Address by Mayor of Manningham: The Future of the Urban Community

Councillor Michelle Kleinert

Manningham is a representation of the future urban communities of Australia. With a population of over 150,000 people, this local government area encompasses all the resources needed by a multicultural community. The conference venue is the latest Mercure Hotel to be built in Australia, opened in November 2021. In a first for Australia, the Hotel was designed to be integrated with a major retail outlet (Bunnings).

As the former Vice President of the Victorian Local Governance Association, Councillor Kleinert is very familiar with the Australian association landscape. Councillor Kleinert will discuss the impact that vibrant, connected local communities can have.

Cr Michelle Kleinert, Mayor of Manningham

Passionate about Manningham’s open space and our vibrant and connected community, Cr Kleinert believes in supporting local business in addition to community clubs and our youth. In her first term as Mayor, Cr Kleinert led the charge to establish a youth mental health outreach service for Manningham with headspace Hawthorn. She is currently the multicultural ambassador for Mental Health Foundation Australia and holds a mental health first aid certificate. Cr Kleinert has a long standing relationship with Bully Zero and is currently involved in a project to air on TV in late 2022. With a focus on bringing the community together with a positive message all can relate to, Cr Kleinert is committed to shine a light on the ‘be kind’ message as we reconnect with one another post the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cr Kleinert also dedicates a significant amount of time supporting women in Local Government through her involvement with the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, Victorian branch (ALGWA Vic), where she has served as both president and is currently the Executive Officer. She is a former vice president of the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA).