Councillor updates - October 2025

Whitehorse City Council has 11 Councillors elected by residents to govern the city. 

Our Councillors provide updates on their work through columns in Whitehorse News on an alternating schedule (5 Councillors or 6 Councillors each month).

Cr Cutts

Cr Prue Cutts
Deputy Mayor
Simpson Ward

One of the greatest highlights in my nine years on Council was in representing the Mayor, Cr Andrew Davenport, who was unwell recently. During this time, I proudly MC’d our Annual Dinner with 250 community leaders at The Round and chaired a live-streamed Council meeting. I also led a Citizenship Ceremony for 163 new Australians from 34 countries at Box Hill Town Hall. Wearing the mayoral robes was a true honour and unforgettable experience. 

'Cr Prue Cutts officiates at the July Citizenship Ceremony welcoming 160 new Australian citizens on behalf of the Mayor.

Cr Prue Cutts officiates at the July Citizenship Ceremony welcoming 160 new Australian citizens on behalf of the Mayor.

I also welcomed a Vietnamese delegation at The Round and turned the first sod at Vermont Recreation Reserve, marking the start of long-awaited changeroom upgrades to support female-friendly sporting facilities.

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

Cr Hayley Weller

Cr Hayley Weller
Lake Ward

There is so much to love about Lake Ward but, of course, improvements can be made in our area. 
As Council prepares for its 2026/27 budget cycle, I encourage you to contact me about improvements you would like to see in Lake Ward – which must be matters within Council’s control. I will then work with you to gather the information I need to submit a budget request. Any requests 
will be considered as part of our extensive budget process and ultimately decided by all Councillors. Please contact me with your improvements via the details below by 15 November 2025.

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

Cr Jason Martin

Cr Jason Martin
Mahoneys Ward 

Back to basics has been the key theme as we approach the first year with the new Councillor group. We must not understate the importance of community engagement. Remember any 
community member can speak at Council meetings or pose questions for Council to respond to. 
To date, key themes for the new Council have included community safety, a focus on planning, graffiti management and road asset management. 
Various forums have been facilitated, and these issues have had a concerted focus by council. 
Lastly for Mahoney’s Ward, watch out for the Mahoney’s Reserve Masterplan out for public comment later this year.

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

Cr Peter Allan

Cr Peter Allan
Sparks Ward 

Spring is here and we can all enjoy the finer weather. I encourage people to attend Spring Festival on Sunday 19 October at the Civic Centre Precinct in Nunawading, and the various Whitehorse Seniors Festival activities this month. 
I'm happy to advise Council voted to keep the Box Hill Town Hall Service Centre open Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 1pm. We will also keep management of Aqualink Box Hill and Nunawading in Council hands – no outsourcing!
If your club or community organisation has ideas for capital works or other funding for the 2026/2027 Council Budget please let me know.

As you may be aware, October is Mental Health Awareness Month and October 10 is Mental Health Day around the world. I encourage all to participate. 

Cr Allan and Helen

I'm pictured with Helen Walker, an author who has written "How Benny Gets His Buzz Back" for children who may be suffering from any mental illness and his by reaching out things can be better. To learn more or for copies of the book, contact author Helen Walker on 0409 241 075.

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

Cr Jarrod Gunn

Cr Jarrod Gunn
Terrara Ward

One of the joys of being a Councillor is being invited to celebrate locals making an impact in our community. I always value and make every endeavour to attend such invitations because rewarding positive impact has a cumulative effect. In a time where it’s easy to identify frustration, fragmentation or disconnection I urge residents to look for those making our community a better place. Whether they be in schools, sports clubs, local traders, service groups or simply bring 
positivity to your local street, these people are the backbone of our community. Please point 
them out so their efforts can be acknowledged.

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

Cr Ben Stennett

Cr Ben Stennett
Walker Ward

The annual Family Day at Schwerkolt Cottage was a Heritage Week highlight. Thank you to everyone involved, especially the Whitehorse Historical Society, for making this event such a success.
I recently moved a motion for Council to adopt a new Graffiti Management Plan to address 
the growing challenge of graffiti – an eyesore in our community affecting perceptions of safety, 
local businesses and the economy. I encourage everyone to continue supporting our local 
traders, particularly those impacted by the closure of Coles at Mitcham Shopping Centre. Choosing smaller “main street” shops over major centres makes a real difference. 

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