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 every month on an alternating schedule (5 Councillors, 6 Councillors, or all 11 Councillors).
Cr Andrew Davenport |
Gardiners Creek PlantingOn 17 August I attended planting as part of the Kooyongkoot Revegetation Project. The project aims to restore 1.2 hectares of habitat alongside a section of Gardiners Creek Reserve in Burwood. For information on how to take part, visit kka.org.au 4-Bin ConsultationAs part of the State Government requirement to introduce a 4th Bin for Glass Recycling, Council is looking at how to best manage the service of all kerbside waste. I am keen to hear from you on how often bins are collected, and what size bins are provided. Please complete the survey at yoursay.whitehorse.vic.gov.au Skybus – Coming to Box HillIt’s great to see Skybus running direct from Melbourne Tullamarine to the eastern suburbs including Box Hill. Details of the recently launched Skybus are skybus.com.au/eastern-express Snap Send SolveTo better communicate with members of the Chinese community, we now have Business WhitehorseCouncil is preparing a program of events and workshops to support our small business community. I’m keen to hear about what would bring direct benefit your business. Visit businesswhitehorse.com.au to enter the survey for a chance to win a $50 voucher. |
Cr Kieran Simpson |
27 July was National Tree Day and despite the occasional rain it was encouraging to see so many residents help with the tree planting at Wurundjeri Walk. I look forward to revisiting the site in the years to come and seeing the results. I really enjoyed writing back to grade 3 students from Old Orchard Primary School who wrote to me about issues in their neighbourhood. Everything from dog poo to bike tracks and the state of our public toilets. Nothing was off-limits. It is encouraging to see their enthusiasm. My community newsletter has been going into Cootamundra residents’ letterboxes over the past few weeks. In it I discuss some local issues in the Ward and some budget items for residents. If you didn’t get a copy and would like one, please contact me. I’m really pleased to see the start of the Koonung Park Masterplan. This is an item I saw brought forward to this year’s budget. The first round of community consultation is now complete, however if you have missed out please contact me. The Blackburn Activity Centre is the hot topic with many residents asking me what Council’s position is. When the draft plans are released, I encourage all residents to participate in the consultation process, either with the State Government or Council. Residents are also welcome to contact me directly with their concerns. If I can assist in any way, please contact me via email, phone, or Facebook. Facebook - crkieransimpson |
Cr Daniel Griffiths |
After decades of negotiation, I’m excited to announce that an agreement has been reached on the shared use of Mirrabooka Reserve with the Department of Education, Orchard Grove Primary and Aurora School. This will see more than $6 million directed towards sports field upgrades and new on-demand lighting, for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to all the volunteers who took part in planting part of Wurundjeri Walk, and to those who responded to the draft long-term plan for the area. ‘Kiss & Go’ signs have been installed on Orchard Grove due to traffic congestion and safety concerns. Parents, please use this as a quick 2-minute stopping zone, and remember it is safest for kids to exit the car on the footpath side. We want every child to come home safely each day. 
Proposed similar improvements near Blackburn English Language School (Eley Road, Bonview Cresent) are underway in response to community requests. |
Cr Blair Barker |
Thank you for giving me the great privilege of representing you. One recent joyous and inspiring experience was presenting the Young Citizen Of the Year Award to Tom Walsh (from the Elgar ward), a very brave 13 year old that saved the lives of two young girls from drowning at Venus Bay last summer. I was also incredibly impressed by the standard of the performance of ‘Chicago’ by Koonung Secondary College. We can be proud of the young people and school communities that add to our great area. A personal project I’ve been working on has been called an ‘epidemic’ by the US Surgeon General. 1-in-4 Australian’s experience this in a persistent way and we know it can have a devastating impact on both mental and physical health. ‘Loneliness’ is not an uncommon experience (I know I have experienced it) and recognising it and seeking connection with others is key. We have so many marvellous facilities, people and opportunities in our city. If you are part of an organisation or group promoting action to combat loneliness, or have an idea (like a new book/movie club or walking group), please reach out to me. Please say g’day or hi to people you see on the street or come down to local sport just to watch and chat to others, all groups in our area are very inclusive. Simple and considerate acts can often change the world for others. Thank you for your efforts to make our city a little better every day. |
Cr Kirsten Langford |
It has been a busy couple of months in Kingsley including:
Road safety has been on my mind since attending the Whitehorse PSA Policing Neighborhood Forum. Young men aged 18 to 30 are particularly at risk. Surrey Park Panthers 
Facebook - Cr Kirsten Langford |