Cr Andrew Davenport
Mayor
Wattle Ward

Cycling Spots of Whitehorse Tour

On 18 January 2025, Cr Martin, Cr Simpson and I attended a Cycling Tour of Whitehorse with members of Whitehorse Active Transport Action Group and Metro East Bicycle User Group.  Over 5.5 hours, I was able to see a number of challenges which pose barriers to cycling within Whitehorse first hand, and I look forward to working co-operatively with our active transport interest groups to make Whitehorse a better place for cycling.

Year of the Snake

It was great to be part of various Lunar New Year celebrations in Whitehorse during the first two weeks of February. Events including the large festival held in Box Hill, business association celebrations and Buddhist events recognising the new year showed optimism for the year ahead.

Cr Kieran Simpson
Cootamundra Ward

The past few months have been busy. I have been working with my fellow Councillors and Council staff to bring residents' ideas and feedback into key discussions. These ideas along with the Shaping Whitehorse reports will help inform Whitehorse’s strategic plans, capital projects, and the next budget. I have had discussions with local groups, including Blackburn Neighbourhood House, Blackburn Bowls Club, Blackburn North Bowls Club, OOPS Netball Club, Blackburn North Cricket Club, and Nunawading Football Club. Many of these groups are centred around Koonung Reserve, so the Koonung Reserve Masterplan is a priority for me as the Cootamundra Councillor. Improving the reserve will benefit many community groups and residents.

I’ve enjoyed participating in debates in the chamber, including supporting a motion for Council to review the purchasing of carbon offsets.

Along with the Mayor, I took part in a bike tour of Whitehorse. This was organised by Metro East Bicycle Users Group (MeBUG) and Whitehorse Active Transport Action Group (WATAG) to highlight problem areas in our cycling network. With our growing population, we are seeing more congestion, especially in short car trips under 5km. Council has a role here to help provide safe and easy alternatives to driving. I have since started cycling the 5km to the Civic Centre. The tour was an educational experience, and I want to thank MeBUG and WATAG for their advocacy.

We recently celebrated the Lunar New Year and welcomed the Year of the Snake. The celebration in Box Hill was fantastic with the Prime Minister in attendance. Upcoming events include Jazz at the Lake and Culture Fest. There’s lots on in the life of the City.  

The Whitehorse Community Grants opened for applications on the 24th of February, and I encourage residents to apply. If there’s anything I can help you with, please contact me. You can also follow my Facebook page at @crkieransimpson.

Cr Daniel Griffiths
Eley Ward

Have you seen the great (mulch) pyramids of Orchard Grove Reserve? 

It’s not one of the seven wonders of Whitehorse, but signals exciting plans ahead. We are preparing the area for our National Tree Day event in July, where you can be involved in planting local indigenous trees and plants.

We have several big Eley ward projects in the pipeline, including (1) new on-demand sports lighting at Ballyshannassy Park, supporting clubs like Burwood City FC and dog walkers in the dark winter evenings, and (2) redeveloping Mirrabooka Reserve Pavilion, home to Blackburn South CC and New Hope FC. Many more plans underway!  

Recent street tree pruning ensures council’s compliance with State electric line clearance regulations. Unfortunately, Eley Road will continue to be affected by Yarra Valley Water sewer works until July, with scheduled closures for Holland Gully Reserve from May 2025 to July 2026.  

I'm working hard to deliver better outcomes for our community and fixing systemic issues within Council.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any issues or suggestions at Daniel.Griffiths@whitehorse.vic.gov.au  

Follow my social media to stay updated: Facebook, Instagram, or 小红书 (ID: 4139716865). 

Cr Blair Barker
Elgar Ward 

Springfield Park no dog and off-lead areas and sensor lights are working well (some fine tuning remains), it was a joyous to see a young couple playing with their dog under the lights with the sprinklers on a recent hot evening. Please try to adhere to the rules, I know people enjoy the ‘no dogs oval’ for things like Pilates and probably don’t want to be disturbed by a dog saying hello.

Council is making good progress on my promised expanded work experience program, with new horticulture apprentices to be recruited soon. We have insourced some work that was being done by contractors, the cost is zero to the budget, and importantly we’ll be growing local talent to build and improve our parks.

The Crocodile Playground and the Springfield Park Playground are both set for renewal.  Thanks to everyone who took part in our recent community consultations, we know the best ideas come from local people. I am hoping a swing that can be used by people with disabilities can be included and always loved a sandpit with a mini digger when I was a child!

Solar Smart park lights will soon roll out along Bushy Creek Trail, (by end of March) enhancing the sense of safety.  These amazing lights minimise disruption by just glowing and only brightening when they sense someone walking nearby.  The same lights have improved usage in the Gawler Chain Trail and have proven to be hugely popular. 

Cr Kirsten Langford
Kingsley Ward

A busy last couple of months working on the Council Plan and Budget.  I have enjoyed meeting with residents and businesses and advocating for a better community.

It was terrific to announce the North West Oval at Surrey Park will reopen. Council recently received funding from the State Government and works have commenced, with the oval due to reopen in July 2025.

Our local baker of 23 years David Winter, Whitehorse Citizen of 2021, is heading off to retirement.  David runs the famous Breadstreet in Hamilton St, Mont Albert and is widely known for his generosity. People like David are the glue of our community, thankyou for all you have done.  

I am currently working on footpath safety in the Kingsley Ward and welcome your input.

Anything I can help you with I would love to hear from you.