunnings Legend of the Tongs” competition.
“It’s a lovely surprise and a real nod to the many volunteers who work hard behind the scenes at local clubs like ours.
“Volunteering at Warrandyte Football Club is something I genuinely love.
“It gives me a sense of connection, purpose and community — and there’s nothing better than seeing people come together over a simple sausage or our famous Bloods burger.
The competition, which is part of Bunnings’ 11th year in partnership with the AFL, honours the incredible contributions of community volunteers across Australia during the 2025 AFL season.
As part of the campaign:
Five weekly “legends” and their local club will win a BBQ prize pack, including a Jumbuck six Burner BBQ and a Bunnings pop-up marquee.
Eight winners across the season will also score a trip for two to attend the Toyota AFL Grand Final, where one will be crowned the “Legend of the Golden Tongs” — and take away $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for their local club.
Bunnings Eltham Complex Manager, Justin Andrew is proud the store can give back to local clubs, with the support of the AFL.
“Our Legend of the Tongs campaign celebrates the some of the best parts of our local community.
“Whether it’s at their local club grounds or as part of our weekly sausage sizzles, unsung heroes like Katie tirelessly show up week in and week out to support their players and raise much needed funds for their clubs.
“We feel privileged to be able to gift the Warrandyte Football Club with improved equipment to support their volunteers where it matters,” he added.
Katie gave a big shout out to Bunnings for recognising grassroots volunteers.
“Your support means a lot, and it helps clubs like ours keep doing what we do best — supporting our players and creating a great atmosphere for our supporters.”
She said the prize pack will go straight back into the club.
“We’ll be upgrading our BBQ gear and making sure game day sizzles — literally and figuratively — for everyone who comes along.”
Katie said she has her fingers crossed for the grand prize, but she said even just being selected at this level feels like a win.
“I’m proud to represent our amazing community and club,” she said.
Newly commissioned national research from Bunnings highlights the essential role of BBQ, canteen and other food services volunteers when it comes to contributing to their local sporting club’s culture, with almost one in three (29 per cent) Aussies confirming their favourite volunteer role is firing up the barbie.
Nominations for Legend of the Tongs remain open until August 24, 2025.
Know someone you think is as big a BBQ legend as Katie?
Nominate your Australian rules footy club’s Legend of the Tongs at bunnings.com.au/legends.
THE STATE Government is working with local communities and taking action to restore native habitat and remove invasive weeds through a new round of targeted grants.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos recently announced $1.7 million for the Peri-urban Weed Management Partnership Program, funding land managers to partner with Traditional Owners and local communities to manage high-risk weeds at sites on Melbourne’s fringe.
Invasive weeds can have a devastating impact on the ability of native plants to thrive and provide critical habitat.
Weeds can also have a negative impact on land productivity, water quality, tourism, fire risk, and visual amenity.
The Minister said the program is helping deliver immense value for local communities and the state.
“More than 10,000 volunteer hours were recorded in the last cycle, which demonstrates the clear passion for this program.
“Weeds present a threat to our native species.
“These projects will help to restore habitats and protect those species.
A total of nine grants have been awarded to seven local councils, Parks Victoria, and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
The grants will help preserve and restore habitat for native species across more than 5,000 hectares, with co-contributions from project partners providing an additional $4M to deliver the projects.
In Nillumbik Shire, the Watsons Creek Conservation Partnership will help protect more than 1,000 hectares of intact native vegetation, including habitat critical for species such as the Rosella Spider-orchid (pictured), Matted Flax-lily and Round-leaf Pomaderris.
Elsewhere, five projects will be delivered in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and one with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, which will also lead a project to restore habitat at Barak Creek — adjoining Healesville Sanctuary — for the critically endangered Broad-Toothed Rat.
In Cardinia Shire Council, removal of weeds along Cardinia Creek and adjacent reserves will help to protect local plant and animal species, including the recently re-introduced critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater.
Others to receive funding include Hobsons Bay City Council, City of Casey, Kingston City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Yarra Ranges Council.
Visit environment.vic.gov.au for more information about the Peri-urban Weed Management Partnership Program.
VICTORIA Police has issued a warning over a “bank courier” scam in the Manningham area, while Bendigo Bank warns that scammers may be targeting older Australians in fake term deposit scams.
Jason Gordon, Head of Customer and Threat Protection at Bendigo Bank, says scammers are impersonating legitimate financial services businesses, offering fake investment opportunities in an attempt to lure would-be investors, particularly those aged 65 and older, into transferring large sums of money to scammers.
“Term deposits are regarded as conservative and secure investment options.
“Scammers know this and try to leverage the risk profile of these investments for their own ends with fake investment opportunities that redirect your funds to their own bank account.
“Australians lose more to investment scams than any other scam type, and retirees and those approaching retirement are often a target for term deposit scams and other kinds of investment scams.
“Scamwatch says that many Australians aged 65 and older have retired and may be seeking investment opportunities, which may explain people in this age group reporting total losses to investment scams of $66.6 million last year.
“[More broadly] Australians aged 65 and over had the highest overall reported losses to Scamwatch of $99.6M — almost one third of all losses reported last year.
“This cohort only makes up less than 20 per cent of the population, so these disproportionate losses tell us that this is a targeted demographic, and that those over 65 should be extra cautious,” says Mr Gordon.
How are scammers targeting older Australians?
“A common way for scammers to capture contact information is through phoney online advertisements promoting fake term deposits.
“By engaging with these advertisements on social media, through online chat interactions or by processing payments online, scammers can collect your details and make you a target,” Mr Gordon says.
“Data breaches impacting companies that hold your personal information are another way your information can fall into the hands of scammers.
“Once they have your information, you may be contacted directly by the scammers, sometimes repeatedly and over prolonged periods of time, as they set up and execute the scam,” he says.
Warning signs of a term deposit scam
Mr Gordon says these scams are often highly sophisticated and can resemble genuine offers from trusted organisations, but here are some signs it may be a scam:
Implausibly high returns: Fake term deposit or investment opportunities will often come with implausibly high interest rates, promised returns or guarantees.
Always be sceptical if the offer is too good to be true and is markedly different to what reputable and reliable sources are able to offer.
Cold outreach or unexpected contact: Phone calls, emails or SMSs claiming to be from a financial services business should be treated with extreme caution — especially if you haven’t dealt with them before.
A lack of digital footprint: Scammers deliberately impersonate businesses without much of an online presence to limit consumers’ ability to compare their “real” website with the scammers’ fake one.
Mismatched details of the receiving bank account: Any account you are transferring to should be in the same name as the relevant financial services business.
Time-sensitive offer to “invest now”: Pressure to act quickly, often using phrases like “last chance” or “exclusive opportunity.”
Bank card courier scam
Manningham Police’s Crime Investigation Unit is also reporting that it is currently investigating multiple incidents involving Manningham residents handing over their bank cards to “bank couriers”.
Scamming criminals typically target seniors who live alone, and they spend hours on the phone manipulating their victims.
Criminals pretend to be from your bank, IT company, or phone company and tell you that your account or computer is not secure.
They will ask you to provide your PIN and leave your card out for collection, or to withdraw cash and hand this over instead.
They may even know some basic details about you (including the last four digits on your bank card).
Don’t be tricked into verifying or providing any personal information, don’t even agree that you are you.
Hang up!
How to stay protected
Mr Gordon says that scams are becoming more sophisticated, but there are ways we can act to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“Never click on links in unsolicited emails or messages about financial products.
“Bendigo Bank has removed all links from SMS messages, so customers who receive an SMS that includes a link should treat that as suspicious,” Mr Gordon says.
“We urge Australians to treat all unsolicited contact regarding investment opportunities as suspicious and do your own research or ask a friend or family member to help you look into the opportunity before you act,” he says.
Your bank or phone company will never ask you to:
disclose your PIN
leave your card out to be collected
withdraw cash from your account
transfer money to another account to keep it secure.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
Mr Gordon’s advice to customers who may have fallen victim to a term deposit or investment scam is to visit bendigobank.com.au/security immediately to report the incident and receive support.
Encouragingly, people aged 65 and over were the most likely to report a scam in 2024, with more than 62,000 reports lodged to Scamwatch.
“Reporting scams is critical in helping telcos, internet service providers, banks, and law enforcement put a stop to criminal activity,” Mr Gordon says.
Knowledge is power
If your community group or retirement village would like a presentation from Victoria Police on scam awareness, contact Manningham’s Crime Prevention Officer on 8841 3999 or via email manningham-crime-prevention-mgr@police.vic.gov.au.
Bendigo Bank also offers a face-to-face education approach to help its customers and the community safely navigate digital banking.
The 30-minute, standardised classes for customers and local community groups highlight the benefits and importance of getting digitally connected, staying safe and recognising and preventing scams and fraud.
Customers are encouraged to enquire at their local Bendigo Bank.
Please talk to your loved ones about the warning signs, and for more information visit scamwatch.gov.au.
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PUBLIC QUESTION time at Manningham Council’s June 30 Council Meeting was dominated by questions regarding changes to tree canopy protection, following the State Government’s recent changes to residential development provisions.
Residential development in Victoria is controlled by residential development provisions, which are included in clauses of the Victorian Planning Provisions and all planning schemes and building regulations.
These were updated in March 2025.
The residential development provisions, commonly known as ResCode are applied through the planning permit or building permit systems.
They apply to:
the construction of new dwellings
alterations and extensions to existing dwellings
residential subdivisions
apartment developments.
In March 2025, parts of ResCode were replaced by:
The Townhouse and Low-Rise Code (one to three storeys) (Clause 55)
The four Storey Apartments Standards (Clause 57).
However, Clause 54 (One dwelling on a lot or a small second dwelling on a lot), Clause 56 (Residential subdivision) and Clause 58 (Apartment developments) will remain unchanged. ResCode changes for apartment and townhouse development set a minimum 10 per cent tree canopy, while reducing minimum setbacks and private open space.
This is at odds with the State Government’s Plan for Victoria, which has a target of achieving 30 per cent tree canopy in urban areas.
Tree canopies cool neighbourhoods, clean the air, make our streets walkable and are a part of neighbourhood character.
The wholesale removal of trees and gardens from properties, referred to as “moonscaping”, and their replacement with paving and other hard surfaces, sees neighbouring residents complain to their local Council, to little avail.
At the June Council Meeting, resident Amanda d’Crus asked Council to identify the areas of most concern to it regarding the changes in the Victorian Planning Schemes on canopy tree cover in Manningham, and if Council would specify the matters that it raised with the Victorian State Government in relation to the impact of changes to Victoria’s planning scheme on tree canopy tree cover in Manningham.
Andrew McMaster Director of City Planning and Liveability responded to her question:
“All councils that are in the Eastern Region Group of Councils, which Manningham is a member of, have concerns of the loss of tree canopy in the region due to greater development density.
Through Amendment VC267 the State Government introduced the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code into Victorian planning schemes.
This code introduced a number of ‘deemed to comply’ provisions where, when a development complies with those provisions, Council must approve the development with no third-party appeal rights to VCAT.
This is of concern to Council’s professional planning officers because this new code does not afford any protection to neighbouring trees on adjoining properties, potentially allowing structures to impact structural roots zones and encroach into tree protection zones.
We view this lack of protection as the area of most concern in the new code when it comes to tree canopy cover.
Council has provided submissions to the State Government on planning reforms on a number of occasions in the last 12 months.
In its submission on Plan for Victoria, Council noted that the State Government housing targets will have implications for existing tree cover, impacting quality of life for our residents, and we called on the State Government to provide innovative solutions for urban greening to help to achieve increasing canopy cover on both public and private land.
We prepared a specific submission to planning scheme changes as well, calling on the State Government to require development to incorporate suitable spacing for significant and canopy trees.
In that submission, we also recommended [the State Government should develop] decision guidelines, which encourage the retention of established street trees, which we said should be protected at all costs.
Most recently, Council submitted to a Parliamentary Inquiry on Planning Scheme Amendment VC267.
In that submission we recommended specifically that the landscaping provisions of Clause 55 for Victorian Planning Schemes require consideration of the impacts that proposed buildings will have on trees on adjoining properties.
We pressed that this is an imperative to ensure site responsive designs and the protection of the urban tree canopy coverage.
While the Inquiry’s recommendations have not been taken up by the State Government, Council’s advocacy on this part of the reforms will be ongoing.”
Also at the June meeting, Doncaster East resident Cynthia Pilli spoke to Council to draw attention to the fate of canopy trees close to her home.
“Two large trees have been cut down in recent weeks.
“It took two days of intense cutting and mulching into the night.
“This adds to the moonscaping of the property directly behind me, when several large canopy trees were removed early last year, it is unlikely that other residents aren’t witnessing the same destruction.”
She said outside of Warrandyte, it seemed trees have no protection.
She asked Council what specific impediments does Council still face to prevent it taking urgent steps to ensure that canopy trees are protected under the planning scheme and under local laws.
Mr McMaster again responded to the question:
“Protection of tree canopy is a matter that is under active consideration by the Eastern Region Group of Councils, and indeed by our officers internally as well.
While it is not technically an impediment, we will need to be having discussion with our councillors and the community about retention of tree canopy into the future.
We look forward to continuing this discussion with you and the community over the course of the next Council Plan.”
ALL ARE INVITED to an Open Day at the Warrandyte Community Garden on Sunday, August 3, from 10am to 1pm.
The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new community garden shed.
The previous shed was erected in 1998, when the garden was established and has supported the garden’s members for 27 years.
Sadly, it had suffered considerable deterioration, and a grant from the Lions Club of Warrandyte was used to demolish the old shed and install a new concrete base for the new building.
Plot holders and members were delighted to receive this grant and very grateful to the Lions.
The Warrandyte Community Garden consists of 24 individual plots, one raised box, eight smaller children’s plots, a small bush foods garden, and general community areas.
There is a water tank filled from the Police Station roof.
The garden is in a beautiful setting, adjacent to the river just behind the Warrandyte Police Station.
People walking along the river often find it most interesting to see fresh produce thriving comfortably.
A long-time member of the garden, Jan O’Neill says, “The Community Garden was an important part of our move here to Warrandyte on our retirement 30 years ago.
“Through the Community Garden, we learnt of the tranquillity and generosity that is an essential part of life in our broader community.
“We experienced neighbourliness and kindness from other members, as well as the healthy outdoor life that gardening brings with it.
“And a bonus was the fresh vegetables, which we could proudly boast we had grown ourselves.
“We were more than satisfied.”
There is a waiting list to join, anyone interested should call 0435 011 333 if they wish to add their name.
Growing your own vegetables is a great way to help the environment by reducing food miles, avoiding unnecessary supermarket packaging, and added chemicals.
The garden also provides an enjoyable social setting where extra vegetables, plants, and ideas can be exchanged, and new friends made.
There are also plans to improve the accessibility of the garden by installing additional raised, wicking beds, allowing people with reduced mobility to continue enjoying gardening.
WITH THE Federal Election now declared, Warrandyte Diary (WD) spoke to the new Member for Menzies, Gabriel Ng (GN).
WD: What did you do before politics? GN: I have worked as a lawyer and public servant, mostly in the areas of migrant and refugee settlement and aged care.
I’ve also volunteered at community legal centres, teaching migrants English, at an aged care service and on my children’s local kinder committee.
WD: What is your connection to Menzies? GN: I grew up in Doncaster and have lived here most of my adult life.
When I was younger, we used to walk our dogs along the river in Warrandyte, and I spent a lot of time with friends in places like Blackburn and Surrey Hills.
My dad is Chinese-Singaporean, and we used to go to Box Hill to grab some ingredients for dinner and eat noodles at the local shops.
Now, I live in Donvale with my wife, Maaya.
We have two kids who attend our local school and pack their afternoons with activities.
I love jogging along the local trails, going bushwalking with the kids, swimming in the river, and discovering new restaurants.
My experience as a candidate and now as a local member has given me the opportunity to get to know Menzies even better, including a lot of the leaders and volunteers who give so much to our community and are a real source of inspiration.
WD: What made you decide to enter politics? GN: I joined the Labor Party due to a strong sense of social justice and drive to put my beliefs into action.
However, I’m not the kind of person who always thought I should be a politician.
It’s something that developed over the years as different people within the Party and mentors sounded me out about running and expressed belief in me.
My career as a public servant taught me about the implementation of policy, and the great impact of government in people’s lives.
Through my experience as a lawyer and volunteer at a community legal centre, I learned how the law can work for people, and how people can fall between the cracks.
I decided to stand in this election as I had lived in Menzies for most of my adult life and believed it had been taken for granted by its Liberal Members.
I wanted to be a strong voice for a community I love, and contribute to the re-election of the Labor Government, which I believe will deliver on the kind of things people in Menzies care about — a stronger healthcare system, better funded schools, investment in infrastructure and real action on housing affordability.
WD: What is your passion? GN: I am passionate about delivering for our community and contributing to a more prosperous and inclusive Australia, where no one is left behind.
Beyond this, I have particular interest in how we can improve the mental health system, having had family and friends impacted by mental health issues.
I also have a passion for multiculturalism, given my professional and family background.
Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world, and I consider this to be a real asset which enriches our nation.
Finally, I believe government services and the legal system should provide a helping hand and access to justice.
However, my experience as a public servant and lawyer, as well as hearing from members of the public during the during the campaign, has shown me that too often, government can be difficult to navigate and put up too many barriers.
WD: Do you think Menzies now being a marginal seat is a challenge or an opportunity? GN: Of course, it is both a challenge and an opportunity.
Having lived in Menzies for most of my life, I think being a safe Liberal seat for so long has meant the electorate has been taken for granted.
This presents an opportunity to deliver for Menzies and demonstrate what an active local member, who is part of a Labor government, can achieve.
I look forward to the challenge of showing those who did not vote for me that I will work tirelessly to represent them.
WD: What do you hope to achieve for Menzies in this term of parliament? GN: My top priority is to deliver on the commitments that the Albanese Labor Government made in Menzies during the election.
This includes:
$187,500 to repair Old Warrandyte Fire House
$25 million to upgrade 5-Ways Intersection in Warrandyte
$200,000 for local cultural festivals in Box Hill and Manningham
$3.5M for Bulleen-Templestowe Basketball Club for key internal upgrades
$3.925M for Box Hill United Soccer Club to upgrade their pitches
$45M for Nunawading Basketball Centre.
Beyond this, I also want to continue to be an accessible and active local member and reach out to all corners of the electorate so I can best serve the community.
I also want to draw upon my experience and skills to make the best possible contribution to the Albanese Labor Government’s ambitious policy agenda.
I’m committed to ensuring we deliver increasing bulk bulling rates, providing better funding for local schools, and investing in housing supply.
WD: What would you like to say to those who voted for you? GN: Firstly, I’d like to say thank you.
Being elected to represent the people of Menzies, and by a community that I have been a part of my whole life, is the honour of my life.
I will work hard every day to fulfill the responsibility that you have placed in me.
I have been particularly touched to meet long-time locals who have voted Labor their whole lives, but who have never had a Federal Labor member.
I also want to encourage everyone who supported me to keep in touch — I’m committed to being an accessible and accountable local member.
WD: What would you like to say to those who didn’t vote for you? GN: I want to reassure anyone that didn’t vote for me that I am here to listen, provide support and advocate for your interests in any way that I can.
It was a tight race in Menzies, and as a result I know there is a sizeable part of the community that voted for someone else at the last election.
It is my job to represent the whole electorate and, while there might be areas where we don’t agree, I’m committed to listening and keeping an open mind.
I encourage people to engage with me or my office over the coming weeks and months and let me know what matters to them or how we might be able to assist them.
It’s my job to earn their support and trust over the next three years.
WITH SES FUNDING being tied to the State Government’s controversial Emergency Services Volunteer Levy (ESVL), it is more important than ever that the community steps up to fund much needed equipment for our hard-working volunteers.
With pledges by the Liberal opposition to scrap the levy if they get into office following next year’s election, the new funding stream for SES may be scrapped before our local units can see any of the new funding.
Manningham SES is in desperate need of a new vehicle to assist them in responding to multi-agency incidents, whether that is towing the boat for swift water rescue, participating in search and rescue operations, assisting police at crime scenes, or responding to flood, storm, building damage, fallen trees or other emergencies.
With the levy causing anger across the community, particularly from farmers, SES units across the State are at risk of losing what they have gained in this levy, before they see a cent, and potentially ending up worse off.
So whether you agree with this levy or not, the SES deserves fair and equitable funding.
Minister for Emergency Services, and Member for Eltham, Vicki Ward said funds raised by this new levy will support the emergency services — helping them to keep communities safe all year-round.
“This new funding model is giving our incredible emergency service workers and volunteers the modern equipment they need to help keep communities safe.
“Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world, and natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe — and the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will deliver our emergency services what they need to respond to these disasters,” Ms Ward said.
Through the ESVF, the State Government says it will invest $110 million to deliver a rolling fleet replacement program for SES, CFA and FRV.
In an interview with ABC News, SES Unit Controller Mark Bagnall said increased funding would allow volunteers to spend more time responding and less time having to fundraise.
“We’ve never had a capital works program budget, everything has to be applied for and granted,” Mr Bagnall said.
“This levy will allow $30 million over four years for training for volunteers … twice as much money for equipment upgrades, vehicles.
“An emergency services levy, which is similar to what every other state has, is the most equitable and sustainable way that we can see an increase in funding, that would then be guaranteed moving forward.”
With the recipients of the first round of funding announced, and Manningham not making the inaugural list, our local unit may not receive their much-needed vehicle replacement for several years, if at all.
And with the future of the levy in doubt, any vehicle upgrades may never eventuate.
Before the drama of the controversial ESVL had made headlines, a group of locals had already stepped up to help Manningham SES.
The Thunderball Committee have put their best foot forward, and are organising a charity fundraiser, a gala ball, to raise money for Manningham SES to purchase a new 4×4 vehicle now.
Tickets are now on sale for Thunderball, it is going to be a fabulous night of good food, good company — and dancing — to support our incredible SES volunteers.
So, this is your chance to show how much you love your Manningham SES, book your tickets or table for August 16 at Bramleigh Estate.
Local businesses and service groups are supporting the event, including Bramleigh Estate, The Grand Hotel, Quinton’s IGA, Warrandyte Riverside Market, Warrandyte Community Bank, East Doncaster/Templestowe Community Bank, Warrandyte Lions, Warrandyte Rotary, Manningham Rotary, 42K Media, the Manningham & Nillumbik Bulletin, and the Mick Parker Foundation.
And thanks to these fabulous sponsors covering the costs of the event, every dollar from ticket sales will go to the SES.
So book your tickets now before it sells out — trybooking.com/DAUAZ.
NILLUMBIK Council is seeking community feedback on a proposed lease with Indara Corporation Pty Ltd for telecommunications infrastructure.
In response to ongoing community concerns regarding telecommunications black spots, connectivity issues, and service reliability, Council is inviting feedback on a proposed lease agreement with Indara Corporation Pty Ltd (Optus) Telecommunications for the installation of new infrastructure at Eltham Lower Park.
Over recent years, residents have shared consistent and thoughtful feedback about the challenges posed by poor network coverage — particularly in relation to safety, communication, and access to essential services.
Eltham has previously been identified as a black spot and a proposal has now been put forward to Council from Downer Group, on behalf of Indara Corporation Pty Ltd (Optus), to enter into a lease to install mobile telecommunications infrastructure at Eltham Lower Park.
This is to improve mobile coverage and network issues in the Eltham area and ensure that those in the area can benefit from stronger, more consistent services.
Council gives notice that it proposes to enter into a lease with Indara Corporation Pty Ltd for part of the land at 570-576 Main Road, Eltham known as Eltham Lower Park.
Nillumbik Mayor John Dumaresq said “Enhancing mobile coverage is vital for strengthening our community’s connectivity and safety.
“The proposed tower at Lower Eltham Park marks an important step toward delivering a more reliable service for residents, businesses, and emergency services in Eltham South.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that improved communication infrastructure supports both everyday activities and critical emergency responses, benefiting everyone in the area.”
Community members are encouraged to review the proposal and provide feedback by June 22, 2025.
To view the lease proposal and submit your feedback, visit participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/telecommunications-lease-proposal.
THERE are fresh hopes for the future of the pottery studio on Mitchell Avenue.
The Labor candidate for the seat of Menzies in the 2025 Federal Election, Gabriel Ng, has pledged that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will provide the $187,500 needed to help restore the Old Fire Station.
The building, formerly the original Warrandyte Fire Station, now houses a pottery studio run by the Warrandyte Arts pottery group.
The building has two distinct sections — a stone section, which used to be the fire truck garage, and a rear, two-storey timber section.
The building served as Warrandyte Fire Station until 1981.
The wooden sections of the building are now riddled with termite damage, which threatens the future use and preservation of an important piece of Warrandyte’s cultural history.
Mr Ng’s announcement matches the pledge made by Liberal incumbent Keith Wolahan.
Mr Ng made the announcement on Sunday, April 27, after meeting with members of Warrandyte Arts and the Pottery Group.
“Warrandyte Arts and Mechanics Institute play a central role in making Warrandyte and Menzies a vibrant and creative community.
“The Old Warrandyte Fire House is a significant, heritage-listed space.
“These repairs will ensure Warrandyte Community Pottery can expand their fantastic programs and provide a safe and welcoming space”, he said.
Yarra Ward councillor Carli Lange was also present and said the announcement was very pleasing.
“Standing here knowing no matter who gets in [in the election], that this is going to be restored, and going to be here for future generations to pass on the skills of arts and culture, but also for the community connection.
“As a fire station, it saved lives, and it still does that by facilitating that human connection through arts and culture.”
Cr Lange said it was pleasing and heartwarming to see that the necessary funding would ensure the building would continue to nurture human connection for future generations.
“We couldn’t wish for anything more than that.”
Bruce Turner, Chair of Warrandyte Arts, said the committee was delighted about the announcement.
He said Mr Ng recently met with many of the groups that make up Warrandyte Arts to discuss their needs.
“He made it very clear that it was going to be tough to get a real commitment.
“But he promised to advocate on our behalf because he liked what he saw.”
Mr Turner added the connections being made between different levels of government was also promising.
“It bodes well that he contacted Cr Lange.
“It gives the sense of different levels of government working together, which is really important and gives us the confidence that whoever wins the election is going to come through with the commitment”.
The pledges of federal funding, along with grants from Community Bank Warrandyte, Rotary Club of Warrandyte Donvale, and Warrandyte Arts’ own fundraising activities, should ensure that all necessary works can be completed.
[Feature photo: Federal Labor candidate Gabriel NG (right) meets with members of Warrandyte Arts and Yarra Ward councillor Carli Lange (left) to announce funding pledge for the Old Fire Station.]
THE FEDERAL election has been called for May 3.
Even if you are not a first-time voter, there are some things you should know because a few things may have changed since you voted last.
Electoral boundaries
Recent changes to the boundaries of many electorates mean that you may be voting in an entirely different seat this time around.
Voting in Warrandyte, northern parts of Park Orchards, and some parts of South Warrandyte remain in Menzies, but the good citizens of North Warrandyte and Kangaroo Ground will now vote in Jagajaga.
Warranwood, southern parts of Park Orchards, and some areas of South Warrandyte will be voting for the Member for Deakin, and Wonga Park, Bend of Islands, Watsons Creek, and some parts of South Warrandyte will be voting in Casey.
Do I have to vote?
Voting remains compulsory for Australian citizens 18 and over.
If you’re 18 or older, you need to make sure you’re enrolled to vote.
If you’ve moved house since 2022, you’ll also need to update your address.
If you’re enrolled and don’t vote, you could get a fine from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
You must be enrolled by 8pm local time, Monday, April 7, 2025. To check your enrolment details, visit aec.gov.au/enrol.
If you don’t think you can get to a voting booth during the voting period, you can apply for a postal vote application at aec.gov.au/election/pva.
You can also enrol to vote at your local AEC office or by faxing or mailing an enrolment form to the commission.
The AEC website also lists other ways to enrol if you have special circumstances that make enrolling to vote difficult.
Can I vote early?
Yes, almost half of voters voted early last election — but unlike State elections, you can’t vote early just because it suits you.
You can only vote early if:
You’ll be outside the electorate where you are enrolled to vote or more than 8km from a polling place on election day.
You’re travelling
You’ll be unable to leave your workplace to vote
You’re sick or due to give birth (or looking after someone who is)
Your religious beliefs prevent you from going on the day
You’re in prison serving a sentence of less than three years
You’re a silent elector
You have a reasonable fear for your safety
When does early voting open?
Early voting opens on Tuesday, April 22; there will be no voting on Sundays or Anzac Day.
Not all early voting centres will be open for the whole period, so check with the AEC website, closer to Election Day, to find a voting centre near you.
Remember that it is far simpler to vote within your own electorate.
Even if the polling booth is your closest one and you have voted there before, with the changes to boundaries, it may be outside your electorate, and you will be required to cast an absent vote.|
Check aec.gov.au for information about early and election-day voting centres in your electorate.
How do I vote from overseas or interstate?
If you’re an Australian citizen over 18 living overseas, you will need to vote at an overseas voting centre, usually an Australian embassy or consulate, or by post.
If you are overseas and intend to return to Australia within six years, you can register as an overseas elector.
If you are already enrolled, you can register up to three months before or within three years after you leave Australia.
It is not compulsory to vote if you are outside Australia on election day.
You need to inform the AEC you will be overseas, which can be done using an overseas notification form available at aec.gov.au/overseas.
You can also cast a postal vote from overseas.
You will need to provide an overseas address to receive your postal vote pack, and voters are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to receive the pack in time.
If you are in a state other than where you live on Election Day, you will need to vote at an interstate voting centre, which will be listed on the AEC website.
Will I be voting for the Prime Minister?
No, you are voting for your local member.
In the Australian electoral system, you vote for a local member to represent you in the lower house of parliament (the House of Representatives) and who you want to represent you in the upper house, known as the Senate.
An electorate, also known as a seat or a division, is made up of around 110,000 voters, so you and everyone living within your electorate, i.e. Menzies, Deakin, Jagajaga or Casey, get to select a local member to represent you.
So, you are not directly voting for the prime minister.
While the prime minister and opposition leader are the leaders of their parties, unless you live in their electorates, you don’t get to vote them into parliament.
Whoever becomes the prime minister is whoever is the leader of the party that can “form government,” but the party members decide who those leaders are.
In the next parliament, the lower house will have 150 members, one for each electorate in the country.
To form Government, a party needs 75 seats or more.
If the major parties are unable to do this, we have a hung parliament, and the major parties will then need to make “deals” with minor parties and independents to be able to form government.
A new election may be called if this is not possible.
Where can I get a sausage?
What you do often miss out on when early voting is the democracy sausage, which is an important part of the event, and also a good revenue raiser for our local schools and clubs.
In the last federal election, 2,305 voting centres hosted sausage sizzles.
In Victoria, that meant over half of all voters could indulge in their favourite part of the democratic process — the democracy sausage.
Jagajaga took to the podium in the Sizzling Awards for commitment to democracy sausage, with 82 per cent of voters able to find a sausage at their polling place, just behind Deakin at 85.7 per cent.
To find your snag on election day, head to democracysausage.org
Key dates
Close of Roll: Monday, April 7, 8pm
Close of Nominations: Thursday, April 10, 12pm
Early Voting begins: Tuesday, April 22
Close of Postal Vote Applications: Wednesday, April 30
Both Labor and Liberal representatives have been campaigning in Warrandyte, with cheques ready to ensure your vote on May 3.
Labor pledges to spend big on 5-Ways
Pictured: Menzies Labor candidate Gabriel Ng, Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King, and Labor candidate for Deakin Matt Gregg announce funding commitment at 5-Ways
By SUSAN FOREMAN THE NOTORIOUS 5-Ways intersection has become the big issue for our Federal candidates this election.
The intersection of Ringwood-Warrandyte Road, Croydon Road, Brumbys Road, and Husseys Lane, generally referred to as 5-Ways, has been the source of much concern for the community, State Liberal Members, and Manningham Council for almost a decade.
Now, both Labor and Liberal candidates for Deakin and Menzies have pledged to provide funding to “fix” this deadly section of road.
Following the Liberal pledge last month, which met Manningham Council’s request for $5 million, the Labor candidates for Menzies and Deakin, Gabriel Ng and Matthew Gregg, along with the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, has announced a $25M commitment to fund the planning and early service removal works for upgrading the 5-Ways intersection.
In partnership with the Allan Labor Government, three projects will share $38.5M to help fix some of Melbourne’s most notorious roads, including:
$25M for planning and development at the 5-Ways intersection, Warrandyte South
$10M to plan for upgrades to the High Street Road and Mowbray Drive intersection, Wantirna South
$3.5M towards planning work to upgrade the Maroondah Highway and Yarra Road intersection, Croydon North
Gabriel Ng joined the transport minister for the announcement at the start of April.
“I have spoken with local residents about this area, I have spoken with local council about this area — and I’ve been through this intersection myself — I know how dangerous and congested it is,” he said.
Ms King said the 5-Ways intersection was one of three projects announced as part of Labor’s $1.2 billion Road Blitz “to upgrade roads, cut congestion, and improve safety in Melbourne’s growing suburbs”.
She said these projects will help commuters get home sooner and safer, so they spend less time on the road and more time with their families.
“We are seeing that we need to fix what are, in essence, country roads to make sure that we’re getting people home safely.
“The announcement today comes because of the great advocacy of candidates like Matt Gregg and Gabriel Ng, who have been working with the Victorian State Government to make sure we understand where the bottlenecks are.
“The Victorian Government has bought this project to us as one of their priorities, as part of the $1.2B Roads Blitz we have agreed to work together on, and we’re making the announcement that this intersection is a priority.
“You can see how dangerous it is, you can just hear people’s frustration and anger as they’re trying to make their way through this intersection.
“This $25M will be given to the Victorian State Government to work with VicRoads to do the planning work,” Ms King said.
She said the upgrade will cut congestion and boost safety for the 8,000 vehicles that drive through 5-Ways every day — helping to prevent collisions, with the area reporting five crashes between 2020 and 2024.
Mr Ng said the 5-Ways intersection has been the site of a number of accidents and near misses.
“As a lawyer working in the area of transport accidents, I understand the devastating impact of road trauma.
“That’s why I’m proud that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will upgrade the 5-Ways Intersection to reduce congestion and get people home safely,” Mr Ng said.
When asked by the Diary about the timeline for the project, Ms King said the funding is in the current budget.
“I would hope that it is not part of Peter Dutton’s cuts.
“We know that he’s got to find money to fund his $600B nuclear power plant, so we’re interested to see where he’s going to make cuts — I hope it’s not from this road here.
“Now that it’s in the budget, that work is now a matter of the Victorian state government, but I think we can all agree, this has gone far too long, and the work needs to start as soon as possible,” she said.
In Croydon North, $3.5M will develop a business case to improve the intersection of Maroondah Highway and Yarra Road.
With five schools in the vicinity, Yarra Road can be significantly congested during drop-off and pick-up hours.
Ms King said this project will explore ways to ease congestion and improve safety and pedestrian accessibility, including on Kent Avenue.
These projects are part of the Albanese and Allan Labor Government’s joint $1.2B Road Blitz, with contributions of $1B from the Federal Government in the 2025–26 Budget and $200M from the Victorian Government.
Ms King said this funding follows the Victorian Government’s existing near-billion-dollar road blitz across the state.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams said that as Melbourne’s population continues to grow, the State Government is investing in critical projects that will improve motorists’ journeys.
“We are getting on delivering vital road upgrades across wider Melbourne that will provide safer and faster journeys for motorists.
“After 10 years of neglect from the Federal Liberal Government, it’s great to have a partner in Canberra that can find Victoria on a map and help deliver critical projects that people rely on every day.”
Victorian Member for North-Eastern Metropolitan Sonja Terpstra said these upgrades will change the way people move for the better — cutting congestion and delivering safer journeys for motorists.
“We are upgrading roads across Melbourne’s growing suburbs so families can get home sooner and safer.”
Manningham Mayor Deirdre Diamante said the Council welcomed the Federal Labor Party’s announcement to fund infrastructure improvements at the 5-Ways intersection in Warrandyte South.
“This investment represents a significant step toward addressing the long-standing safety concerns at this intersection.
“For more than a decade, our community has been calling for government support.
“We’d like to thank the dedicated individuals and communities who supported our efforts advocating for this important cause.”
She said funding to improve the 5-Ways intersection is one of the top advocacy priorities set out by Council ahead of the 2025 election.
Keith Wolahan commits to fight the ‘mite
Member for Menzies Keith Wolahan and State Member for Warrandyte Nicole Werner meet with members of Warrandyte Arts, Manningham Mayor Deirdre Diamante, and Yarra Ward Councillor Carli Lange
By REBECCA ROSE LIBERAL CANDIDATE for Menzies, Keith Wolahan, has announced a $187,500 election commitment to fund the repair of the termite damage at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute pottery studio.
Mr Wolahan said an elected Liberal Government will support arts, culture, and community in Warrandyte by funding the restoration of the Old Warrandyte Fire House, which houses the studio.
Member for Menzies, Keith Wolahan, has secured this commitment to ensure the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute and Arts Association (Warrandyte Arts) can address significant termite damage and ensure the building’s safety and longevity.
“For decades, the Old Warrandyte Fire House has hosted arts and crafts classes, educational programs, festivals, and life events.
“Termite damage now threatens its future,” Mr Wolahan said.
He said the investment will preserve the Fire House for future generations, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the Warrandyte community.
“This commitment is part of the Liberals and Nationals’ plan to strengthen our local communities and to get Australia back on track.”
Secretary of Warrandyte Arts Grant Purdy thanked Mr Wolahan for his pledge of funding to repair the old Fire Station that houses the Warrandyte Community Pottery Studio.
Mr Purdy said that while the pottery members create wonderful art in their sessions, they also function as a very special social support group.
“Some members who have experienced difficult times are actively supported by the close community that exists in the group.”
Mr Purdy said the pottery group represents the supportive community spirit of Warrandyte, which makes this town so special.
Community Bank Warrandyte has provided $20,000 towards the project, and fundraising by Warrandyte Arts, including last year’s benefit quiz night, has put $30,000 towards the repairs.
Mr Purdysaid this new pledge will go a long way toward renovating the building and preserving this important community asset.
The Labor candidate Gabriel Ng told the Diary he is meeting with Warrandyte Arts in the coming days and will be able to make an announcement following those discussions.
EACH YEAR the Grand Hotel Warrandyte and the local community come together to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, and Warrandyte consistently punches above our weight for a small community.
The Good Friday Appeal relies on the support of communities like ours to raise funds to ensure that The Royal Children’s Hospital is able to continue to provide world class care to patients and their families.
Manager of the Grand, Peter Appleby said the Grand Hotel is proudly raising funds and awareness for this great cause.
“Joining forces with like-minded pubs across Victoria, The Grand is committed to ‘Pubs with Purpose’ — an AHA (Vic) initiative supporting The Good Friday Appeal.”
“All proceeds raised from our weekly Friday Night Meat Tray throughout March and April, along with collection containers positioned on our Front Bar as well as $2 from every Bruschetta Parma of The Month sold during April will be donated to the Good Friday Appeal.”
In 2024, The Grand Hotel won The National Australian Hotel Association Award of ‘Outstanding Community Service & Achievement’.
Up against every other state and territory in Australia, our local watering hole in Warrandyte was crowned the best.
A testament to the residents of our community.
Peter said pubs have always been at the heart of the community and especially the Good Friday Appeal community.
“Across the years, many pubs have produced incredible results gathering their communities together and digging deep to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal.
“We consistently support The Good Friday Appeal every year to make a difference to the lives of sick kids and their families.
“We are a proud standing community-focused pub, and love to support all organisations in and around town and to those in need when it matters most,” Peter said.
The valued meat tray is supplied by our local butcher at Warrandyte Quality Meats and is in-demand every Friday night from 5pm.
“A massive thank you to our community for their kind generosity and ongoing support.”
Head down to The Grand on Friday nights to help them raise funds and awareness for groups and causes in our community.
at the site where the Warrandyte playground wonguim wilam stands, we now host over 100 potters from around Australia and beyond, on our natural village green bordered by the Yarra river and the pub.
The Pottery Expo returns on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23.
Over the past 25 years, Warrandyte has welcomed ceramic artists from every state in Australia and from France, UK, New Zealand and India.
Our visitors also make long journeys to be part of this special weekend.
We are so fortunate to live in this supportive Warrandyte community, who, along with the local businesses and service groups, have always been so generous helping to build the event to become the biggest ceramics fair in Australia.
There have been potters and other artists living in Warrandyte for many generations.
The community continues to appreciate and encourage the arts, valuing the opportunity to showcase the work of artists often hidden in their studios.
This year our guest artists are from the International Academy of Ceramics, representing Australian and New Zealand ceramics globally.
There will be an exhibition of their work, where visitors will be able to meet the artists and then hear about their practices at the talks held in the activities marquee.
Northcote Pottery will present the Pottery Throw Down on Sunday morning, a fun competition testing participants’ pottery skills.
Live and local bands will be performing all weekend.
Bring friends and family to meet the potters, buy some fabulous pieces, play with clay, see the demonstrations and enjoy food from local cafes, on site.
Parking is always tricky in Warrandyte, we encourage visitors to catch the bus [the 906 bus stops at the Pottery Expo entrance] or walk along the river.
There will be a two-minute pick-up spot at the Webb Street entry point, to pick up pottery purchases and for disabled visitors.
Please see the website for further details, including the map, exhibitors’ details and the weekend program potteryexpo.com
On social media at Instagram: thepotteryexpo or Facebook: The Pottery Expo
The Pottery Expo thanks Manningham Council for their sponsorship through their Community Grant, and our own many pottery-loving volunteers.
CHANGING the world is not easy.
It takes time and starts at home.
Yet, the power to make the world better rests in our hands.
A single Lions Club cannot change the world, but the Lions Club of Warrandyte can attempt to make a difference.
We are blessed to run one of the best Lions Op Shops in the country.
We are blessed to be part of one of Melbourne’s best markets.
We are blessed to run Asia Pacific’s best Lions Club event (In The Driver’s Seat), giving the opportunity for vision-impaired people to drive a car around Sandown racetrack each year.
Indeed, we can all make a difference.
Our preloved “stuff” from around the home can be upcycled to generate much-needed revenue, improving the lives of many, both at home and abroad.
We can all assist at our community market or help run events that make a difference in people’s lives.
Every small act of service creates a personal impact, and the collective impact of our kindness can change the world.
By serving our community, we are making a difference and doing our part to change the world for the better.
Humanitarian and community service
Our priority is to support our local community.
Changing the world begins at home.
Humanitarian and community service are the underlying hallmarks of being a Lion.
Warrandyte Lions have been doing this for over half a century.
Lions International, with over 1.5 million members in 50,000 clubs in over 200 countries, has been the leading global service organisation for over a century.
No wonder the President of Lions Clubs International, Canadian Dr Patti Hill, imparts the message of “Changing the world” to all Lions around the world.
In turn, if a need ever arises in Warrandyte, Lions Clubs International will come to our assistance.
Donations, sponsorships, and grants
In Warrandyte, our “Op Shop” recycles and upcycles preloved goods to raise funds for our local, national, and international communities.
We distribute these funds through grants, donations, and sponsorships.
Over $65,000 was distributed in 2024; examples include Doncaster All Abilities Basketball, Andersons Creek Primary School, Warrandyte High School, Yarra Warra Preschool, Warrandyte Netball Club, Warrandyte Cricket Club, Warrandyte Historical Society, Thunderball, Warrandyte Pottery Festival, CareNet, Warrandyte Community Church, and Warrandyte Neighbourhood House — along with numerous Lions and other charities Australia wide and internationally.
February 2025 Lions grants
During the Christmas and New Year period, a range of grant applications were invited from local not-for-profit community organisations to apply for projects to improve the lives of Warrandyte residents.
The response was wonderful and some innovative and exciting proposals were put forward.
Naturally, not all requests could be satisfied, but further opportunities for these grants will occur.
The recipients of this series of grants total $96,300 and include:
Warrandyte Kindergarten $9K — water play area
CareNet Community Food Relief $12K — new multipurpose space for food preparation and despatch
Warrandyte Primary School $15K — internal upgrade to heritage-listed building
Andersons Creek Primary School $17K — traffic safety bike course
Warrandyte Community Garden $5K — new tool shed
Warrandyte Neighbourhood House $5K — youth programmes
Warrandyte Probus Club $1.8K — first-year operating costs
Friends of Warrandyte State Park $3.5K — rehabilitation of historic garden
Warrandyte Diary $15K — increase the accessibility of Warrandyte Diary & Manningham & Nillumbik Bulletin by releasing an audible version as a Podcast
Warrandyte Cricket Club $3K — development of U10s–U18s
South Warrandyte Cricket Club $5K — essential equipment
Warrandyte Historical Society $5K — upgrade to archive room
We thank all applicants and invite further applications at our next round of grants or if a need arises.
Warrandyte Lions — changing the world — one step at a time.
THE RECENT fires across the state, including the Grampians and the Bass Coast are a timely reminder to Warrandyte residents to take bushfire seriously.
Locally, firefighters had a great save when 35 crews and aircraft turned out to get a fire in Christmas Hills under control.
The fire had started from sparks from a grinder.
Crews from all over the area worked well into the night and spent the following days making sure that it had been fully extinguished and would not spread any further.
Research CFA reminded residents via social media to be vigilent:
“It’s a good eye-opener to how dry the fuels are at the moment, even late in the day on a day that wasn’t too hot or windy, fires can easily start and take off out of control!”
Over on the Bass Coast, a Gurdies local had a close escape as he watched the fire arrive at his doorstep.
He is urging everyone to listen to the advice of authorities and leave early when it comes to bushfires.
Glenn Skrobalak was at his home in the Gurdies on December 20, 2024, when, what was a small bushfire, started to unexpectedly intensify and head towards his home and property following a south-westerly wind change.
People were advised to evacuate the area, but despite having a bag packed ready to go, Glenn decided to stay – a decision he says he now regrets.
“My initial thought was to stay and defend the property and I probably regret that now.
“Seeing how severe it was and how fast it came I don’t think I would be doing that again,” Glenn said
“I thought I was well and truly capable having been in other high-pressure situations and handled them well, but this was totally different.
“I was just exhausted.
“I can work all day outside, but seven minutes of that I had well and truly had enough,” he said.
It was at that point Corinella CFA captain David Cox and Kernot-Grantville CFA Lieutenant Andrew Blackney were driving past, as part of the fire response at the time.
Despite not having a truck David saw Glenn standing in his property ‘looking panicked’ and swooped in to help.
“We could see Glenn just standing out there by himself, we could see the panic starting to come and I said ‘we have to go and help him’.
“Anyone out there that day would have done the same thing – it’s just our instinct.”
David approached Glenn and using Glenn’s fire pump and hose got to work fighting off spot fires and defending the property.
Glenn said watching David work was incredible and it really opened his eyes to how much skill is involved in fighting a fire.
“I never would have thought to do the things that he was doing,” Glenn said.
“I have never experienced a bushfire before and I was just so overwhelmed by how incredibly trained David and the CFA crews were and when the situation changes how quickly they react to it.
“I really do believe he [David] stopped it from not only engulfing our place but all of our neighbours.
“I don’t really have words to describe how grateful we are.”
A short time later the Glen Alvie brigade was able to get some appliances into Glenn’s property and completely tackle the fire.
Both Glenn and David said this incident highlighted the importance of listening to advice and leaving early.
“We would rather people are not there, it does hinder our firefighting abilities,” David said.
“Things can be replaced, but imagine never getting to hug your loved ones again, imagine never being able to see them again.”
Glenn said he was extremely grateful for the work of David and the other firefighters that day.
“Don’t stay, it’s not worth it,” he said.
“I chose to stay, and I won’t be doing that again.
“Take off and you can hope for the best but at least you will be safe.”
Tips for leaving early:
On a Catastrophic day, leaving high risk bushfire areas the night before or early in the morning is the safest option.
You can go to family or friends in a low fire risk area, a shopping complex, library or another community building in a low-risk area.
Plan your route and ensure your car has enough petrol so you don’t need to stop.
MANNINGHAM Council recently held community information sessions on a range of footpath and drainage works planned for Warrandyte and Wonga Park.
The infrastructure projects, some of which have been in the planning for almost a decade, are at various stages of development.
Council presented plans for footpath upgrades and drainage projects planned for the next few years.
On some projects, Council officers provided high-level plans to get feedback on whether the project was wanted at all, and some were taking questions on final plans before works begin.
Rachelle Quattrocchi, Manningham Council’s Director City Services, said:
“The purpose of these sessions is to consult with residents early and throughout the lifecycle of each project happening in their local area.
“We aim to keep the community informed and provide opportunities to be actively involved as each project progresses.”
Around 19 residents attended the session in Wonga Park, and 48 attended Warrandyte.
Council said it recognises the unique character of the Warrandyte and Wonga Park area and wants to find a balance between the character of the area and the infrastructure needs of its residents and visitors.
There were nine Warrandyte projects under consultation:
Main Yarra Trail
Ms Quattrocchi said the third stage of the Main Yarra Trail — from Pound Road to Taroona Avenue — is still in the planning phase.
“Our recent consultation proposed an initial design to discuss with residents who know the area best as we explore options for this project,” she said.
She said the design proposes a path on the south side of Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road, including a crossing at Tindals Road, to minimise impacts on native vegetation and due to construction limitations on the north side of the road.
She said the design will provide convenient access for users while preserving the surrounding environment.
It would be made of concrete with an asphalt surface.
“We considered several other routes, including Melbourne Hill Road and Pound Road; however, these routes were not feasible due to the roads being narrow and having steep terrain.
She said on-road cyclists will still be able to use this road network connection.
In the previous consultation session in May, there was concern over the proximity of path users to traffic.
The amended plans presented at the December information session have added guard rails in some sections of the route, although not along the whole length of the path.
Residents still had considerable safety concerns about the cyclists, especially children, who would need to cross Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road near Pound Road.
“As part of our planning for this stage, we are continuing to investigate different options and measures to ensure pedestrian safety for this section of trail,” Ms Quattorocchi said.
Taroona Avenue footpath
The long-planned footpath along Taroona Avenue has been in the planning since before COVID lockdowns, with several iterations along the way, originally proposed as the fourth and final stage of the Main Yarra Trail extension.
Following community feedback, the final designs provide for a pedestrian footpath with bikes moved out onto the road.
Despite many in the community agitating for a gravel path, Council has opted for a concrete footpath, which will extend the entire length of the eastern side of the road, with a sandstone kerb to “complement the area’s natural character”.
The spoon drain will be filled in, and drainage points will channel stormwater into the adjacent Andersons Creek.
Council says it has revised the design for this stage to align with environmental and heritage requirements.
Construction to upgrade the footpath along Taroona Avenue in Warrandyte will begin in early 2025.
Tindals Road footpath
Council provided plans for a path to run the length of Tindals Road, from Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road to Stintons Road.
The plans presented at the information session were high-level concepts designed to gauge whether the community was interested in such a path.
Ms Quattrocchi said the plan is to create a safe all-weather connection for pedestrians and residents in the area.
“This project is in its early stages, and our recent consultation aimed to assess whether there is community support for it.
“We will review all feedback before deciding whether to proceed to the design stage.”
She said during the design stage, Council would determine whether the pathway should be a footpath or a shared path and how it will navigate crossing points along the road.
Feedback on the path concept was generally mixed, with many questioning the need for such a path, but others suggested it may make for a good alternative bike path between Warrandyte and the Mullum Mullum Trail.
Council will provide a summary of the consultation and next steps early next year.
West End Road footpath, Taroona Avenue to First Street
Council put forward the plans for an asphalt footpath on the northern side of West End Road, from Taroona Avenue to First Street.
The project is a response to a request from the Warrandyte Retirement Housing Co-Op.
The gravel path from the Riverside Retirement Village to Taroona Avenue was deemed too difficult for elderly residents to walk on.
Ms Quattrocchi said the community consultation attendees preferred a more stable asphalt footpath along West End Road, which would improve safety and accessibility compared to the existing path.
Dick Davies from the Housing Co-Op said the residents of the retirement village “just want a surface they can walk on, to get to the river or the shops, it’s as simple as that.
“It can be environmental and all of that, but it has to be something they can walk on,” he said.
Some residents at the information session disagreed with the use of asphalt and asked to keep gravel or some other porous surface.
Ms Quattrocchi said Council is developing the design for further consultation early next year, and there is currently no plan to extend the asphalt path along the entire length of West End Road, but this may be considered in the future.
Construction is expected to begin late next year.
Pound Road (Stage 2) footpath and intersection upgrade
Following the construction of a gravel path from Diane Court to Naughton Reserve, Council put forward plans to continue the path to Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road.
Ms Quattrocchi told the Diary the construction of a formal footpath on Pound Road will enhance safety and accessibility, ensuring everyone, including those travelling with prams or wheelchairs, can use it.
“The project aims to address community concerns, including those raised by parents about child safety, particularly at narrow points of the road.”
She said Council has consulted with the community on this project over several years.
“The current design responds to community feedback, which suggested using gravel and crushed rock instead of concrete or asphalt to suit the area’s character.
“Following positive feedback on the updated design at our recent consultation session, we plan to begin constructing the footpath in early 2025.”
The plans also include removing the guard rail opposite Diane Reserve and planting Lomandra Longifolia between the path and the road.
The proposed Pound Road upgrade includes the construction of a slip lane at the corner of Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road to enhance road safety by providing greater visibility to drivers, better alerting them of the need to give way and reduce speed through the intersection.
The proposed works include:
Removing the existing eastbound left turn slip lane and high entry angle island on Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road.
Constructing a new eastbound short left turn lane on Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road.
Relocating the Pound Road splitter island towards the east, with pavement widening towards the east, to accommodate the new treatments and slightly improve the squaring up of the intersection.
Construction on this project will likely begin in mid-2025.
Alexander Road, Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road
Council plans to construct a path along Alexander Road to improve accessibility and safety near Warrandyte High School.
The project will include:
a new footpath
kerb and channel
drainage improvements
road resurfacing and widening in sections
Ms Quattrocchi said the proposed upgrades on Alexander Road will improve the road, footpath and drainage network, enhancing safety and connectivity around Warrandyte High School and Alexander Road.
She said following the feedback received, a revised design will be presented for additional consultation next year, followed by construction later in 2025.
Pedestrian Refuge at Russell Road, Mullens Road and Ringwood-Warrandyte Road intersection
Council sought feedback on designs updated in collaboration with the Department of Transport and incorporating community feedback from earlier this year.
The refuge is planned to provide safer access from the Stonehouse and the river walk to the bus stop on the western side of Ringwood-Warrandyte Road, which includes a new footpath and a refuge island.
Ms Quattrocchi said the island will help connect the Warrandyte River Reserve trail, Stonehouse Café, and bus stop to the Russell and Mullens Road intersection in Warrandyte.
Community feedback on the project was generally favourable, but it included requests for stone edging along the new path between the river walk and the Stonehouse instead of concrete guttering to better complement the historic aesthetic around the Stonehouse.
“As this road belongs to the Department of Transport and Planning, our design must meet specific standards, including using concrete kerbs instead of stone kerbs,” Ms Quattrocchi said.
She said Council is evaluating the feedback received during the recent consultation and will work with the Department of Transport and Planning to incorporate this into the final design.
Council will provide a consultation summary to residents early next year, and construction will likely begin in the second half of 2025.
Drainage upgrades: Blair Street
Drain capacity along Blair Street is being upgraded to reduce flooding.
Council has completed previous consultations on this project and has commenced early works on the project.
Contractors have already begun early works on the Blair Street drainage upgrade, which has been in planning over the last few years.
Several large trees are being removed as part of the works, as the trees have damaged some of the existing pipes.
“Our aim is to minimise any impact on trees; we are only removing trees that are unavoidable,” said Ms Quattrocchi.
These trees will be replaced with mature trees where possible.
Construction of the main works is scheduled to start in January 2025.
Drainage upgrades: Mitchell Avenue catchment
Council also is proposing upgrades to the drainage system on both sides of Mitchell Avenue, up to Yarra Street, and some connected works on Webb Street.
Rachelle Quattrocchi said the Mitchell Avenue drainage project aims to address the street drainage issues that put properties at a higher risk of flooding.
She said the project is in the planning and design phase.
“We’re evaluating the feedback received for the Mitchell Avenue drainage project and will provide the community with a consultation summary and next steps early next year.”
Next steps
Ms Quattrocchi said Council is now collating the community feedback received at the recent consultation sessions and will provide a summary of the projects presented early next year.
“Thank you to those who attended; we are aiming to incorporate your feedback as we further develop the designs for these projects in 2025,” she said.
FOOD INSECURITY is becoming an increasing issue for Australian households.
The latest Foodbank Hunger Report says 48 per cent of lower-income households (those on less than $30,000 per year) are food insecure, up five per cent since 2022.
For households earning $95,000 per year or more, 32 per cent experienced either marginal, moderate, or severe food insecurity.
The Hunger Report states:
“Almost a third of all Australian households (32 per cent) experienced some form of food insecurity (moderate to severe) at a point in the past 12 months. This means 3.4 million households have at the very least reduced the quality, variety or desirability of their food and at worst, run out of food so that household members go entire days without eating. This is a slight improvement on the overall rate of food insecurity in 2023 which was 3.7M households (36 per cent), but the situation has deteriorated for many households with deeply concerning pockets of hardship at historically high, or worsening, levels of food insecurity.”
Services like Foodbank, CareNet, and community pantries at Warrandyte Neighbourhood House and the Rotary Op Shop can help struggling families cope with food insecurity, but many families also needs of their pets.
Feeding your four-legged friends
A report published by RSPCA Australia said that in 2022 there were an estimated 28.7M pets in Australia in 69 per cent of households, with dogs (48 per cent) and cats (33 per cent) accounting for the most common type of animal kept.
The RSCPA also states that a breakdown of pet costs showed pet food as a household’s biggest expenditure in relation to caring for their pet.
“Overall, Australian households are estimated to have spent over $33 billion on pet services and products in 2022 with food representing 51 per cent of all expenditure, followed by veterinary service at 14 per cent. Dog owners spent the most, with an estimated average of $3,218 spent per animal each year. Cat owners spend an estimated average of $1,715 per animal each year. In 2022, 17 per cent of households with dogs and 12 per cent of households with cats have pet insurance, which has fallen since 2019; the main reasons cited for not having pet insurance was the cost and perceived lack of value.”
Member for North-Eastern Metropolitan, Sonja Terpstra, has opened a free pet food bank at her Doncaster electorate office to provide pet food to community members in need.
Ms Terpstra says the pet food bank will help relieve the pressure of families feeding their pets and mitigate the uptick in families surrendering their pets to organisations like the RSPCA as increasing financial pressures force them to choose between feeding themselves or their pets.
“I know now how important family pets are to everyone.
“Having a pet food bank will help those in need to keep their furry family together in their furr-ever homes.
“I’m sure it will be of great benefit to the community,” she said.
The pet food bank will provide long-life food for cats, dogs, and other animals and is open to all those in the community who need it.
The food bank is made possible by a partnership with the RSPCA.
If you or someone you know is struggling to feed your pet, visit the Pet Food Bank at Office 2, 9-11 Williamsons Road, Doncaster, to pick up some food
Or call the office at 9937 2566 to find out what food is currently available.
If you are struggling to put food on the table and require assistance, visit foodbank.org.au, carenet.org.au or visit the community pantries at Warrandyte Neighbourhood House, 1/168 Yarra Street, or the Rotary Op Shop, 264 Yarra Street.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS will be in force across the whole of Victoria before Christmas.
Manningham will join Nillumbik under fire restrictions as the CFA announces the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 1am on Monday, December 23, for the following municipalities in CFA’s northeast region:
Manningham Council
Maroondah Council
Yarra Ranges Council
Knox City Council
Nillumbik’s restrictions commenced in late November.
After a drier-than-average autumn and winter, much of Victoria, including parts of greater Melbourne, faces an elevated fire risk this summer.
CFA District 13 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Matt Hirst said the conditions mean locals must remain vigilant as the region enters fire season.
“What we’re seeing is the result of months of dry conditions,” Matt said.
“Despite recent rainfall, fine fuels, such as grasses and leaf litter on the forest floor, will dry out very fast, which could lead to conditions for fires to spread quickly.”
Matt also stressed the importance of safe practices when it comes to burn-offs.
“Our crews are ready, but we need everyone to do their part to minimise risk,” he said.
“Preparing your property is one of the most important steps you can take before fire danger days arrive.
“If you’re planning a burn-off, make sure it’s done safely and that you register it online.
“This ensures emergency resources can stay focused on genuine incidents.”
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au) or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.
No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
Very strict conditions are attached to these permits, and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.
Fire Danger Period information
A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds, or other vegetation during the FDP.
You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au.
It can also be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office.
Lighting fires in the open without a permit can result in a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod.
To learn what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
MANNINGHAM COUNCIL has announced new electric vehicle charging stations will be installed across Manningham in 2025 after partnering with JOLT Charger and Evie Networks.
The partnership is designed to accommodate electric vehicle usage to travel to and from Manningham’s nine most popular tourist destinations, which includes Warrandyte.
The impetus behind the partnership was informed by the 2023 Manningham Community Survey.
The chargers will allow electric vehicle owners 30-40 minute charge time to visit local cafes and restaurants, retail outlets, and sporting facilities.
Manningham Council has identified “Yarra Street car park” as the Warrandyte location.
The Diary contacted Manningham Council for more information about where the station would be located, how many chargers would be installed at each location, and if the Warrandyte Community Centre car park would be better equipped to accommodate EV charge stations.
Krishen Soobrayen, Acting Director City Services provided this response.
“The exact location of Warrandyte’s new public electric vehicle charger is not yet confirmed. We are currently investigating the feasibility of placing a charger for one parking bay at the front car park near 258 to 260 Yarra Street [Bridge Shops]. This will require a planning permit and power supply approval before it can be finalised. This commercial location has been selected as it suits the planning permit requirements for the proposed charger, Jolt Charge, and has access to a suitable power supply. This fast charger would provide each customer with charge for up to 50 kilometres of range for free each day. To subsidise this free service, the Jolt charger includes a digital advertising screen that will display static images. The Warrandyte charging station is anticipated to be installed in mid to late 2025. Over the coming months, we will be engaging with residents and businesses to provide more information about the proposed charging station. Consultation with local residents and businesses will occur as part of the planning permit process. The car park at the Warrandyte Community Centre was initially considered. However, given the planning requirements for this style of charger, we are proposing to place it in a more commercial area. The number of chargers at each of the public electric vehicle charging locations in Manningham will vary between one and four chargers per location. This will depend on the power supply available and anticipated demand at each location.”
Is this a good initiative for Warrandyte?
Do we need more public EV charge stations, or should the focus be on encouraging more use of public and active transport?
Let us know your thoughts, email editor@warrandytediary.com.au.
This year our guest artists are from the International Academy of Ceramics, representing Australian and New Zealand ceramics globally.
The fire had started from sparks from a grinder.
