Program

Business Energy Savers

Energy Savers is a local government initiative that supports businesses to save money on energy bills and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It provides businesses with free advice on installing solar panels, carrying out energy efficiency upgrades, available rebates and expected savings.

Money saved by improving energy efficiency can be used to grow your business.

Business owners are connected with Council-backed suppliers that deliver affordable, subsidised and high-quality energy efficient products.

More efficient heating and cooling means that you and others can be more comfortable in your place of work while using less energy. Health conditions can be exacerbated by both heat and cold, and extreme heat can be dangerous to many. A more modern, efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner can provide better environmental outcomes with fewer emissions than outdated systems.

Steps to start saving:

1. Register your interest with: businessenergysavers.org

2. Energy Savers check your eligibility for government subsidies

3. Energy Savers connect you with accredited providers who arrange a quote

4. You review the costs and savings then approve the quote if you wish to proceed

5. Trusted installers will install your products to industry standard so you can start saving immediately.

Communities all around the world will participate in the challenge to see which city can find and record the most observations using the iNaturalist App. Plus, you don’t need to be an expert on plants and animals! The iNaturalist app can suggest visually similar species based on your photo, and if you’re really stuck you can always just put ‘bird’ or ‘insect’ and let the experts at iNaturalist identify the species for you.

Knowing what species are in our city and where they are helps us study and protect them, but the only way to do that is by all of us – scientists, land managers, and the community –working together to find and document the nature in our area.

So let’s get exploring! Download the iNaturalist app now from the AppStore or Google Play.

Join one of Whitehorse’s City Nature Challenge community events, we have nature walks, plant identification and fun for the whole family running from Friday 28 April to Monday 1 May.

L For more information visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ city-nature-challenge

Whitehorse City Council has been voted Solver of The Year!

We are the Victorian state winner of Snap Send Solve’s Snapper’s Choice award, as voted by the community.

The Snap Send Solve app allows users to snap a photo of an issue and send it through the app for Council to solve.

App users were asked to vote for their favourite service provider and Snap Send Solve received thousands of nominations for Whitehorse City Council, out-performing 169 Victorian organisations to receive the most votes. Whitehorse City Council would like to thank our incredible community for voting! Seeing that what we do in the community makes a difference is why we do what we do.

It’s time to get your 2023 COVID booster shot.

Most Victorians had their last COVID vaccination more than six months ago.

Immunity wanes over time so your protection against the virus is low. Recharge your immunity with a booster dose and protect yourself before winter. The 2023 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above from 20 February.

The 2023 booster dose is especially recommended for everyone aged 65 and above and those aged 18 and above with a disability or complex medical condition which can make them very sick with COVID. Children between 5 and 17 years at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2023 booster dose. You can have your booster dose 6 months after your last dose or COVID infection.

If you are 18 years and older, you can choose the bivalent vaccine as your booster dose, which targets the original COVID-19 strain and omicron variant. The bivalent vaccine is the preferred vaccine for booster doses.

This award is a credit to the community, and a reflection of the growing importance of digital channels to our customers.

Snap Send Solve is available to download for free via the App Store or Google Play. To find out more about Snap Send Solve, head to www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ snap-send-solve or www.snapsendsolve.com

Easy Ride Routes

Riding a bike is a simple and easy form of transport. We are keen to bust the myth that you have to be a certain age or fitness level to use a bike to get around.

So we’ve developed a network of low-stress local streets and off-road cycle paths to help make cycling to work or the shops safe and comfortable.

You may need additional doses based on your medical condition. Please speak with your healthcare professional for more information.

Get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. Find one near you using the Vaccine Clinic Finder.

If you have concerns about your health or getting the COVID-19 vaccine, you can speak to a GP or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

L For more information visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ get-vaccinated

The six new Easy Ride Routes are now open for public use. The Easy Ride Routes mainly use quieter local roads and sections of informal paths through local parks and reserves. Riders should take care and ride within their abilities and to the conditions. Join Council to celebrate the opening of the new routes. The bike ride will kick off at 10am on Saturday 1 April. Participants should feel confident riding on local roads and with others.

Event information:

Easy Ride Route EW2

Date: Saturday 1 April

Time: 10am

Meet at Springfield Park and ride to Britannia Mall Mitcham then finish back at the starting point. A short safety briefing will occur at the start of the ride. Don’t forget to wear a helmet and check your bike is safe to operate before riding.

L For more information visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ easy-ride-routes

Victorian Youth Parliament 2023

Whitehorse Youth Services is excited to be chosen to participate in the Victorian Youth Parliament 2023!

Youth Parliament is an annual residential program run by the YMCA that draws together 20 teams (each comprised of six young people aged 16-25) from across Victoria to advocate for issues that matter to them. Across the span of five months, participants will learn about the Victorian legislative system, develop advocacy and community leadership skills, and create and debate their own proposed legislation (Bill) on an issue that they are passionate about.

After our interviewing stage we are excited to have accepted six amazing young leaders with diverse backgrounds, passions and experiences. An interesting fact is that since Youth Parliament has been running, 36 Bills have actually become State Legislation! We look forward to seeing the amazing work from these young people.

Upcycle art competition

Join local creatives at the opening of the Upcycle Art Exhibition at Box Hill Community Arts Centre on Sunday 7 May.

This inspiring exhibition features work made completely of upcycled, recycled, second-hand and vintage materials. Artists were asked to think outside the box to address the sustainability-focused brief. The event kicks off at 12pm with drinks and snacks available to purchase on the night.

Council has funded a prize pool of $5,000 which will be awarded across six different prize categories!

L For more information visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ upcycle-art

Help us to make Whitehorse better for children and youth

You’re invited to collaborate on the Municipal Early Years and Youth Plan 2023 – 2027.

Your feedback will help us to shape Council’s services, activities, events and partnerships that are available to and target young people (12-25), children (0-11) and their families. There are a few ways you can participate:

▪ Complete our Youth and/or Early Years surveys

▪ Talk to us at a pop-up session:

▪ Box Hill Mall, Red Activation Pod

We strive to create a positive and supportive environment for young people (12–25), children (0-11) and their families who live, work, study and play in Whitehorse.

To learn more or provide your feedback before 30 April, please visit yoursay.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/early-years-and-youth