Cr Prue Cutts
Simpson Ward

What a great honour to serve as your Deputy Mayor for the last year. Thank you for the privilege! Pictured here with my son, my #1 supporter!

It’s been great to get out with Linda from Council’s Community Safety team, who was recently appointed to work on a number of initiatives including establishing a Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee. While visiting local businesses, we 
discovered that 3 of the 9 shops in the Vermont East shopping strip have new owners — welcome to all! 

Excitingly, the strip will receive an upgrade this financial year, informed by 2 rounds of consultation. Adult fitness equipment will be installed in Somers Trail, Cochrane Street, Mitcham, by June 2026. Further works include Purches Street road upgrades and new indented carparking outside the Scout Hall, new drinking fountains in Abbey Walk and Somers Trail, and an additional $1 million annually towards road maintenance. Plus continued advocacy for fenced off-lead dog parks across Whitehorse.

0409 867 540
Prue.Cutts@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Hayley Weller
Lake Ward

Whitehorse Manningham Libraries has released its Library Plan 2025–2029, setting a vibrant and inclusive vision for the future. As Chair of the Library Board, I am proud to share highlights from this strategy, shaped by the voices and needs of 
our changing community. With branches across Whitehorse and Manningham, our libraries are more than places to borrow books – they are trusted hubs for early literacy, digital inclusion, social connection and lifelong learning. In 2024/25 
alone, the library service recorded over 3.7 million loans, nearly 1 million branch visits and more than 950,000 website visits.

The plan sets 5 strategic goals:

• Delivering value through outreach and partnerships
• Creating inspiring, flexible library spaces
• Shaping services around community needs
• Fostering digital confidence and inclusion
• Supporting climate resilience

These goals are grounded in our values. You can read the full plan at wml.vic.gov.au, and I encourage you to visit your local branch for summer holiday reads and to discover all that is on offer. 

0431 486 836
Hayley.Weller@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Jason Martin
Mahoneys Ward 

I want to express my sincere thanks to all the residents, community groups and local businesses who have connected with me during my first year as a councillor. 
The strength and spirit of our community make Whitehorse a wonderful place to live. While I can’t always solve every issue, I will always do my best to help. My focus remains on community safety, advocating for best-practice planning outcomes, active transport, delivering core services, and maintaining a responsible budget that recognises cost-of-living pressures.

Community consultation on the Mahoneys Reserve Masterplan will open in early 2026. Davy Lane Sport and Recreation Precinct awaits Council progress, subject to state and federal support, and will be vital as our population grows. 

Council endorsed the Tally Ho Activity Centre Structure Plan, and Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre will soon add 3 new indoor basketball courts in partnership with Nunawading Basketball — a fantastic community addition. 

Recently, I received 2 wonderful letters from local students, Isla and Alba, whose enthusiasm and care for our community were inspiring. 

Thank you for your ongoing support. I wish everyone a safe and joyful festive season and a happy New Year.

0431 486 973
Jason.Martin@whitehorse.vic.gov.au
 

Cr Peter Allan
Sparks Ward 

Council recently passed a motion to start negotiations to purchase the former Box Hill Brickworks site for open space use. 
All Councillors supported the motion, an important signal of Council's firm intent on this process. As the Sparks Ward Councillor, I'm concerned the State Government's new planning 'reforms' will leave us with high density housing and more towers in central Box Hill. This may take years due to market forces and finance by developers. If these reforms are implemented, open space will be at a premium. Council must provide as much as possible for the existing and future population. We hope we are successful.
Council is pressing ahead with early plans for a new pavilion for the Surrey Park Football Club and Surrey Hills Cricket Club (south-west oval) and for community uses. Thanks to everyone who shared their feedback during our recent community consultation. 
This new pavilion is not only for the 2 sporting clubs but also will be available for community use mainly during week days when not being used by the clubs.
On 10 November, Council endorsed my motion for a report on establishing the Whitehorse Music Festival over a weekend at multiple venues across our city showcasing local artists, school bands, and national artists.

0423 504 325
Peter.Allan@whitehorse.vic.gov.au
 

Cr Jarrod Gunn
Terrara Ward

December brings warmer weather, festive cheer and the odd pang of nostalgia. It is a time to reflect. “How did I spend this year, was it purposeful?" January began with a $5.5m commitment to renew the East Burwood Reserve pavilion, adding to resurfacing works completed in June. 
During the federal election, $45m was earmarked for the Nunawading Basketball Stadium. 

Recent upgrades include: Terrara Park (drainage and lighting), Billabong Park (drainage, pathways, accessibility and a new batting cage) and Bellbird Dell (pond, boardwalk and path works). 
December is a time to think of those doing it tough and reflect on the great work by our local emergency relief provider, East Burwood Care. 

I'm uplifted by community minded individuals like Meg and her neighbours who will no doubt bring cheer to the neighbourhood at the Raheen Court Christmas lights. 
I also think of hard-working small business owners who look for a well-earned break. Along with sports clubs and community providers, these services stitch our community together. 
I want to thank you all for giving me this first year. I hope you feel I have spent it purposefully in your service. 

0431 487 348
Jarrod.Gunn@whitehorse.vic.gov.au
 

Cr Ben Stennett
Walker Ward

I believe it is my role as your local Councillor to listen, advocate, and speak up on your behalf to help improve our community. 
I continue to advocate strongly on behalf of residents in Alwyn Street, where large trucks continue to use the street as a cut-through. I’ve asked Council to write to our local Members of Parliament and the relevant Minister to progress the outstanding matters from the community petition submitted to Council.

I’m also advocating for residents to be notified by SMS or email in a timely manner when their street is scheduled for Council’s leaf street sweeping program. 

I’m also focused on improving how small business owners interact with Council. By signing the Small Business Friendly Council Charter and appointing a dedicated officer to manage business related requests, we can make it simpler and faster for local businesses to work with Council. This will support the thousands of small businesses that are vital to our local economy. 

I’m listening carefully to residents who have raised concerns about the proposed Activity Centres in Blackburn, Nunawading and Mitcham. Your feedback is important, please contact me anytime to discuss these or any other local matters. 

0448 375 937
Ben.Stennett@whitehorse.vic.gov.au