Cr Kieran Simpson
Deputy Mayor
Cootamundra Ward

I hope that everyone was able to have some time off over the summer break. I enjoyed time with my family, and getting in lots of cricket. I hope the Stars have won the BBL finals this year when this goes to print. 2026 is going to be a big year for Council with lots to do. It is a privilege to have been elected Deputy Mayor for this year, and I look forward to what Council is going to achieve in the months ahead.

Council is aware that there are builders in the city who are not adhering to the rules around working hours. We know that this impacts residents, especially if construction continues for prolonged periods. If you notice construction occurring regularly outside of allowed building hours; please report it to myself, Snap Send Solve or Customer Service for investigation. Council is looking into how to strengthen compliance and penalties for out of hours work.

In late November 2025 Council endorsed our submission to have all the permanant Significant Landscape Overlays excluded from the Victorian government's Activity Centre areas. The feedback Council received from our engagement with the community was that residents in Whitehorse really value the tree canopy in our city. It was great to see so many Cootamundra residents get involved with the consultation process last year to tell the government what they think about the Activity Centres. Council will continue to prosecute our case in the coming months.

I will be doing a monthly segment with Kevin Carr on Radio Eastern FM 98.1 talking about what is coming up in Whitehorse. That will be on the first Friday of the month between 11am and 11:30am.

If I can assist in any way, feel free to contact me via email, phone, or Facebook @crkieransimpson.

0431 486 849
Kieran.Simpson@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Hayley Weller
Lake Ward

I hope your 2026 is off to a fabulous start. 
Many residents have asked about 2–24 Silver Grove, Nunawading, and progressing planning for its future development is a key priority for Lake Ward this year. The 2.4-hectare site sits within the Nunawading Activity Centre and has strong potential to become a mixed use precinct with options considering new housing, retail and commercial spaces, community facilities, and quality open space.
The Victorian Government will release draft maps as part of its Activity Centres Program Phase 2 consultation in early 2026, and I encourage you to get involved and share your feedback.

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

Cr Jason Martin
Mahoneys Ward 

As I write this column Australia Day is approaching and I hope everyone enjoys this day which celebrates our nation and its values. 
Whitehorse hosts many citizenship ceremonies, and I really enjoy seeing the happiness of individuals and families who join the Australian family.
Looking forward the biggest issue facing Melbourne and Whitehorse is population growth and how we manage this as a community. All stakeholders need to work together as we navigate this growth.
Should residents have any issues please contact council, your local Councillor, State or Federal Representative depending on the issue. Have a safe and happy 2026. 

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

Cr Prue Cutts
Simpson Ward 

Happy New Year to everyone across Simpson Ward. I hope the break has been a positive one and that 2026 is off to a good start for you and your families.

The VicRoads Mitcham TIC (Testing and Inspection Centre) on Heatherdale Road has recently re-opened its driveway after being closed for several years. While the planning permit was approved through Maroondah Council, many of the local impacts are being felt here in Whitehorse. I am keen to hear directly from residents. If you have safety concerns or have noticed traffic or access issues since the driveway re-opened, please contact me so I can raise these matters with the relevant authorities.

Preparatory works are underway along Purches Street in Mitcham ahead of scheduled road re-sheeting in April. These works include upgrades to kerb and channel, pavement repairs, pram crossings and storm water pit renewals. I appreciate everyone’s patience as crews work to improve the long-term condition of the road.

The Vermont Recreation Reserve redevelopment is well underway, including the much anticipated upgrade of the change rooms to include female-friendly facilities. This project will deliver modern, accessible amenities that better support local sporting clubs and the wider community.

We congratulate George from Council’s Parks team for his 40 years of service, including 30 years mowing in the Heatherdale area! 
 

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have questions, concerns or ideas about our neighbourhood. Hearing from residents helps ensure local issues are raised and addressed. Please follow me on Facebook @councillorpruecutts to keep up-to-date with local matters. I look forward to working with you throughout the year ahead. 

Facebook - Councillor Prue Cutts
0409 867 540
Prue.Cutts@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Peter Allan
Sparks Ward 

I hope all Sparks Ward residents have had a good rest and Christmas/New Year period. I trust all enjoyed Australia Day festivities and I look forward to serving Sparks Ward in 2026.

I was pleased to move a motion at the November Council Meeting that Council consider the establishment of a Chinese Community & Cultural Centre in the Box Hill precinct. The motion was adopted by Council for which both I and the wider Chinese community are very grateful. Further reports on location, funding by all levels of government, management and operation will be presented this year. It is proposed that the Centre will be open to all residents.

The Box Hill Mall will host a series of Twilight Markets (from 5pm to 9pm) on 14 February, 14 March and 11 April. I encourage all to attend to see what’s on offer in way of food and produce
 

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

Cr Jarrod Gunn
Terrara Ward

Happy new year all, and for those preparing for lunar new year best wishes also! It's the year of the Horse in 2026 - I like the sound of that!

By way of representation, I plan to recommence door-to-door conversations throughout 2026. Door knocking was an activity I engaged in heavily prior to the 2024 election. Meeting face to face with you all was so instructive to my contributions to our Council plan, I want to maintain that connection. I also value the accountability of ensuring that I am representing you authentically. If you hear me tapping, please open up and say "Hi!"

Best wishes for 2026!

Facebook - Councillor Jarrod Gunn
0431 487 348
Jarrod.Gunn@whitehorse.vic.gov.au