Cr Andrew Davenport
Mayor
Wattle Ward

Sun Smart – The 5 S’s of Sun Safety

Sun safety has come a long way since the days of simply "Slip, Slop, Slap." Today, the Cancer Council promotes the 5 S’s of Sun Safety: Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses. The SunSmart app now shows that sun protection is recommended from at least 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during summer. To keep your family safe from extended exposure to the Sun, download the SunSmart app and input your suburb for tailored advice.

Budget 2025/2026

Planning for the 2025/2026 Budget is well underway, and I am committed to ensuring your rates are used effectively. If you have suggestions for areas needing attention or cost-saving opportunities, I encourage you to reach out to me by 15 January 2025. Your input is invaluable in shaping our budget and delivering services that meet community needs.

Energy Efficiency Toolkits

Whitehorse Manningham Regional Libraries offer more than just books – they now provide a "Library of Things." Borrow board games, outdoor activities, or practical kits like the Energy Efficiency Toolkit. This kit includes a thermal imaging camera to identify and address inefficiencies in your home, potentially reducing energy bills. Visit wml.vic.gov.au to explore these and other resources.

Lunar New Year – Year of the Snake

Join us on 1 February 2025 to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Whitehorse New Year Festival on Bank Street, Box Hill. Organized by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse, the event promises vibrant festivities to ring in the Year of the Snake. If attending, consider taking public transport or using the free parking available at Harrow Street and Watts Street multideck car parks.

Cr Kieran Simpson
Cootamundra Ward

I feel really privileged to have been elected to Whitehorse Council to represent the Cootamundra Ward. Being a new Councillor, I want to thank the former incumbent, Mr Andrew Munroe for his service to Whitehorse Council.

During the elections, I walked the entire ward and had hundreds of conversations with residents. They shared what matters to them, their families and their communities. I also met with many local sporting clubs and community groups. I heard consistent themes and many ideas that I want to bring to Council over the next four years.

I want to congratulate those who received recognition in 2024. To all our fabulous volunteers who have given many years to serving our community - thank you for all you do. At the Sports Awards, Blackburn Football Club won Club of the Year, with OOPS Netball Club and Blackburn Bowls Club also being nominated for awards. Well done to Allure Beauty Room, Karli Health Centre, The Food Republic Cafe and Runners Paradise for your wins at the Business Awards. 

Whether it was spending time with family, being outdoors, reading a book, or watching the cricket (go Stars!) I hope everyone has had a relaxing break over the last few weeks.  
My goal is to work in the best interests of Whitehorse, and to repay the trust shown to me in the recent election results. I look forward to engaging with residents, community groups, small business and the council staff to bring about the change that people have voted for. 

My Facebook handle is crkieransimpson where residents can keep up to date with what’s going on in Cootamundra. My number is 0431 486 849 or you can email me at kieran.simpson@whitehorse.vic.gov.au If I can help you with anything, my door is always open. 

Let’s have a great 2025! 

Cr Daniel Griffiths
Eley Ward 

Wishing you a happy 2025 and a prosperous Year of the Snake! 蛇年快乐!

I am using the online-only version of my bimonthly councillor column to highlight stories of our community. 

This month focuses on Bungalook Nursery, 107 Fulton Rd, Blackburn South.

For 35 years, Bungalook Nursery has been an integral part of Whitehorse, fostering a greener community by providing quality indigenous plants for reserves, schools, and gardens. Located on the edge of Orchard Grove Reserve, the nursery plays a vital role in programs like National Tree Day and Gardens for Wildlife, enriching biodiversity across Whitehorse.

An clipping from Whitehorse News in 2001 promoting the nursery.
Download to read this article here ( PDF 3.99MB). 

This success is only possible thanks to the tireless work of its 50+ volunteers, even as demand continues to grow. Among them, Margaret Witherspoon was recently recognised in the Whitehorse Volunteer Awards for supporting our community, environment and volunteering over more than 40 years. Thank you for your service!

We also honour the memory of David Berry, whose volunteering extended at least 36 years, supporting and advocating for the Bungalook Nursery since 1998. The nursery is indebted to David’s support as a committee member for many years and chairman in 2004 and 2005. His commitment to Bungalook Nursery and his beloved Wurundjeri Walk is a testament to his legacy. Vale.

Bungalook is more than a nursery. It’s a community hub that connects people with nature while promoting sustainable practices. Its work has a lasting impact on our environment and enhances the liveability of Whitehorse.

Whether you’re a local gardener, nature enthusiast, or someone looking to make a difference, Bungalook offers plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Bungalook Nursery is open 9am-1pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 10am-12:30pm on last Saturday of each month (except December).

To learn more about its work or to join the passionate team of volunteers, visit www.bungalooknursery.com.au

Cr Blair Barker
Elgar Ward 

I was delighted with the election result, being returned with a considerable and improved margin. This is a reflection on the wonderful things we have achieved and our positive plan to continue improving Council and our area. 

I had meetings with staff on the day I was sworn in and was happy the organisation continued to do great work during the election caretaker period. 

Disruptions to the shared path on the Koonung trail will continue for some time and I am pleased that staff have been working on good options to minimise disruption. 

I trust you and your loved ones have a happy and safe Christmas.  Thank you again for placing your trust in me. I look forward to working with the Council staff and the community over the next four years. 

Cr Kirsten Langford
Kingsley Ward

Firstly, thank you to Kingsley Ward constituents who voted for me to be your Councillor, it is a privilege and an honour.  

A highlight since commencing was the inaugural Christmas Vintage Fair in Mont Albert Heritage Plaza. Organising the event was a partnership between Whitehorse City Council and Mont Albert Village Business Association. The old Mont Albert Station was decorated with festive buntings, with Santa giving lucky dip presents to children. There were 15 terrific stalls, including several local traders from Hamilton Street.  Store windows were also decorated with terrific Christmas themed drawings by local artists Sophie Elyse and Emma Lyn Winkler.

This was a community building event, and it was wonderful so many supported this new and exciting initiative. 

Since beginning in the role of Councillor I have attended 3 Council Meetings, several Councillor Briefing meetings and completed Councillor Training, a requirement of the VEC. 

At the Council Meeting on 2 December, it was an honour to be appointed to the following Committees.

• Whitehorse Business Group
  Attended the December Board meeting on 10 December and a Breakfast Seminar on Emotional Intelligence and Leadership on 17 December.  Both events provided opportunity to speak with local businesses on how they went during 2024.
• Whitehorse Multicultural Advisory Committee
• Whitehorse Heritage Steering Committee and 
• Whitehorse Disability Committee (as substitute councillor)
  On International Disability Day (3 December), I attended the openings of 2 Social Enterprise Cafes – Where is My Coffee, by Villa Maria at Nunawading Hub and Alkirabiz Café in Harrow Street Box Hill.  It was lovely to reconnect with friends and sponsors at Alkira Biz Café.  These cafés give staff with a disability an opportunity to train and work in hospitality, earn wages and significantly contribute to that business’ success.

Wishing all Whitehorse Residents and Businesses the best for 2025.