SPRING FESTIVAL
17 NOVEMBER 10am - 4pm
THINGS
Whitehorse Civic Centre Precinct
THEME:
SUPERHEROES
Can you make a pair of super-goggles or a power ring?
Unleash the powers of your imagination with Morphology inside The Round! This interactive wire sculpture lights up in rainbow neon. Designed to be touched, each glow wire can be twisted, bent and shaped into unique things.
TO DO AND SEE Morphology Reptile
▪ Community performances
▪ Community stalls
▪ Tours of The Round
▪ Butterfly House
▪ Facepainting
▪ Arts and crafts activities
▪ Dreaming Space Circus
▪ Amusement rides
▪ Reptile Encounters
▪ Youth area
▪ Meet a superhero
▪ Eco Hub
▪ Morphology
Grab your cape and dive into the action at Whitehorse’s Spring Festival. Real or imaginary, there are superheroes among us. Join us for a day filled with laughter, games and endless fun as we celebrate our favourite superheroes.
We’re shining a spotlight on our own Whitehorse superheroes and local legends, including:
▪ the courageous emergency responders who keep us safe
▪ our green-thumbed gardening and nature groups keeping our neighbourhoods beautiful
▪ the passionate locals igniting our community through dance, music, sports and other vibrant activities.
Come along to this free, family-friendly event and explore more than 80 stalls showcasing our wonderful community. Enjoy a mix of live music and dancing with more than 40 local artists and community groups performing across multiple stages, activities and a selection of delicious food and treats.
Always a crowd favourite!
Get ready for a jaw-dropping performance as superheroes fly through the air on a full-sized trapeze!
Watch as they soar, flip and defy gravity, bringing thrilling stunts to life in true superhero style.
Power up your reptile knowledge with our free reptile shows.
Catch one of the live demonstrations or pop by and meet an Australian critter up close!
Event program
Scan the QR code for the full event program.
creativewhitehorse.vic.gov.au /spring-festival
Getting there
Scan the QR code for a map and directions to this year’s Spring Festival (via Google Maps)
Whitehorse Civic Centre Precinct 379–399 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading.
Limited car parking – take active transport!
We suggest catching a ride with a friend, getting public transport, or riding your bike and locking it at the on-site bike stations. Limited street parking is available.
Grab your cape and dress as your favourite superhero for a chance to win!
The Avengers will be patrolling the Spring Festival site and letting us know about the best costumes they see!
Be your own superhero! Dreaming Space Circus
Come inside the Dreaming Space Circus tent!
Dash over for interactive live performances, hands-on activities, the Funky Monkey family show and play with giant bubbles.
Encounters
Contact Whitehorse City Council
Whitehorse City Council, Locked Bag 2, Nunawading, VIC 3131
customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au
whitehorse.vic.gov.au
Phone: 9262 6333
NRS: 133 677 then quote 9262 6333
Follow Whitehorse City Council on Facebook
Customer service centres
Whitehorse Civic Centre
Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre
Tuesday to Friday, 9am-1pm
Box Hill Town Hall
Tuesday to Friday, 9am-1pm
Council meetings
▪ Monday 18 November, 7pm (Mayoral election)
▪ Monday 2 December, 7pm (First meeting of new Council)
All meetings are open to the public and are held in the Council Chamber in the Whitehorse Civic Centre.
Council meetings are live streamed at webcast. whitehorse.vic.gov.au
Sustainability
Whitehorse News is printed on paper manufactured at a PEFC and FSC Certified Paper Mill and is produced using soy-based inks.
Whitehorse News online
Sign up to our e-version and read Whitehorse News online at whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ whitehorse-news
Information correct at time of printing: Tuesday 29 October 2024.
Acknowledgement of Country
Whitehorse City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Translation services
For free interpreting assistance, call 131 450. Mention the language you speak and ask to be connected to Whitehorse City Council.
如需免费的口译协助服务，请拨 打电话 131 450。接通后请说出您 的母语，并要求转接到 Whitehorse 市议会。
Để được hỗ trợ thông dịch miễn phí, hãy gọi số 131 450. Nêu tên ngôn ngữ quý vị nói và đề nghị được kết nối với Whitehorse City Council.
Whitehorse’s election results
Whitehorse and other councils across Victoria held scheduled local government elections on Saturday 26 October.
At the time of printing, results were still to be announced by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC). A total of 48 candidates had nominated across Whitehorse’s 11 wards. 11 councillors will be elected to Council – 1 per ward – to serve a 4-year term until October 2028.
Key dates
▪ The new councillors will be sworn into office upon confirmation of the election results, expected to be by Tuesday 12 November.
▪ There will be a Council meeting to elect a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor on Monday 18 November.
L For the latest update on results, visit the VEC’s website at vec.vic.gov.au or the ‘News’ page on Council’s website.
‘Target Audience’ wins 2024 Battle of the Bands
Whitehorse City Council.
Per l’assistenza gratuita di un interprete chiamare il 131 450. Specificare la propria lingua e chiedere di parlare con il Whitehorse City Council.
Congratulations to Target Audience on winning Whitehorse’s annual Battle of the Bands contest held by our FreeZa youth committee, Flying Pig Events, at Box Hill Institute last month.
The indie garage rock band, whose members are all in Year 10 at Wantirna College, wowed the judges and crowd with their energy, sound and showmanship. They performed alongside other fantastic acts at the contest
including Nymph Spit, Jamais Vu and Triple Seven, with Nymph Spit winning a door prize for bringing the most fans to the contest.
Target Audience will now represent Whitehorse in the Battle of the Bands eastern region final, to be held in Hawthorn in December.
The Flying Pig Events team thanks local businesses Bradshaw Music Productions and Hydra Rehearsal Studios for providing prizes and sponsoring the contest.
Shaping Whitehorse panel has its say
‘Shaping Whitehorse’ is our community’s opportunity to help shape the future of our city for the next 4 years and beyond.
Through this extensive community consultation, we have been gathering your feedback and ideas to help us develop and review the following important documents:
▪ Integrated Council Plan 2025–2029 (including our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan)
▪ Annual Budget 2025–26
▪ Revenue and Rating Plan
▪ 10-year Asset Plan
▪ Long-term Financial Plan
▪ Whitehorse 2040 Community Vision check-in.
In July and August, a panel of 37 community members met on 4 occasions to consider a range of topics. These included community health and wellbeing, our natural environment, our social and built environments, the local economy, and how Council operates.
The panel members were selected to represent the diversity of our community and included people from a range of age groups, cultural backgrounds, genders and identities. Following in-depth discussions, the panel made a series of recommendations.
These recommendations, along with feedback from our community survey earlier this year, will help inform the development of these important Council documents.
Our community will have the opportunity to view and make comments on the draft documents in the first half of 2025.
L To find out more, visit the ‘Shaping Whitehorse’ page at yoursay. whitehorse.vic.gov.au
Strategic Planning update
Here’s the latest news on key planning amendments and projects within Whitehorse.
Tree protections extended
Tree protection controls, known as Schedule 9 to the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO9), were first applied on a temporary basis in February 2018.
The overlay helps protect trees on residentially zoned land in most parts of Whitehorse.
The controls’ expiry date has been extended until Monday 23 December, allowing the controls to remain in effect while the State Government finalises consistent
statewide tree protection provisions. The SLO9 has been extended 7 times since it was originally applied in 2018.
Suburban Rail Loop Precinct Structure Plans
In April, the State Government’s Suburban Rail Loop Authority released draft Key Directions for the 6 new Suburban Rail Loop East stations, including the Box Hill and Burwood stations located in Whitehorse.
These draft Key Directions for growth and change focus on the broader precincts around each station, where there will be increased housing development and jobs in the future.
Where do your rates go?
Your rates and charges help deliver more than 100 services across our community.
We made a submission to the Victorian Government about the draft Key Directions in late June.
We understand the next phase of the project will be the release of the draft Precinct Structure Plans for community consultation in late 2024/early 2025.
The community is encouraged to get involved in future consultation on the project, with more information available on the ‘Suburban Rail Loop’ page at bigbuild.vic.gov.au
Plan for Victoria
The State Government is preparing a new planning strategy for Victoria.
Plan for Victoria aims to establish how the state’s housing needs will be managed to accommodate population growth to 2050. It also
aims to address matters including public transport, climate change, and economic and job opportunities.
We made a submission to the Plan for Victoria strategy in late August. We also contributed to a joint submission made by the Eastern Region Group of Councils. The State Government is expected to release more information on Plan for Victoria by the end of the year.
L For more infomation search ‘Plan For Victoria’ at planning.vic.gov.au
These services are accessible to you, your family, friends and all community members.
Check out our explainer graphic for examples of how your rates payments are used, or search ‘Your Rates’ on Council’s website.
Paying your rates is now more flexible
We have introduced more flexible payment options with Payble. Through this platform, you can choose to pay your rates in weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments. Even if you have made a payment, you can switch to more flexible payment options.
L Scan the QR code on your rate notice or visit pay.whitehorse.vic.gov.au to learn more.
New Your Say Whitehorse website
Our online engagement website – Your Say Whitehorse – has been refreshed to better serve our community.
The new website has extra features to make it easier to take part in community consultations. There are new maps, budgeting tools and user-friendly interfaces to create a better online engagement experience. Sign up to have your say on things that matter to you in Whitehorse. If you’re already a Your Say user, all you’ll be asked to do when you next login is to reset your password.
Your rates help us:
Help us transform our Hay Street site
We’re set to transform a disused carpark into a beautiful new open space, and we want to hear your ideas.
We recently purchased the 2400sq m parcel of land in Hay Street, Box Hill South, which is a natural extension to the Gardiners Creek trail. Don’t miss your chance to share your ideas for this new park and subscribe to receive updates.
L Visit yoursay.whitehorse. vic.gov.au/hay to get involved.
The 2023–24 Annual Report is here!
The Annual Report showcases how we are delivering on our commitments, and charts our progress against our Council Plan 2021-2025.
The report features key milestones such as:
▪ The opening of The Round, our world-class performing arts centre.
▪ The awarding of $187,000 in grants to 101 community projects.
▪ Adopting our Climate Response Strategy 2023–2030 and Climate Response Plan 2023–2026.
▪ Our ‘Shaping Whitehorse’ consultation, which engaged 1430 community members to have input on long-term plans to guide Council’s priorities and decision-making. We couldn’t have achieved our goals without your support. We’re looking forward to another year of achieving great outcomes and results for our community.
L Read more by searching ‘Annual Report’ on Council’s website.
WHAT’S ON IN WHITEHORSE
Environment and Sustainability
Garage Sale Trail
Shop everyday essentials and pre-loved gems at garage sales across 2 weekends in Whitehorse and all over Victoria.
When: Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 November, Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 November More information: Visit garagesaletrail.com.au
Solar Savers
Join our free online sessions to learn how you can live more comfortably and save money by installing solar panels, battery systems, heat pump hot water systems and energy-efficient split systems for heating and cooling.
When: Wednesday 13 November, 12.30pm to 1.30pm or 7pm to 8pm More information: Register at solarsavers.org.au/events or phone 1300 548 598
Repair Cafe (November)
Bring your broken items to the HealthAbility Repair Cafe. Our fixers will try and give them new life and save them from going into landfill.
When: Saturday 9 November, 10am to 2pm
Where: Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct, Forest Hill
More information: Search ‘Repair Cafe – Whitehorse’ at healthability.org.au
Clothes swap
Join The Clothing Exchange for an opportunity to drop and swap quality used clothes so that they get a new life! Up to 8 items can be dropped off and swapped for something new to you.
When: Sunday 24 November, 9am to 1pm
Where: The Round, Nunawading
More information: Register at events.humanitix.com/clothesswap-whitehorse
Markets
Whitehorse Farmers’ Market
Stock up on fresh produce, crafts and other goodies at this monthly market organised by Whitehorse’s Rotary and Rotaract clubs outside Council’s Civic Centre.
When: Sunday 10 November, 8am to 1pm Where: Whitehorse Civic Centre, Nunawading
More information: Visit the ‘About us’ page at whitehorsefarmersmarket.com.au
Arts Nunawading Market
Local makers offer a wide range of handmade goods from unique art and crafts to fresh produce and delicious gourmet food.
When: Sunday 24 November, 9am to 2pm
Where: Whitehorse Civic Centre, Nunawading More information: Visit artsnunawading.org.au/market
Want to see more?
Scan the QR code to view more events
You can also list your community event on the ‘What’s Happening’ section of our website.
Parenting and Families
Strategies to thrive from a neurodivergent parent
Learn practical tips and examples to manage the specific challenges faced by neurodivergent parents. This is an online webinar hosted by Maroondah City Council in partnership with Yarra Ranges and Whitehorse councils.
When: Monday 11 November, 7pm to 8.30pm
More information: Bookings essential, visit bit.ly/NDSeminar
Pram walk at Wattle Park
Enjoy a pram walk in the beautiful bush settings of our local parklands using pram-friendly tracks. You can also find out about resources for local families.
When: Tuesday 12 November, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Where: Circular car park on Monsbourgh Drive at Wattle Park, Burwood
More information: Bookings essential, visit bit.ly/PramWalk
Returning to work
This is an online webinar for women returning to work after maternity leave and those looking to enter or re-skill after a period away from paid work. Hosted by Whitehorse City Council in partnership with Yarra Ranges and Maroondah councils.
When: Tuesday 26 November, 7pm to 8.30pm
More information: Bookings essential, visit trybooking.com/CVKLO
Positive Ageing
The Biscuit Tin exhibition
View portraits of participants in The Biscuit Tin project, focusing on 12 local women who came together to share their stories and recipes. The images invite the viewer to reflect on the valuable roles women have in society.
When: Friday 8 November to Sunday 8 December
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm
Where: Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct, Forest Hill
More information: Search ‘The Biscuit Tin’ on Council’s website.
The Round
Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp
The Aria Award-winning duo return to their acclaimed Southern Skies catalogue, reinterpreting some of their favourite songs by Antipodean artists.
When: Friday 8 November, 7.30pm
Where: The Round, Nunawading More information: Visit theround.com.au/whats-on
