Find Manningham April 2024 Edition

• Accounting Services

• Acupuncture

• Architect

• Architectural Interior Design

• Attorney- Family

• Auctions- Real Estate

• Bookkeeper

• Bowen Therapy

• Builder- Commercial

• Business Coach

• Business Equipment Financing

• Business Insurance

• Cabinets

• Caterer

• Graphic Designer

• Plasterer

• Chinese Medicine

• Chiropractor

• Creative Director

• Commercial Mortgage

• Computer Repair

• Computer Web Design

• Concrete

• Copywriting/Copy Editing

• Counselor/ Psychotherapist

• Dentist

• Digital Media

• Electrical Operations

• Electrician

• Finance Bookeeper

• Financial Planner

• Fitness Trainer

• Flooring

• Pilates

• Garage Doors

• General Insurance

• Health & Wellness Coach

• Homeopathy

• Lactation Consultant

• Lawn Care

• Lawyer

• Life Coach

• Loans

• Marketing

• Massage Therapist

• Meditation/Yoga

• Mortgage Broker

• Naturopathic Medicine

• Nutrition

• Osteopathy

• Painter

• Personal Trainer

• Photographer

• Plumber

• Podiatrist

• Printer

• Project Management

• Psychologist

• Real Estate Rentals

• Real Estate Sales

• Reiki

• Residential Cleaning

• Residential Mortgage

• Security

• Signs

• Solar • Solicitor

• Travel Agent

• Website Developer

• Wedding Planner

About the Find Manningham

By Warren Strybosch

The Find Manningham is a community paper that aims to support all things Manningham. We want to provide a place where all Not-For-Profits (NFP), schools, sporting groups and other like organisations can share their news in one place. For instance, submitting up-andcoming events in the Find Manningham for Free.

We do not proclaim to be another newspaper and we will not be aiming to compete with other news outlets. You can obtain your news from other sources. We feel you get enough of this already. We will keep our news topics to a minimum and only provide what we feel is most relevant topics to you each month.

We invite local council and the current council members to participate by submitting information each month so as to keep us informed of any changes that may be of relevance to us, their local constituents.

EDITORIAL ENQUIRES:

Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 warren@findnetwork.com.au

PUBLISHER: Issuu Pty Ltd

We will also try and showcase different organisations throughout the year so you, the reader, can learn more about what is on offer in your local area.

To help support the paper, we invite local business owners to sponsor the paper and in return we will provide exclusive advertising and opportunities to submit articles about their businesses. As a community we encourage you to support these businesses/columnists. Without their support, we would not be able to provide this community paper to you.

Lastly, we want to ask you, the local community, to support the fundraising initiatives that we will be developing

and rolling out over the coming years. Our aim is to help as many NFP and other like organisations to raise much needed funds to help them to keep operating. Our fundraising initiatives will never simply ask for money from you. We will also aim to provide something of worth to you before you part with your hard-earned money. The first initiative is the Find Cards and Find Coupons – similar to the Entertainment Book but cheaper and more localised. Any NFP and similar organisations e.g., schools, sporting clubs, can participate.

Follow us on facebook (https://www. facebook.com/findmanningham) so you keep up to date with what we are doing.

We value your support,

The Find Manningham Team.

anningham The

POSTAL ADDRESS: 248 Wonga Road, Warranwood VIC 3134

ADVERTISING AND ACCOUNTS: editor@findmanningham.com.au

GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 1300 88 38 30

EMAIL SPORT: sport@manningham.com.au

WEBSITE: www.findmanningham.com.au

OUR NEWSPAPER

The Find Manningham was established in 2019 and is owned by the Find Foundation, a Not-For-Profit organisation with a core focus of helping other Not-ForProfits, schools, clubs and other similar organisations in the local community - to bring everyone together in one place and to support each other. We provide the above organisations FREE advertising in the community paper to promote themselves as well as to make the community more aware of the services these organisations can offer. The Find Manningham has a strong editorial focus and is supported via local grants and financed predominantly by local business owners.

ALL THINGS MANNINGHAM

The City of Manningham is a local government area in Victoria, Australia in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Manningham had a population of approximately 125,508 as at the 2018 Report which includes 27,500 business and close to 45,355 households. The Doncaster and Templestowe Council administered the area until December 15, 1994.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Find Manningham acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where Manningham now stands, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, and pays repect to their Elders - past, present and emerging - and acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within our community.

DISCLAIMER

Readers are advised

By Mary Barnes

Anzac Day stands as a solemn tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACS). Observed annually on April 25th, this day holds profound significance as it commemorates the service and sacrifice of those who fought and died for their countries, particularly during World War I. At the heart of Anzac Day lies the poignant phrase, “Lest We Forget,” serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the ANZACS.

Anzac Day traces its origins to the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915, where ANZAC forces made their mark on history with their courage and resilience amidst unimaginable hardships. Despite facing formidable challenges, including harsh terrain and determined enemy opposition, the ANZACS demonstrated unparalleled bravery, forging an indelible legacy that continues to resonate a century later.

While Gallipoli remains a defining moment in ANZAC history, the contributions of these brave men and women extended far beyond the shores of Turkey. From the trenches of the Western Front to the deserts of the Middle East, the ANZACS fought with distinction in battles that tested their mettle and resolve. Their selflessness and sacrifice are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Australian and New Zealand identities.

Lest We Forget: The phrase “Lest We Forget” serves as a solemn vow to remember and honour the sacrifices of the ANZACS,

Anzac Day: Lest We Forget - Honoring the Sacrifice and Service of the ANZACS

ensuring that their memory endures for generations to come. It reminds us of the human cost of war and the importance of cherishing the freedoms we enjoy today—freedoms that were secured through the ultimate sacrifice of so many.

Each year, on April 25th, Australians and New Zealanders gather in solemn remembrance to pay tribute to the ANZACS. From dawn services to marches and memorial ceremonies, the day is marked by a sense of reverence and gratitude for those who served. Through these acts of commemoration,

we reaffirm our commitment to preserving the memory of the ANZACS and the values for which they fought

Anzac Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the ANZACS in service of their countries. Through the phrase “Lest We Forget,” we honour their memory and pledge to uphold the values of courage, sacrifice, and mateship for which they stood. As we reflect on their legacy, let us ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten, and that their spirit continues to inspire future generations to strive for peace and unity.

IS YOUR LOW FIXED RATE ABOUT TO EXPIRE? WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MINIMISE THE FINANCIAL IMPACT?

MORTGAGE BROKERING

By Reece Droscher

In the current economic climate

Mortgage Brokers are spending a lot of time engaged with their existing clients, discussing what will happen when the current fixed rate on their Home Loan

expires. When rates were at their lowest a lot of borrowers, quite smartly, took advantage of this and locked in their rate for anywhere between 1 and 5 years. Most took a fixed rate of 2-3 years at rates as low as 1.79%. As all good things must come to an end, some of these fixed rate contracts will be coming up to their expiry dates, and some borrowers could

see their mortgage rates increase by almost 5% when their fixed rate expires.

If you are in this situation there is one important thing you should do to plan for this eventuality and to try and mitigate, as much as possible, the inevitable impact on your cashflow that you will be about to experience.

TALK TO A MORTGAGE BROKER AND REVIEW YOUR LOAN!!

It is vitally important to get a real understanding of your options, and discussing your situation with a mortgage broker will be the best course of action to ensuring you get the best deal and minimise the financial impact of a significant increase to your interest rate. We can talk to your current lender to see what they can offer as an incentive to remain with them, or see what else is available in the market that may be a better option and more suitable to your current requirements.

A potential new lender may also be negotiable on the interest rate to ensure they win your business. Your mortgage broker is in the perfect position to help with these negotiations by presenting a case to the lenders, then seeing who is offering the most suitable deal.

Mortgage Brokers can also negotiate with your current lender if you provide them permission to do so, without the

need for you to refinance your loan. I have personally re-negotiated rates for new clients who were placed on the standard variable rate by their current lender once their fixed rate expired. We managed to negotiate a significant discount on the variable rate to ensure they retained the business. It costs Banks more money to attract a new client than to keep their existing customers, so they are being a lot more aggressive, using their business retention teams to offer existing clients better deals.

It is also important to note that a mortgage broker is required to act in the best interest of their client, which is not a requirement of the Banks or other lenders When you engage a broker to review your loan we are required to provide our clients with the most suitable option to meet their needs, even if the best option is for the client to remain with their current lender and the broker receives no remuneration by

recommending this option. This ensures that you are receiving the best advice available at the time of the review.

Every client’s requirements are different, and dealing with a Mortgage Broker will provide you with a much wider range of options than just dealing with your current lender. At SHL Finance we are helping our clients save thousands by reviewing their loans and ensuring they are getting the best deal to meet their needs. We would love the opportunity to help you too. Please call Reece Droscher on 0478 021 757 to arrange a review.

Please call Reece Droscher on 0478 021 757 to book in a review and discuss your options.

reece@shlfinance.com.au

www.shlfinance.com.au

Carrying forward the unused concessional contribution cap

ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

Does a person need to fully use their current year’s concessional contribution cap before they can access their unused concessional contribution cap from earlier financial year?

For the 2023-24 financial year, the unused concessional contribution cap can be carried forward when a person had a total superannuation balance on 30 June 2023 of less than $500,000.

Then, once they have fully used their 2023-24 concessional contribution cap of $27,500, they are able to carry forward their unused cap, starting with any unused cap from 2018-19.

This can be a very useful strategy to reduce tax in the current year for people able to maximise their salary sacrifice contributions, or to make personal tax deductible contributions.

The unused cap can be carried forward for a period of up to five years.

Therefore, from 1 July 2024, any unused cap remaining from 2018-19 will no longer be available.

However, from 1 July 2024, even though any unused cap from 2018-19 will drop off, the maximum concessional contributions available to a person who has not made any concessional contributions since 1 July 2019 will be:

Cautionary notes:

1. Reportable superannuation contributions are added back for the purpose of determining liability to pay Division 293 tax. When maximising concessional contributions, it is important to consider if all, or a part of the contributions will be subject to the additional 15% Division 293 tax.

2. If aged between 67 and 75, a contributor will need to have met the work test (or be eligible for the work test exemption) in the current financial year to be able to claim a tax deduction for their personal superannuation contributions.

Warren Strybosch

You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findaccountant.com.au / www.findaccountant.com.au

Important Information

This information is of a general nature only. It does not take into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. You should obtain professional financial advice if you have not already done so before acting on this information. You should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a decision to buy or sell a financial product. Any case studies, graphs or examples are for illustrative purposes only and are based on specific assumptions and calculations. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Superannuation, tax, Centrelink and other relevant information is current as at the date of this document.This information contained does not constitute legal or tax advice.

Changes to phase 3 tax cuts accepted in parliament.

On 27 February 2024 the Albanese government’s proposed changes to the previously legislated stage 3 tax cuts passed both Houses of Parliament. The Bill received Royal Assent on 5 March 2024.

As a result, the tax rates that will apply to Australian resident taxpayers from 1 July 2024 are:

Being able to carry forward the unused concessional contribution cap can be very useful for, amongst other things, people wishing to manage a capital gains tax liability following the disposal of assets such as an investment property.

The changes will result in a tax cut for all Australians with a taxable income exceeding $22,575 however, for higher income earners (those with taxable income of more than ~$146,000),the tax cuts will be less than originally legislated.

Why CCS is asking for a review of a State Environmental Law.

NATURE & CONSERVATION

By Liz Sanzaro

Recently we have focussed on the disastrous issue of trees being removed illegally from the area. We know for a fact, that some people poison trees a year or so before they decide to sell to a developer, as the unencumbered block is easier for the developer, who benefits from starting with a moon scape.

Even if the developer purchases a treed block the fine for removing trees is maximum $2,000 per tree, which they pay to Council and add that into the final cost, making the new owners who move in pay for that, it is just the cost of doing business.

It is very evident that the cleared block in this photo probably had some trees of similar size to those on adjacent properties. Also looking at the left of this block, where there are now 3 units, it is clear that there is no room for sizable tree replacement. Off set planting, where the Council allows money to be exchanged so that the tree can be replanted in parks or street tree planting will not help improve the life of residents who buy into these new units.

Sadly, as we face climate change and severe weather into the future this behaviour has an impact on us all.

Heat sinks are created, which is where hard building materials like concrete,

brick and black roofs as well as roads and footpaths absorb heat during the day then radiate it back at night,

never giving our environment a chance to cool down, so our trees are not just beautiful, and habitat for birds, but now essential for our own human survival. CCS believes like first Nations people, that we do not “own” our environment, we simply live with it and appreciate it and care for it for the next generation. Our well being is very dependent on sufficient tree cover in our living environment.

This past year in 2023, CCS has been sending out messages to 7 Climate Change Alliances across Victoria, each of these alliances encompasses a considerable number of Council areas, for example EAGA covers, Booroondara, Glen Eira, Knox, Maroondah, Stonington, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges. EAGA stands for Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action.

Below is just one example of the 12 messages we have sent in the last 24 months.

Let’s look at creative solutions to habitat destruction.

Yes this is how the birds think we should live. Interesting perspective!

Ignorant people often remove trees that they think might be dangerous. They might appear to be old or have recently dropped limbs. Often, they do this illegally, since it is very easy to get a tree lopper to agree that the tree is dangerous, this means exemption from a permit application.

These old mature trees are habitat for our wildlife, who need nesting hollows, to breed. We are at grave risk of losing not only vegetation and trees but whole species from our suburban biodiversity.

Birds are smarter than we give them credit for.

We are counting on you as our representative to ensure the State mandates a fine large enough to be a deterrent, and that Councils can enforce on those who illegally remove trees.

Lets put an end to the talk. Start again with enthusiasm, to devise a method of fines that is workable and transparent, to protect our mature urban trees. President

Created by CCS and signed by 28 environmentally concious groups and 7 climate action groups Council across the State of Victoria.

Super Contribution changes announced by Govt

ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

The Federal Government has confirmed that there will be an increase in the non-concessional and concessional contribution caps.

Currently, you could place up to $27,500 per year into super as a concessional contribution. Concessional contributions included your Superannuation Guarantee Contributions (SGC), Salary Sacrifice of super, additional employer contributions and personal contributions for which you wish to claim a tax deduction and where an Intent to Claim form had to be filled out. From 1st July 2024, the concessional cap will increase to $30,000 per year.

For non-concessional contributions, the current cap was $110,000 per year and this will now increase to $120,000. This is good news for those who are getting closer to retirement and wish to place more funds into super as the

bring forward provisions, will allow nonconcessional contributions to increase from $330,000 to $360,000.

Additionally, from 1 July 2024, the Total Superannuation Balance (TSB) thresholds used to determine the maximum amount of bring-forward non-concessional contributions available to an individual will also be adjusted.

The TSB is a fairly easy concept to understand. It's usually the total amount of money you have in your super at any one time. The ATO measures your TSB each 30 June to determine which super measures you are eligible to use in the following financial year as follows:

• carry-forward concessional contributions

• non-concessional contributions cap and the bring-forward of your non-concessional contributions cap

• work test exemption

• government co-contribution

• spouse tax offset

• segregated asset method for calculating exempt current pension income.

You can view your TSB by using ATO online services . Select Super then Information then Total superannuation balance .

Google Reviews

DIGITAL MEDIA

By Ethan Strybosch

In today’s digital landscape, the influence of online reviews on businesses cannot be overstated. Among the plethora of review platforms available, Google Reviews stand out as a crucial factor in shaping a company’s online reputation. Positive Google Reviews not only boost visibility but also foster trust among potential customers. The significance of Positive Google Reviews lies in several key aspects.

Firstly, they play a pivotal role in enhancing visibility and credibility for a business. Google’s algorithm prioritises businesses with higher ratings, making them more likely to appear in local search queries. Positive reviews contribute significantly to a company’s credibility, establishing trust among prospective customers.

In the modern consumer landscape, online reviews heavily influence purchasing decisions. Studies have shown that a staggering 93% of consumers rely on Google Reviews to assess the quality of a business, and 72% won’t take action until they’ve read reviews. Positive Google Reviews serve as social proof, reassuring potential customers

that they are making a sound choice by opting for a particular product or service.

Positive Google Reviews also provide a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace. A higher star rating and positive testimonials can be the differentiating factor that influences a customer to choose one business over another.

One effective approach for gaining Google reviews is implementing automated review requests. Utilising automated systems to request reviews can streamline the process. After a customer completes a purchase or service, an automated email or text message can be sent, politely requesting feedback. This ensures that satisfied customers are prompted to leave a review without significant effort on their part.

Another strategy involves incentivising positive reviews. While it’s crucial to remain ethical and compliant with review platform policies, offering small incentives can motivate customers to share their positive experiences. Consider providing discounts, loyalty points, or exclusive access to promotions as tokens of appreciation for leaving a positive review.

Timing and personalisation also play crucial roles in soliciting positive reviews. It’s essential to send review requests when the positive experience is fresh in the customer’s mind. Personalising the request by addressing the customer by name and referencing specific details of their interaction with the business demonstrates that their feedback is valued.

Lastly, actively engaging with existing reviews, both positive and negative, can further enhance a business’s reputation. Responding to reviews, expressing gratitude for positive feedback, and addressing concerns in a constructive manner not only demonstrate excellent customer service but also encourage others to leave reviews.

The other kind of Liver Disease

NATUROPATH

By Kathryn Messenger

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is on the rise and is caused by poor dietary choices. But just like anything that is caused by a poor diet, it can be improved with a good one. If you would like to know more about Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD), see my article from last month, but for NAFLD, read on.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Unlike AFLD, NAFLD isn't primarily linked to alcohol consumption. Instead, it results from factors such as poor dietary choices, sedentary lifestyles, and insulin resistance. The liver, faced with an influx of refined sugars and unhealthy fats, undergoes a process where excess glucose is converted into fat, leading to the accumulation observed in NAFLD.

Diagnosis

NAFLD is diagnosed the same as AFLD, by a blood test, and if you’re someone who doesn’t drink much, the elevated liver enzymes will be determined as nonalcoholic liver disease. However, there are signs and symptoms that give us some good clues on the health of your liver.

Firstly, waist to hip ratio. If the measurement around your waist is larger than that of your hips, it’s likely that fat has accumulated around your digestive organs. This places stress on both your liver and your pancreas, two organs that

work closely together in metabolism. If you need help with how to lose this weight around your abdominal organs, I have a 6 week Nutritional weight loss course that can help you here.

Other signs of poor liver function include poor recovery after drinking, an energy slump in the early afternoon, and a host of other conditions such as headaches and dry skin.

Fatty liver and fatigue

Because the liver is involved in metabolism (how your body uses and stores energy from food), it’s not a surprise that poor liver function can have you feeling exhausted. You may find that your energy is particularly bad after eating processed food compared to when you eat wholefoods. By following the dietary ideas below, your energy levels will start to improve.

How to improve liver function

It makes sense that if this disease was caused by too much sugar, white flour products, and deep-fried foods, that reducing or eliminating these would be a great place to start.

Some foods that are good for your liver include:

- Leafy green vegetables: spinach, kale, roquette, cabbage, broccoli.

- Healthy fats: oily fish, olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds

- Protein: Unprocessed meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts & seeds.

- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, wholegrain bread and crackers.

Once you have fatty liver disease, you will need to make long term changes to your diet. The good news is that the foods that will help you to heal are foods you should be eating anyway for optimal health. It can be a long road, but there are many natural medicines to help repair the liver. I see such good results in my clinic with people’s energy levels in a short time after taking liver herbs, and there are some great herbal and nutritional products to improve metabolism and turn this disease around.

Kathryn Messenger

BHSc (Naturopathy)

kathryn@wholenaturopathy.com.au

Suite 1 53/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd

Mountain Gate Shopping Centre

Ferntree Gully, Victoria

This advice is general in nature and not intended to be prescriptive. For individualised prescriptive advice, please see a naturopath or other health care practitioner.

Indexation of contribution caps

FINANCIAL PLANNER

By Erryn Langley

As expected, the concessional contribution cap will be indexed by $2,500 and will increase to $30,000 from 1 July 2024.

The non-concessional contribution cap will also increase to $120,000, and to $360,000 under the three-year bring forward arrangement.

The increase in the non-concessional contribution cap will also see a small change in the total super balance cut-off thresholds for the three-year bring forward cap when triggered on or after 1 July 2024.

2023-24 financial year

2024-25 financial year

Erryn Langley

1300 557 144 | erryn@findwealth.com.au www.findwealth.com.au

Financial Planning is offered via Find Wealth Pty Ltd ACN 140 585 075 t/a Find Wealth. Find Wealth is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 93 161 647 007 (AFSL No. 449221). Part of the Centrepoint Alliance group https://www. centrepointalliance.com.au/

Erryn Langley is Authorised representative (No. 1269525) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd.

Thisinformationhasbeenprovidedasgeneraladvice.We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek the assistance of an authorised financial adviser before making any decision regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this communication.

Where the three-year bring forward was triggered in either 2022-23 or 2023-24, indexation of the non-concessional contribution cap will not apply until the end of the current three-year period.

Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, it is based on our understanding of current regulatoryrequirementsandlawsatthepublicationdate. As these laws are subject to change you should talk to an authorised adviser for the most up-to-date information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Alliance Wealth nor its related entities, employees or representatives accepts responsibility for any loss suffered by any person arising from reliance on this information.

Bookkeeping – Back to Basics Cash flow Statement

BOOKKEEPING

By Jodie Moore

So far, we have looked at a Trial Balance, Profit and Loss Statement and a Balance Sheet. The final report commonly prepared for use by management and other stakeholders is the Statement of Cash Flow or Cash Flow Statement.

The Cash Flow Statement looks at how money comes into and out of your business, and where there is the biggest activity both incoming and outgoing. It can show you what areas of your business are making you the most money, where you are losing money and why. This comes in handy when your Profit and Loss report says you have made a profit, but you have no money in the bank account.

There are three types of cash flow –Operating Activities – This includes the

income producing activities and their associated expenses.

Investing Activities – the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets.

Financing Activities – Capital contributed by the owner and from loans, and dividends paid and repayment of loans.

According to these three categories, money coming into your business is either from revenue from sales or services (Operations), sale of non-current assets (Investing), and money from loans (Financing). This means that you really want the majority of your money to come in through the Operations group. Money coming solely from the sale of noncurrent assets is finite, you only have so much to sell. And money coming solely from loans is also not a long term plan, lenders will very quickly stop lending to you and you’ll need to pay it back anyway. A Cash Flow Statement will show this so you can then make any necessary changes to your business to rectify it.

For money going out of your business, you need to ensure enough is being spent as expenses to maintain the money coming in through operations. In other words, if you sell product, you need to ensure you have enough money to spend on inventory, otherwise you will run out of stock and your Operations money coming in will dry up. You also need to be covering other day-to-day expenses such as rent and electricity as that will also influence being able to bring in Operations money. For the longevity of your business though, you also want to be investing in noncurrent assets (Investing) and paying down debt (Financial) but only after you have your Operations sorted.

By understanding all four financial reports and adapting and adjusting based on the results, your business has the best chance of success. Without this understanding you will be like trying to sail around the world without understanding how to use a compass or the stars to guide you.

Manningham Carsharing gains momentum in Manningham

Residents will continue holding the key to carsharing in Manningham, as more people seek the alternative transport option.

Following a successful 18-month trial in Doncaster Hill and Tullamore Estate, Manningham Council and GoGet agreed to extend their carsharing trial to July 2025.

Carsharing offers individuals the opportunity to access vehicles on demand for short periods of time – with fuel, insurance, registration and maintenance all covered.

Manningham Mayor Cr Carli Lange said she is pleased to see residents benefiting from using car share, while also contributing to improved community outcomes.

“Carsharing can deliver significant health, economic, environmental and community benefits,” Cr Lange said.

“It’s one of the ways we’re working to improve our transport network and provide more sustainable, costeffective options for our community.

“With people driving less and owning fewer cars, we’ll continue to see reduced traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and on-street parking demand,” she said.

Since the trial launched in November 2022:

• GoGet membership increased by 30% in Manningham to almost 600 members.

• 200+ metres of street parking freedup

• 118.25 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided in 2023

• 458,000km of private vehicle travel prevented

The most important factors for Manningham residents choosing to

join GoGet is to access the wide range of vehicle types. They are also relying on the service to make trips that are inconvenient by other transport modes.

In response to GoGet’s Annual Personal Survey 2023, a Manningham resident said: “Car share availability was excellent for afterhours activities which would have been more difficult through hire car services.”

This initiative has been identified and guided by Council’s Liveable City Strategy 2040, Transport Action Plan 2021 and Doncaster Hill Modeshift Plan 2014.

The extended trial does not preclude other car share companies from operating within Manningham, including peer-to-peer services.

For more information on the GoGet carsharing trial and to view vehicle locations, visit http://www.manningham. vic.gov.au/goget-carshare-trial.

Council News

Container recycling takes off

Since the first reverse vending machine began operating in November, the local community has recycled over 832,161 containers from 15,368 transactions generating over $83,000 in refunds back to our community.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, is sure this will increase with an additional two reverse vending machines now operating at Ted Ajani Centre and Pettys Reserve.

“This is a fantastic achievement for our community and environment,” Cr Lange said.

“In November alone, the Rieschiecks Reserve reverse vending machine captured 41,221 containers increasing to a staggering 274,049 containers in December, demonstrating our community are enthusiastic recyclers!

“We now have a total of five reverse vending machines operating across Manningham, operating at Mullum Mullum Reserve, Pettys Reserve, Ted Ajani Reserve, Templestowe Reserve and Rieschiecks Reserve, with one more still to come from Visy.

“Reverse vending machines will be the most convenient way to recycle and donate funds to our local organisations,” Cr Lange said.

This increase in refund locations will help to reduce litter and improve Manningham’s streets and open spaces. The Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is also supporting community efforts towards achieving net zero community emissions by 2035 from Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan.

• Find out more about CDS Vic

• Find your nearest refund locations in Manningham

Paddle Power

Do you have the power to paddle? Looking to get outdoors these school holidays? Learn to paddle and be safe on the water with the Paddle Power program!

Program information

• all equipment provided

• suitable for all genders

• this activity is for kids aged seven to 13 years

Terms and conditions

• Participants must be Manningham

residents to qualify for the subsidised rate of $5. All other participants will be charged $30.

• Eligible families can apply for multiple children. Only one session application at the discounted rate can be submitted per child per program.

How to apply

To secure one of the low-cost places, you will need to:

1. register your interest now via the online form

2. once you have submitted the form, you will receive the discount code and instructions on how to complete payment and confirm your spot in the program.

Please note:

applications via this online form do not guarantee a spot in this program. After completing the online form, additional steps must be followed to secure a spot in this program.

Options for the former Doncaster quarry to be explored for community benefit

Manningham Council is taking significant steps to find new ways of funding the increasing costs of services and infrastructure locally.

At their meeting last week, Councillors voted to proceed with an expression of interest process for the potential development of the former Doncaster quarry, located at 620628 Blackburn Road, Doncaster East.

This is the first site to be explored for development under Council’s Strategic Property Portfolio initiative and Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the project reflects Councils community-centric approach.

“We regularly hear from residents about the challenges they’re facing due to the increasing cost of living, and this is always at the front of our minds. This project is a measured way of ensuring we’re financially sustainable by exploring other revenue opportunities to ensure we are delivering the best for our community.

“Interested parties will also have the option of incorporating the larger Manningham Depot-Quarry precinct. This will expand our options to find the best use for the land, ensuring

continued service delivery through a well-planned and beneficial development for our community.

“We’re optimistic that this opportunity will not only provide funding to

benefit services and infrastructure, but also flow on to enhance economic growth and improve infrastructure, paving the way for a brighter future for our community,” Cr Lange added.

Expressions of interest are open until 11.00am on 1 May 2024.

You can read more about the initiative at yoursay.manningham. vic.gov.au/former-quarry-precinct.

Have your say on the future of housing in Manningham

We’re inviting the community to have their say on our Residential Discussion Paper to help shape the future of housing in Manningham.

Over the next 12 years, our population is expected to increase by around 18,000 people, to more than 144,000 people. This means we’ll need close to 8,000 new homes across Manningham.

We’re reviewing the Manningham Residential Strategy 2012 to help plan for and manage future housing growth and change – so that it best meets the ongoing needs of the community. The Residential Strategy will consider the type of homes required for the future, where new homes should be built and how to provide greater housing choice.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Carli Lange said, “Manningham is renowned for its balance of city and country, admired for its unique range of urban and leafy suburbs, rural lifestyle areas and vibrant activity centres.”

“Our current Residential Strategy has been successful in guiding how we have managed growth across Manningham – directing higher density development into the right locations,” Cr Lange said.

“When planning for future housing, it’s important that we support the emerging needs of our growing community, while also respecting the valued neighbourhood attributes of Manningham.

“We also need to carefully plan and manage the future of housing to provide for a range of incomes, lifestyles and life stages,” Cr Lange said.

The first stage in developing the Residential Strategy is the preparation of the Manningham Residential Discussion Paper. The Discussion Paper considers a range of housing matters, including the existing and future housing needs of the Manningham community.

Your feedback on the Discussion Paper will help us better understand community views, priorities, needs and expectations relating to housing. It will help inform the development of the draft Residential Strategy, which we plan to exhibit for community consultation in 2025.

Our short survey closes on 19 May 2024.

Participants to the survey will have the opportunity to enter the draw to win one of three $100 Westfield gift vouchers.

Attend a focus group session

We’re also running two focus group sessions to discuss the future of housing in Manningham during May.