Manningham Council News Seminar set

Manningham Council is seeking community feedback on a proposed draft masterplan for the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

The draft masterplan was informed by feedback received during community consultation undertaken between October 2021 and March 2022 and aims to provide clear direction for the future design and development of the outdoor pool area at Aquarena.

The outdoor pool area is a beloved community spot where local families enjoy the water slides, cafe, and water play during the summer months. The outdoor 50-meter pool is also a key sporting and recreational asset that is used by swimming clubs, schools, and patrons of Aquarena all year round.

To ensure that the outdoor pool area can be enjoyed for generations to come, the draft masterplan includes several proposed improvements, including:

• A brand-new toddler splash pad and water play elements.

• An upgraded cafe with more seating (including undercover).

• New tiered style seating on the ‘grass hill’ opposite the 50-metre pool, for school carnivals and race day meets.

• Additional change room and toilet facilities.

• More accessible pathways.

• More barbecues and a new amphitheatre-style seating

A new ‘quiet pool’ where specialised programs can be held.

• More shade structures and trees planted to provide better sun protection.

The plan also proposes the removal of the diving pool constructed in 1969 due to its deteriorating condition and low usage rates. The 50-metre pool, also constructed in 1969, is scheduled to be replaced in 2024 to 2026 as part of a separate project.

A copy of the draft masterplan can be found online at yoursay. manningham.vic.gov.au/aquarena-masterplan

Feedback on the masterplan can be provided:

• Online via yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/aquarenamasterplan

• By joining a focus group

• By attending one of Council’s community information sessions.

Expressions of interest to join a community focus group Council is seeking expressions of interest from members of the community to join a focus group to discuss the proposed changes. The focus groups will be held in early May 2023 with details available upon application.

To apply visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/aquarenamasterplan

The draft masterplan was endorsed for community consultation at a Council meeting on Tuesday 28 March 2023. Community consultation opens at 10.00am on Monday 3 April and closes at 4.00pm on Monday 15 May 2023.

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

Manningham Council’s parenting seminar in May will empower parents and carers with advice on the best ways to discuss vaping with young people.

Attendees of the session, hosted in partnership with Access Health and Community, will learn strategies to facilitate conversations, strengthen their communication style, and minimise harm when talking about vaping.

The session will feature a presentation by an Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Clinician from Access Health and Community, followed by a question and answer (Q and A) session with a panel of experts.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said she hoped the session would build parents’ confidence in talking about vaping with the young people in their lives.

“This is a serious health issue and, as a mother of teenagers, something that sadly see a lot of amongst my children’s peers. I know that many parents, carers and even teachers often feel unsure how to approach the issue in a way that will encourage open and honest conversations.”

The seminar was inspired by growing community concern about the increasing number of young people using vape s and how easy it is to access them. Attendees at the Principals’ Breakfast in June last year (comprising, local school principals, wellbeing staff, community organisations in Manningham, and representatives of Manningham Youth Advisory Committee) ranked vaping as their biggest concern related to young people.

The upcoming seminar is just one of several Council initiatives tackling the issue of young people vaping. Council also conducts regular educational visits to tobacco/e-cigarette retailers across Manningham to ensure they comply with their Tobacco Act responsibilities, and runs a tobacco test purchasing program with the help of a person under 18 years of age.

Session details: Thursday 11 May, 7.00–8.30pm at the Manningham Function Centre.

Cost: $10 (concession), $15 (non-concession). Bookings essential.

For more information and to register your place, head to manningham.vic.gov.au/events/parenting-seminar-how-talkyoung-people-about-vaping