Going back to the future

The return of electric vehicles

By Al Turley

An exciting event is coming to Manningham and you could find your next new car there! The Future Vehicle Expo & Seminar — the first such event to be held in Manningham — provides a unique opportunity to view current electric cars in one location and to learn more about upcoming vehicle technologies. Sponsored by three Rotary Clubs in Manningham and Manningham Council, the Expo will be held on Sunday 10 April 2022, 10 am to 4 pm at Manningham Civic Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.

On display will be smart technologies from the following car dealers: l Audi Doncaster l Hyundai Doncaster l Jaguar Doncaster l Mercedes Doncaster l Mitsubishi Yarra Valley l Nissan Doncaster l Porsche Doncaster l Tesla Owners Club l Yarra Valley Mini Ringwood

Also on display will be other electric modes of transport from Rev-Bikes, Stealth Electric Bikes and Ecomotion Scooters.

The Expo will feature information seminars to discuss practical aspects of the new technologies such as how electric vehicles work, safety features, charging of batteries and the reduced impact on the environment. There will be three sessions of one hour each, starting at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Tickets are $10 per session and seats are limited. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Some of the vehicles participating at the Expo

The story of electric vehicles is really a story of going back to the future. They were first produced back in the 1880s along with combustion-engine and steam-driven cars. As with current models, electric vehicles had many competitive advantages at that time. They were much easier to start, required far less maintenance, and of course, they didn’t produce noise and toxic emissions. Eventually petrol-driven cars became more popular because of their wider range and cheaper initial costs made possible by mass production methods.

Today, all major vehicle manufacturers are turning again to electric power. The price of electric vehicles is coming down, and driving range is increasing: from about 560 kilometres (equivalent to driving from Melbourne to Canberra) to 900 kilometres soon (Melbourne to Sydney). Charging stations are emerging across the country and charging times are continually reducing.

Sales in electric vehicles have been phenomenal across the globe. In some European countries the take-up has been as high as 80%. Unfortunately, Australia lags quite a bit behind. This motivated Rotarian and car enthusiast, David Rosenwax, to explore the idea of putting together an electric vehicle expo to raise awareness.

In his initial discussion with Council, he discovered that they had actually planned a similar event albeit on a smaller scale for early 2020, but it was shelved due to the pandemic. With the support of his club, the Rotary Club of Doncaster (and Rotary clubs of Templestowe and Manningham), David then breathed new life into the initiative. He heads the organising committee and secured the participation of local car dealerships and other electric modes of transport.

The Future Vehicle Expo and Seminar provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about the technological innovation taking place now in motor transport. It’s also an great opportunity to get up close to a Penhard et Levassor (7th oldest car in the world), a DeLorean and an Aurora Solar car. So come along to the Expo. Entry fee is a gold coin donation and proceeds will go to supporting sustainable projects in our community. n

FUTURE VEHICLE EXPO & SEMINAR

Date: Sunday, 10 April 2022 Timee: 10am to 4pm Venue: Manningham Civic Centre & Carpark, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster For more info, please visit: www.futurevehicleexpo.com.au

The Doncaster East and Templestowe Village Community Bank 2021 Grants Program continues to be in high demand, with many new projects and initiatives funded in the Manningham community over recent months. Made possible through the many customers who choose to bank with the local Bendigo Bank, the Connecting Seniors through IT project is one such project.

Throughout the past 18 months many seniors in Manningham have struggled with the isolation and disconnection from their community. Many haven’t had access to digital communication – so services such as Zoom, Skype, Telehealth consultations were all out of reach. In response Doncare has developed a program to reduce isolation by increasing the knowledge and usability of IT by our seniors. The “Connecting Seniors Through IT” project will see a team of local volunteers trained to assist seniors develop their IT skills and confidence. The program also provides access to loan digital devices. The group of volunteers will then train the next lot of volunteers through a “train the trainer model” ensuring the service can continue for many years to come. If you are interested in volunteering for Doncare please contact them on

(Above) Connecting seniors through IT; (left) the Templestowe Village shopper bag

98561500 or email doncare@doncare.org.au.

Supporting Local Business

Never before has it been so important to support local business and the Community Bank in Templestowe Village has free “SHOP TEMPLESTOWE VILLAGE” shopper bags available for readers of Manningham Life to collect. We are fortunate to have such a great range of retail stores, fresh produce, cafes, restaurants in our local area – and these new shopper bags celebrate this. To get yours simply drop into the Bendigo Bank branch at 128 James Street Templestowe Village and ask a member of the friendly team!

The Community Bank model is simple and provides much-needed support to so many across Manningham. There’s never been a better time to consider banking LOCAL! Community Bank branches are local, provide exceptional customer service and offer Bendigo Bank’s full range of competitive products and services. Pop in or phone Paul at Doncaster East or Lilian at Templestowe Village and find out more about the Better Big Bank! n

Big on products. Big on service.

And big on local banking

We deliver the products and technology you’d expect from a big bank, plus the personal service you wouldn’t. Feel good about who you bank with. Try Bendigo. Find out more. Search Bendigo Bank near me. Doncaster East 9840 2028 • Templestowe 9846 1455

Community Bank Doncaster East and Templestowe Village