The Manningham Needs Analysis will work with community leaders and residents to assess funding options for the area.

Community organisations hope the study will address funding inequalities.

The review was an election promise from Doncaster MLA Mary Wooldridge. When in opposition the Coalition found, under freedom of information, Manningham received $3.7 million for health, housing and community services in 2008–09. In the same year Whitehorse received $109 million and Monash received $66 million.

Doncare chief executive Doreen Stoves commended Ms Wooldridge for fulfilling her election promise.

‘‘Manningham is like the forgotten city. Yes we have pockets of wealth but we also have significant disadvantage. Our residents have to travel out of the area to get access to services. It may not be far when you can drive but when you can’t it takes hours out of your day,’’ Ms Stoves said.

Manningham Community Health Services chief executive officer Jenny Jackson said the health service was the smallest in the region. ‘‘Our capacity to provide services is much less. I hope this review will change that,’’ she said.

Avril Berthelot, a client of Manningham Community Health Services, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, says she has to travel more than an hour each way to access services in Caulfield.

‘‘It’s a significant effort to get to my appointments. It would be nice to have more options close to home,’’ Ms Berthelot said.

A public consultation forum will be held on February 21 from 6pm–8pm at the Beau Monde International Hotel, 934 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East.

Are you happy with the state of community, health, housing and youth services in Manningham? Email

Email Rhiana Whitson here.