Whitehorse News January 2023

Contact Whitehorse City Council

Whitehorse City Council, Locked Bag 2, Nunawading, VIC 3131

customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Phone: 9262 6333 Fax: 9262 6490 NRS: 133 677 then quote 9262 6333

Follow Whitehorse City Council on Facebook

Customer service centres

Whitehorse Civic Centre Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre Box Hill Town Hall

Council meetings

▪ Monday 30 January, 7pm 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 www.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 the Whitehorse News online at www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ whitehorse-news

Information correct at time of printing: Tuesday 20 Dec 2022.

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.

Mayor’s message

Cr Mark Lane

Welcome to the first edition of Whitehorse News for 2023.

I hope you had a safe and happy break over Christmas and are ready for a big year ahead in Whitehorse.

Our Festivals Season is ongoing with two big events coming up on the calendar; the Whitehorse Australia Day Concert and Lunar New Year festivities. Both occasions provide wonderful opportunities for us to come together as a community and celebrate everything that makes Whitehorse a great place to live, work, study and play. After event cancellations over the previous years due to the pandemic, I’m very much looking forward to seeing everyone out and about.

This year, we will reach significant milestones with major capital works projects such as our new performing arts centre, known as The Round, and with the redevelopments at Morack Golf. We are proud to provide community space for people to get involved in arts, culture, sport and leisure for the many health and social benefits they provide. When these facilities open make sure you come down and check them out, there is something for everyone to get involved with.

On behalf of Council I wish you a wonderful year ahead.

Free RATs available from Council service centres

Have you picked up your free rapid antigen test (RAT) from Council yet?

It’s handy to have some RATs on hand, especially during this busy time of year. Being able to take a quick test when we’ve been exposed to COVID or have symptoms means that we can help keep our friends, family and the community safe. Eligible people can claim a pack of five RATs from Council’s Civic Centre in Nunawading or our Customer Service Centres at Box Hill Town Hall and Forest Hill Chase. Please do not attend if you’re unwell.

L For more information, call Customer Service on 03 9262 6333.

Whitehorse Australia Day Concert

Thursday 26 January, 6pm – 10pm at Tunstall Park

What better way to spend a warm summer evening than at Tunstall Park, on a picnic rug or camp chair listening to live music?

The concert will be hosted by Wendy Stapleton and feature performances from All Day Fritz, Vaudeville Smash, Darlinghurst and Elvis Tribute Artist Anthony Petrucci.

Rides, Food Vendors and Activities

Complementing the stage program will be a host of free rides and activities. An exciting range of food and drink vendors will be on site to satisfy your cravings!

Please note that there will be no firework display at this year’s concert as they are not suited to the environment at Tunstall Park.

Accessibility

Accessible parking is located in the upper car park on Springvale Rd. There is an accessible path to the left of the accessible car parking that leads directly to the event site. Accessible toilets are located near the Guide Hall. The full concert will be AUSLAN interpreted with a dedicated viewing area at stage left, with interpreters also on the big screen.

Getting There

There is limited parking at the Nunawading Community Hub and surrounding streets. Parking is available nearby at the Whitehorse Civic Centre and at Silver Grove. Attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle, or take public transport.

www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/australia-day-concert

Whitehorse Civic Centre Parking

Nunawading Community Hub

Darlinghurst

Vaudeville Smash

All Day Fritz

Wendy Stapleton Anthony Petrucci

Working for Whitehorse

Planning enforcement maintaining amenity in Whitehorse

Meet Alan Harrison, the leader of Whitehorse’s Statutory Planning Enforcement Team.

This team investigates complaints about alleged illegal buildings and works. They ensure these works follow Whitehorse Planning Scheme, or any Planning Permit issued to the land. These are legal documents that specify how land can be used and/or developed. Officers take enforcement action when there is a clear breach of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme and Planning Permit conditions.

“Our team covers everything from major developments to tree removals,” said Alan. “We consider both the developmental and environmental impact when reviewing permits and actions that may contravene the planning scheme.”

Since joining Whitehorse in 2019, Alan has done extensive work on illegal tree removals. In many instances, residents and developers require a planning permit to remove a tree. Removing a protected tree without applying for a permit is not only illegal, but can negatively affect the amenity and biodiversity of the surrounding area.

Some exemptions do apply – for example, if a tree is dead, dying or dangerous, a permit isn’t needed to remove it (however, Council may still need to authorise removal). This is in recognition of the risk posed by a dead, dying or dangerous tree.

A large part of Alan and his team’s work involves investigating instances where people may have exploited exemptions to avoid applying for a permit.

“There are some cases where a tree has been taken down either by stealth (i.e. poisoning), or where someone has applied for a permit which was refused, and the tree has then suddenly died,” said Alan.

“In these instances, we try to replace the tree. Doing so can sometimes mean avoiding going to VCAT or the Magistrate’s Court.”

In Victoria, the Planning and Environment Act 1987 allows a Council and landowner to make an agreement on how land can be used. In these cases, instead of going to court, the landowner can agree to replant a new tree to replace the one that was taken down. This agreement is registered on the land title, and the tree will then undergo annual arboricultural assessments to ensure it is surviving. If the trees dies, the landowner must replace it.

This is something Alan has championed since starting at Whitehorse. More than 90 per cent of these types of cases have resulted in trees being replaced. This outcome means Council saves money on Court costs. The other party involved also avoids going to Court and getting a conviction.

As Alan explained, this approach is advantageous for Council and the wider community.

“We’re able to rectify impacts to the environment and general amenity, because illegally removed trees are being replaced and maintained over their lifetime.”

“This helps us improve and maintain our urban forest canopy.”

When it comes to enforcing planning rules and regulations, it can be difficult to reach an outcome where everyone in the community is satisfied. This is a great example of a result that prioritises efficiency and the long-term wellbeing of Whitehorse.

“One of our goals is for the community to better understand what we can and can’t do from an enforcement perspective,” said Alan.

“For example, there are still many instances of tree removals where legitimate exemptions apply. In these cases, Council’s approval isn’t needed to remove the trees. We investigate over 2,400 planning complants a year, half of which relate to trees. We scrutinise each one to make sure people and developers are doing the right thing, and take action where necessary.”

To learn more about Council’s planning and building processes, visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ planning-building

Get wild in your garden

Do you live in Burwood, Burwood East or Vermont South? Get involved with Gardens for Wildlife!

Gardens for Wildlife is a free program designed to support local residents in creating an inviting and supportive habitat for local wildlife, within their gardens.

Whitehorse has been running this program since 2017. Our volunteer garden guides have helped many residents to create gardens that incorporate indigenous plants to attract birds, insects, lizards and more.

In 2022, we targeted residents living between the Blackburn Lake and Blackburn Creeklands with the hope that we could support Blue Wrens and other small birds to expand their range out of the sanctuary. Many households participated in the program and we are now eagerly waiting to see how the birds respond as the plants grow.

We are keen to get to work in more gardens situated along the Dandenong Creek Corridor. With the help of our guides, you could make your garden a haven for cute creatures such as small birds and sugar gliders.

“One of the great joys of living near our wonderful parklands is the birdlife,” said volunteer Rob Scholes.

“It’s easy to attract them to your garden by planting native shrubs, trees and flowers. We garden guides can help!”

If you live in that area and are interested in getting involved, organise a garden visit via the link below.

L More information: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/gardensfor-wildlife or call (03) 9262 6121

Celebrating our volunteers

In early December 2022, we held a celebration to acknowledge the dedication and generosity of our network of volunteers in Whitehorse.

Whitehorse has over 280 volunteers who make valuable contributions to 12 different programs.

“These admirable people help our community in many ways,” said Mayor Cr Mark Lane at the event.

Volunteer highlight: VICSES Whitehorse Unit

The incredible volunteers at VICSES (Victorian State Emergency Service) Whitehorse Unit have been supporting the local community for almost 40 years.

VICSES is the response agency in Victoria for floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides. The Whitehorse Unit, based in Box Hill South, covers all of Whitehorse as well as the northern part of the City of Boroondara. There are currently 85 members, all of whom are volunteers, and the unit is one of the largest and busiest in Victoria.

In the last year, volunteers at VICSES Whitehorse Unit have undertaken 1,260 Requests for Assistance, including calls from the community and neighbouring SES units. This included 841 calls relating to downed trees, 204 for damaged buildings, 103 for flood-related incidents and 46 assisting Victoria Police. The major tree damage in the VICSES Whitehorse area relates to trees on roads, vehicles, powerlines, footpaths, garages, and buildings. Calls to assist police include search and rescue operations, mainly looking for missing persons, throughout the Whitehorse Unit response area and other areas as required.

VICSES Whitehorse Unit was involved in two significant local incidents in the past 18 months. In August 2021, they assisted with the evacuation of a 35-storey building in Box Hill, following a pipe failure which flooded the basement and took out the power to the entire building, causing emergency lights to fail.

In December 2021, volunteers helped to mitigate an incident at a nursing home in Blackburn following a power outage caused by a tree falling on nearby powerlines. The Whitehorse Unit established an Incident Control Point, installed lighting rigs throughout the building, set up power packs in the kitchen to prevent food spoilage and used portable power packs to maintain mattresses (which require power to remain inflated) for approximately 90 vulnerable residents.

“I am particularly proud of the Whitehorse Unit’s ability to not only respond to local incidents, but to also provide volunteers who gave assistance outside of our local area,” said Local Unit Controller Graeme Stanley. Volunteers from the VICSES Whitehorse Unit have been on a number of recent deployments and are currently active at Shepparton and Echuca. Past deployments have included the 2019 bushfires, 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, 2020 storm event in the Dandenong Ranges, cyclone relief efforts last year in Western Australia, and flood events in New South Wales.

VICSES Whitehorse Unit is funded by state government grant and contributions from Council, as well as donations from local businesses and generous community members. Whitehorse City Council is currently advocating to the state government for renewal of the Unit’s operations centre, garages and workshop.

“They deliver meals, teach us about the environment, build connections with people of different faith backgrounds, tend to our parklands, curate our art collections and engage our young people – just to name a few examples.”

Cr Lane thanked the volunteers on behalf of Whitehorse City Council for their efforts.

“You are all valued, and your contributions strengthen and support our community.”

Image: www.facebook.com/WhitehorseSES

VICSES Whitehorse Unit is developing plans for the new space. The provision of SES facilities is the responsibility of the state government. In Whitehorse, Council provides the land for the facility. We also currently allow access to shared facilities at the Council Operations Centre, which is located very close to the VICSES Whitehorse Unit in Box Hill South. A new facility will allow VICSES Whitehorse Unit to continue to provide a high level of support to the community, and enable the dedicated volunteers to work and train in a more modern and safe environment.

For more information about the VICSES Whitehorse Unit, digital resources on how to prepare for storm and flood events, and information on how to register your interest to volunteer and make a donation, visit their website below.

L More information: www.whitehorseses.org.au

Image: Volunteers David Inglis and Mary Burgess, who were acknowledged for 49 years of service.

Council’s commitment to child safety

Council provides a working environment that values safety, diversity and inclusion for all children, and adheres to the Victorian Child Safe Standards and related legislation.

Our Child Safety webpage hosts a variety of information, including Council’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, the Child Safe Standards Action Plan and the Child Safety Incident Report Form. The webpage also includes general community information such as online safety basics to help keep your children safe when navigating the digital world. The webpage is kept updated with all new and relevant information on The Child Safe Standards to help the community identify, prevent and respond to child safety concerns or incidents.

L More information: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/child-safety

Check out the new art banners in Box Hill Mall!

Council has partnered with disability services provider Nadrasca to develop the banners.

Launched in time for International Day of People with Disability (3 December), eight artists designed the artwork around the theme of ‘Celebrating Nature’. The work asks us to reconsider our relationship with our natural environment.

The banners are on display for the next couple of months and we hope you get a chance to check them out.

If you’d like your artwork on the next round of banners, please email activate@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Join a Supported Playgroup

Smalltalk Supported Playgroup Sessions are designed to increase positive interactions between a child and their parent or caregiver.

Sessions run for 10 weeks (a school term) and empower parents/caregivers to take action to positively impact their child’s learning, social and emotional development.

Smalltalk focuses on taking advantage of everyday opportunities and activities that many parents/caregivers already do in the home. In each session, the facilitator shares information and insights regarding the way parents/caregivers talk, listen and play with their children, how they read together and how they can engage them in interesting and stimulating activities.

Smalltalk also encourages self-care and, where needed, can help build relevant links within our community and local services. Some families may also be eligible for In-Home Support.

Natasha is the Supported Playgroup Facilitator delivering Smalltalk Supported Playgroup Sessions in Whitehorse. For further information, you can contact her at supportedplaygroup@ whitehorse.vic.gov.au

SUMMER

wHITEHORSE www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/school-holidays

Beat

YOUTH CONNEXIONS

Job Skills Workshop Series

Marvellous Machines! Art Day

Wednesday 18 January. 9.30am – 3.15pm

Thingamabobs Family Show

Thursday 19 January, 10am – 11am

Resume Writing Workshop

Thursday 12 January, 2 – 4pm

Cover Letter Workshop

Thursday 19 January, 2 – 4pm

Interview Skills Workshop

Tuesday 24 January, 2 – 4pm

STRATHDON HOUSE AND ORCHARD PRECINCT

Growing food from scraps

Sunday 15 January, 1.30pm – 3pm

SCHWERKOLT COTTAGE

Schwerkolt Cottage Open Day

Saturday 14 January, 2pm – 5pm

5–Star Food Safe Program

Matilda Mont Albert is Council’s 5-Star Food Safe business for November for achieving outstanding results in Council’s food safety assessment.

Find out about other local businesses that achieved excellent star ratings by visiting www.whitehorse. vic.gov.au/ehealth-portal

Matilda Mont Albert

Address: 15 Arcade Road, Mont Albert North

BLACKBURN LAKE SANCUARY

Looking after our feathered friends in summer

Friday 20 January, 10am – 12pm

Trading hours: Weekdays 7.30am – 3.00pm Weekends 8:00am – 3pm Website: www.matildamontalbert. com.au Phone: (03) 7016 1783

Terrarium Making Workshop

Monday 16 January, 3 – 5pm

Healthy Gaming Competition

Monday 23 January, 2 – 5 pm

BOX HILL COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE

Summer screen printing for teens

Monday 16 January, 12.30pm – 3.30pm

Art Meets Sciences Art Day

Tuesday 17 January, 9.30am – 3.15pm

Botanical bags with Eco Explorers

Thursday 19 January, 1.30pm – 3pm

AQUALINK AND SPORTLINK

Enjoy Aqualink Chillzone, indoor court hire and casual basketball at these locations throughout the school holidays.

BOX HILL MALL, BRITANNIA MALL AND BRENTFORD SQUARE

Summer Shake Up

Monday 23 January – Friday

Image: www.instagram.com/ matildamontalbert

Have your say

Strathdon Treasure Hunt

Friday 20 January, 10am – 11.30pm

27 January, 2pm – 5pm

Share your ideas and provide feedback on issues and projects that matter to you!

Register as a user on Your Say Whitehorse to receive notifications of new consultations. To sign up, visit yoursay.whitehorse.vic. gov.au

Happy Lunar New Year from Whitehorse City Council!

What’s on for Lunar New Year

Whitehorse Artspace Year of the Rabbit

Whitehorse Artspace will showcase a charming selection of Chinese Brush Paintings in the theme of the Year of the Rabbit. The artworks were created by a group of children aged 6-12 years, who attended a workshop at Box Hill Community Arts Centre with well-known and loved Chinese Brushwork expert Echo Wu.

When: 27 January – 18 March

Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct

To book, visit www.whitehorse.vic. gov.au/classes-events-strathdon

Make your own Lunar New Year decorations

Get crafty for Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival.

For: All ages, children must be accompanied by a guardian

Date: Saturday 14 January 2023, 10am – 12 noon

Cost: $10 per person (bookings required)

How to make Tang Yuan

Learm learning how to make these traditional Chinese desserts.

For: All ages, children must be accompanied by a guardian

Box Hill Community Arts Centre

Fun With Clay – Year of the Rabbit – Celebrating Chinese New Year

Hand-build and paint a Lunar New Year themed clay creation for firing and glazing. Bring your own smock.

For: Suitable for children aged 6 – 12 years.

Aqualink

Colouring-in competition

On the Street

Local photographers capture life on the street in the lively, multicultural City of Whitehorse. These images are shown together with powerful historic works by photo journalists such as Mark Hopper, Jesse Marlow, June Orford and Francis Reiss from the Whitehorse Art Collection.

When: 27 January – 18 March, Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 4pm | Saturday, 12pm – 4pm

Date: Saturday 14 January

Four session times: 1pm – 1.30pm, 1.30pm – 2pm, 2pm – 2.30pm, 2.30pm – 3pm

Cost: $5 per person (bookings required)

When: Friday 20 January, 12pm – 1.30pm

Cost: $40 (bookings required, visit www.bhcac.com.au)

Visit Aqualink and follow their Facebook page to find out how you can get involved in fun, Lunar New Year themed colouring-in activities and win prizes!

www.facebook.com/AqualinkLeisure

www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/things-do/lunar-new-year

Image credit: Brianna Tan

Image: Jesse Marlow Untitled (Dragon)

2014 © The artist

Whitehorse City Council wishes our community a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year.

This year, the Lunar New Year falls on January 22, beginning the Year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture.

Did you know…?

▪

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are considered kind, vigilant, witty and quick-minded. Recent years of the Rabbit are 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011 – were you born in one of these years?

▪ Rabbits are most compatible with those born in the years of the Dog, Pig or Goat, and least compatible with Roosters, Dragons and Rats.

▪ The colours red, pink, purple and blue and the numbers 3, 4 and 9 are considered lucky for those born in the Year of the Rabbit.

The date of the Lunar New Year’s Day falls on the new moon of the first lunar month, meaning it changes each year. There are three significant periods of celebration during this time.

Little Year: Preparations for the new year begin on 14 January and last until 21 January, or New Year’s Eve. In this time, it is common for people to thoroughly clean their houses to remove any bad luck from the previous year and make a fresh start. People also commonly decorate their houses with red lanterns and signs, as red symbolises energy and good luck. This is also why money is gifted to children, unmarried adults and retired seniors in red envelopes at this time.

Lunar New Year: Also known as the ‘Spring Festival’ in China, this Lunar New Year officially begins on January 22, with celebrations lasting until 1 February. During this time, people set off firecrackers, visit their families, give offerings to their ancestors and eat some delicious traditional foods.

Lantern Festival: Preparations for this begin on 2 February and the Festival is held on 5 February. People celebrate by creating lanterns and gazing upon the full moon.

2023 Lunar New Year Festival

The 2023 Lunar New Year festival is a free, community-led festival that celebrates the Lunar New Year.

This festival will be a delight for all ages, featuring traditional Chinese-style decorations designed and created specially for the event.

There will be free entertainment, including kids’ activities, performances, live music, a martial-arts showcase, food trucks, arts and crafts, pop-up bars and so much more!

This event is run by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse and supported by Whitehorse City Council.

Date: Saturday 28 January 2023

Duration: 11am – midnight

Location: Box Hill Mall area, Main and Market Streets and Whitehorse Road

Admission: Free

Parking: Street parking nearby will be extremely limited and main roads will be closed. We suggest catching a ride with a friend, getting public transport, or riding your bike and locking it at the on-site bike stations.

Whitehorse City Council is divided into 11 single-councillor wards. Our Councillors have been elected to serve until October 2024.

Cootamundra Ward

Cr Andrew Munroe 0429 138 140

andrew.munroe@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

I recently attended the official opening of the new LED lights at Koonung Park Tennis Courts. This completes the lighting of all nine courts.

Having received funds from Sustainability Victoria and a $5,000 grant from the Blackburn South Community Bank, Branch Manager Peter Grierson officially declared the lights on in front of club officials and players.

Club President Jeff Byrne told those in attendance the great benefit to the club the new lights will bring, allowing for hours of extra court time each year.

I was pleased to attend the end of year celebration to pay recognition to our volunteers. I would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the Cootamundra residents who have given an extraordinary amount of years’ service. At a staggering 49 years is David Inglis, 44 years for Margaret Witherspoon (her late husband Bill was my Middlefield Primary School Vice Principal) and 31-40 years for Megan Short and Bill Ellemor.

I acknowledge and congratulate Whitehorse Active Transport Group on their advocacy and petition for safer crossings at Blackburn Road, adjacent to Furness Park and The Avenue. Both locations have slight pedestrian refuges and high volumes of pedestrians, particularly children from local schools, Blackburn preschool and the new day care centre. What is in place is not adequate – I took a motion to Council that was carried unanimously for Officers to advocate to the Department of Transport for a better and safer solution.

Image (L-R): Vice President Debra Fairy, Cr Andrew Munroe, President Jeff Byrne and members of the Koonung Park Tennis Club

Lake Ward

Cr Denise Massoud 0409 230 499 denise.massoud@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Eley Ward

Cr Trudy Skilbeck 0435 188 822 trudy.skilbeck@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Supporting community resilience

I’d like to pause as we begin a new year to acknowledge the Whitehorse State Emergency Service; one of the largest and busiest SES teams in Victoria. In the past 3 years, our unit has logged over 30,000 hours of response to community need. The true impact would be closer to 45,000 hours if you consider time spent in administration of requests, in community education, in ongoing training and maintenance, and in deployment out of area (Victoria-wide and beyond). Our unit is a magnificent local asset.

Let’s underline that all Whitehorse SES personnel are unpaid volunteers. This is often misunderstood. And rapid emergency response is consistently made, to high standards, regardless of the fact that storm events increase in number and severity and responders themselves are often exhausted. Next time you see the folks in orange, take the time to voice your appreciation.

2023 might be a year when you get more acquainted with community contributions you may know little about. Consider visiting the Sikh Temple, Gurdwara Sahib, at 127 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn, where an inclusive welcome and abundant vegetarian food is available daily. What I experience at the Temple is a very genuine sense of ‘service before self’. This is an emphasis widely evident in many Whitehorse spaces and I hope that we can all begin the new year encouraged by the incredible levels of community based contribution to our collective wellbeing and resilience. Be part of it, and enjoy the benefit from it.

Mahoneys Ward

Cr Mark Lane – Mayor 0435 387 526 mark.lane@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Elgar Ward

Cr Blair Barker 0459 857 280 blair.barker@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Happy New Year. I trust your Christmas was a happy and restful time. It was great having a houseful of family at our place!

As I reflect on the progress we made last year, I need to acknowledge and sincerely thank the wonderful team that I rely on. These people work tirelessly to improve our area, from sporting and faith groups, to our formal volunteers, to the many others who generously and directly provide me with feedback and ideas.

To the Council team that care for our area, I am deeply thankful to you all. Special thanks to Bryce and others who care for our local parks and Michelle from Community Laws, who has been working hard to educate people on the rubbish process and unsightly properties. We continue to make good progress because they work so diligently alongside me.

I am deeply appreciative of Mr McMillan, Council’s CEO, who continues to drive a transformation program with his leadership team. This ensures we deliver better operational outcomes, lower financial and environmental impacts to residents and it makes our ity an even better place to live. We have been working to resolve parking issues at Kerrimuir shops after a recent accident. I am always enlightened by the great ideas and balanced views people have when helping to solve issues. Thank you. I ask all to carefully consider their driving abilities and encourage you to join me in trying to walk or use our bikes more often. This helps reduce local traffic movements. Thanks again for your amazing support.

Image: Checking out the new electronic smart toilets at Elgar Park with Paddy. Innovation matters!

10 The views expressed are those of individual Councillors and do not necessarily reflect Council policy or the views of Council as a whole.

Sparks Ward

Cr Tina Liu 0418 121 357 tina.liu@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Kingsley Ward

Cr Amanda McNeill 0435 158 360 amanda.mcneill@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Welcome back! I hope everyone is refreshed and ready for another busy year.

Next month, the LXRP major works begin in earnest. It is sad to see the Mont Albert Station building coming down and we will all feel a sense of loss. However, I can assure all residents Council is doing all we can to ensure the heritage integrity is preserved, it is stored safely and re-erected under Council ownership for community use. Council is now working with the community on the appropriate type of use. These processes are time consuming but an exciting future awaits!

The famous MASH Car Boot Sale is on again this month with no charge, so book your free stall and make some cash! Date is Sunday 22 January, 9am to 1pm. This month, it will still be in the 1G car park next to the LXRP building.

There is plenty for young and old to see and do during the school holidays. Check out the holiday activities on at the Box Hill Town Hall, the Box Hill Community Arts Centre, Aqualink or head down to Mont Albert Reserve, throw some hoops and support the local cricket. Summer is a great time to enjoy nature and keep moving, even if the weather is unpredictable!

We are short of open space in the western end of Whitehorse. If you become aware of any land for sale that might be suitable for public open space, please contact Council and let us know.

Wattle Ward

Cr Andrew Davenport 0407 652 145 andrew.davenport@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Walker Ward

Cr Ben Stennett 0448 375 937 ben.stennett@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

New solar smart bins in Mitcham

Have you seen our new smart bins in Mitcham? One has been installed at Halliday Park and another at Britannia Mall. These bins have eight times the capacity of a regular bin and are solar powered. They can send an alert to Council when they need to be serviced.

Summer shake up

Last month, Council put the call out for local dance groups to participate in pop up activations in Whitehorse between 23 to 27 January. Look out for these happening at Britannia Mall in Mitcham!

Capital works update

Several projects in Walker Ward have either been completed or in progress. Council recently installed a new playground at Lucknow Court Mitcham and the final stage of works at Enterprise Way Mitcham were completed. Soon to be completed are the upgrades to the Yarran Dheran Visitors Centre. Also the new Whitehorse performing arts centre, recently named “The Round”, is due for completion by mid-late 2023.

Schwerkolt Cottage Open Day

School holiday fun! Explore history at Schwerkolt! Suitable for all ages. Children can take part in the Heritage Hunt and play old-fashioned games. It’s free, no booking required. It’s on Saturday 14 January, 2pm to 5pm.

Terrara Ward

Cr Raylene Carr 0400 886 889 raylene.carr@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Simpson Ward

Cr Prue Cutts – Deputy Mayor 0409 867 540 prue.cutts@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Happy New Year! Hoping you are enjoying a relaxing summer break.

I had the very great honour of attending the Remembrance Day service at Halliday Park in my first official role as the new Deputy Mayor of Whitehorse. It was also great to speak at the 101st anniversary of the 1st Mitcham Scout group and the Whitehorse Scout District Annual Reporting Day, the U3A end of year celebrations, the 38th AGM of the Louise Multicultural Community Centre and the PLC “Participating in Politics” online forum for Year 10 students.

Council’s volunteers make an invaluable contribution to our great city. Among the volunteers at a celebratory afternoon tea were many from our 13 Parkland Advisory Committees. PAC members work with officers to manage and maintain our parks and bushland reserves for the enjoyment of all. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ volunteers

Racking up almost 150 years of environmental volunteering between them, are pictured Rob Scholes (5 years), Val Turnbull (30), Margaret Witherspoon (44), Anne Payne OAM (47) and Gay Gallagher (20). After a number of years in development, PAC Governance and a new Terms of Reference document were recently endorsed by Council.

Following the recent roll-out of parking sensors across Whitehorse and specifically at the Vermont Village shops, I have worked with officers and traders along the Boronia Road strip. Traders, led by Michelle of Shelley’s Hair, have petitioned Council suggesting changes to parking times. These changes have been agreed to by Council Officers and new signage will be installed in the New Year. This is a great outcome!

The views expressed are those of individual Councillors and do not necessarily reflect Council policy or the views of Council as a whole.

What’s on Mahoneys Ward with Cr Lane

Mahoneys Ward – the ward with it all!

Great shopping precincts, great recreation (swimming at the pool, walking along our many parks and reserves, cricket/footy/soccer, netball, tennis, badminton), kindergartens, and schools. You don’t have to go to far in Mahoneys Ward to participate in any activity.

▪ Head down to Brentford Square shopping precinct –we’re currently working on fixing the seating so that they have backs, and the canopy to give better coverage

▪ Enjoy a dip at Aqualink Nunawading (pictured) this summer

▪ Enjoy watching some local cricket at Fraser Place to see Forest Hill compete, or visit Mahoneys Reserve to see Nunawading Cricket Club take to the grounds.

▪ Visit Forest Hill shopping centre for more specialised shopping needs

▪ Fancy a hit? Why not venture down to Vermont Tennis Club for a set or two of tennis?

We continue to work on making Mahoneys Ward an even better place to live, work and play.

Secure parking in the heart of Box Hill

Visiting Box Hill and need a secure place to park? Harrow Street Car Park has you covered!

The five-level car park features 562 car parking bays (including 9 accessible parking bays), 12 bicycle racks, 12 motorcycle spaces, 4 electric vehicle charging stations (located on the lower ground level) and CCTV cameras throughout.

The car park is located at 2-10 Harrow Street Box Hill, a 3-minute walk to Box Hill Central and a stone’s throw away from some of the area’s most loved eateries. Vehicle entry/exit is from John Street and pedestrian entry/exit is from Harrow Street. Harrow Street car park is owned by Council and managed by Care Park. Hours of operation are 6am to midnight from Monday to Thursday, 6am to 1am on Friday and Saturday and 8am to midnight on Sundays and Public Holidays. Rates are affordable and users can book ahead of time or drive up and pay using Care Park’s Autopay system.

L More information: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ harrow-street-car-park

Help for sport or recreation clubs affected by natural disaster or criminal activity

The Victorian Government is delivering grants to any sport or active recreation club in Victoria that has been affected by any natural disaster or criminal activity.

The ’Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Program’ offers grants of up to $2,000 to replace essential sporting and first aid equipment that has been lost or destroyed as a consequence of fire, flood, significant storms, theft or criminal damage.

Eligibility criteria apply and applications close 31 May 2023.

L More information: www.sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/ emergency-sporting-and-recreational-equipment

Beat the heat this summer

As much as we’ve all been keen for some warmer weather, it’s important to know how to keep cool in the event of a heatwave.

A heatwave occurs when the maximum and minimum temperatures are unusually hot over a three-day period at a location. Severe and extreme heatwaves can lead to heatstroke which can be dangerous for vulnerable people, such as the elderly and very young children.

Here are some ways you can prevent heatstroke:

▪ Drink plenty of water or other cool non-alcoholic fluids even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinking extremely cold liquids as they can cause stomach cramps.

▪

Reduce activity and avoid exercise. If activity is unavoidable, try to schedule it for the cooler part of the day and rest often.

▪

Stay indoors or in the shade whenever you can.

▪ Keep air circulating around you. Keep windows covered and turn on your fan or air conditioner.

▪ Eat smaller meals more often and make them cold meals such as salad.

▪ Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton and linen.

▪ Place wet towels on your body, put feet in cold water and take cool showers.

▪ Consider visiting an air conditioned shopping centre, public library or cinema.

L More information: www.health.vic.gov.au/environmentalhealth/extreme-heat-and-heatwaves

A cleaner Whitehorse? Book it, don’t dump it.

We want to put a stop to litter and dumped rubbish in Whitehorse.

Did you know that it’s illegal to dump unwanted items on your nature strip without a hard waste booking? Or that you could be fined for adding to other people’s booked hard waste collections?

If you are moving out or have unwanted furniture, white goods or other items, choose to donate them, sell them or book a free hard waste collection. Visit our website to book, or if you live in a block of units/apartment building, ask your property manager for information about hard waste collections.

Illegal dumping costs our community and the environment. Do the right thing and use a free Council hard waste collection for broken, unrepairable items.

Help us keep Whitehorse clean. If you witness illegal dumping, report it to Council with as many details as possible by calling 9262 6333

You also can report dumped rubbish in your area using the Snap Send Solve app: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/snap-send-solve

L More information: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/hard-waste

Make the decision to Think Local and Buy Local

Are you someone who makes New Year’s Resolutions? This year, why not resolve to try and shop more locally?

In January 2022, residents spent $102M in local businesses, $159.9M online and a huge $161.6M outside of Whitehorse. So for every dollar spent by resident cardholders, 22c goes online, another 34c is in expenditure outside of their local suburbs and the rest is spent locally (data sourced from SpendMapp by Geografia 2022)

The Think Local Buy Local initiative aims to encourage more localised spending, ensuring valuable earnings support local businesses and create more local jobs. Residents and their families own many of the small businesses in Whitehorse, so you’re supporting your fellow community by shopping local.

If you are looking for a service or product, please visit the Whitehorse Supporting Local Map at the link provided. If your favourite ‘local’ is not featured, encourage the business owners to submit their details (it’s free!) so that others can find them too.

L More information: bit.ly/3BHoR4Z

Caring for the Community

Conceived in the middle of the 2021 lockdowns, Eastern Food Rescue (EFR) is a volunteer-run initiative providing food to those in need and diverting food waste from landfill.

“At EFR, we rescue fresh food from supermarkets that would otherwise be thrown out and distribute it to the community,” explained Melanie Worsey, EFR’s Treasurer. Melanie is a stay-at-home Mum of five who joined EFR after seeing a post on Facebook about a free food pantry that had been set up nearby.

“I went along to check it out and could see they needed some help with organising and packing up food. I offered to help, and ended up regularly helping out as a volunteer.”

She is one 50+ volunteers at EFR. The organisation, founded by local resident Emma Tucker, operates free food markets and an outdoor free pantry that the community can access 24/7.

The pantry is located at 8–12 Simla Street, Mitcham and the space was generously provided for by Mitcham Baptist Church. Volunteers collect donated food from local supermarkets and drive it to the pantry during the week. On the weekend, it is taken to their market locations. Here, it is sorted, organised and distributed to the community for free.

“The food available changes depending on what we receive each day, but always includes beautiful fresh fruits and vegetable, many varieties of bread, some dairy and meat products as well as long-life groceries, sweet pastries and bakery items,” said Melanie. Any inedible food is disposed of through household compost systems and Council’s Food and Garden Organics bin. “Our aim is to reduce food waste and distribute rescued food to the community as a free food source. This benefits the environment, local businesses and community members, especially those who have struggled through the pandemic and are finding food security more challenging with inflation and increased cost of living,” said Melanie.

EFR has grown considerably. What began with one person picking up a single delivery and putting it in a small pantry has become an operation involving 100 deliveries of food per week, distributed through 12 weekly markets (pictured).

Melanie explained that EFR is largely supported through generous community donations.

“We are also very grateful to Whitehorse City Council, Bendigo Bank and Noel Jones for their financial support through grants.”

She also explained EFR’s recent hunt for a new weekend market location.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for us to reach out to different areas of the community and help people learn about EFR, what we do and how we receive our food,” she said.

“So far, we have had markets at Koonung Cottage Community House and Vermont South Community House. We also plan to have markets at Eley Rd Community House and Eley Park Community Annex in the New Year. Heatherdale Tennis Club has also generously allowed us to use their facilities for our Sunday markets.”

To find out when and where EFR is running their markets, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ EasternFoodRescue

If you would like to contribute to the amazing work done by EFR, you can donate, become a volunteer or simply offer to help the team recycle cardboard boxes or compost inedible food.

You can do so in person at their markets or pantry, or by emailing easternfoodrescue@gmail.com

Your rates have a positive social impact

At Whitehorse City Council, we are passionate about social procurement and creating opportunities for positive, responsible social and environmental outcomes via our procurement activity.

Recently. Council awarded a contract for delivery of Corporate and Specialised Cleaning Services. Council considered businesses who value equal opportunity, environmental sustainability, diversity and accessibility. The evaluation particularly focused on businesses who demonstrated that they employ people who typically face barriers to meaningful work, such as people with disability or from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Council engaged Cleaning Melbourne and Blue Sky as both of these companies have invested in making a positive social and environmental impacts in their work. Examples of this include but are not limited to: ▪

Partnerships with social traders. This includes working in partnership with Banyule City Council and their Inclusive Employment Program, Brotherhood of St Laurence “Given the Chance” Program and the Salvation Army ▪

Successfully partnering with Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and the Axis Program for socially and economically disadvantaged people ▪

Partnering with SYC/Job Prospects, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to

Empowering young people and Indigenous communities experiencing disadvantage by providing employment opportunities ▪

A portion of money spent on consumables going to the Teter Mek Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation that runs programs to support the preservation and sharing of Australian Indigenous culture through stories and language ▪

Use of GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) Certified logo products ▪

Ensuring 80 per cent of products used are certified/recognised as environmentally safe ▪

Ensuring 100 per cent of suppliers have policies on Social and Environmental Sustainability

WHITEHORSE CALENDAR

WHITEHORSE PERFORMING ARTS

NEIGHBOURHOOD FRIENDSHIP GROUPS

Come and join our Neighbourhood Friendship Group! This is an opportunity to connect and meet other families with children aged 0-3 years in your local neighbourhood. All are welcome –bookings essential.

Celebrate the arts!

Whitehorse performing arts’ Theatre and Music Season 2023 is coming soon. Brochures will be available at the end of January. Our Midweek Matinees are now on sale.

Contact our Box Office on 9262 6590 for more information. www.whitehorsecentre.com.au

Where: Kerrimuir Neighbourhood House (www.kerrimuirhouse.org.au), 57 Linda Avenue, Box Hill North Dates: Tuesday 7th February Tuesday 21st February Tuesday 7th March Tuesday 21st March Tuesday 4th April Time: 9:30am - 11am Cost: Free Light morning tea will be provided Register now: https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/ neighbourhoodfriendship-groupterm-1-2023tickets-464771493047

Contact: Rachel, Parent Resource Officer Whitehorse City Council parentresource@whitehorse.vic. gov.au or 0477 329 540

KIDS IMMUNISATIONS

Council provides free vaccinations against infectious diseases for children aged from six weeks to 19 years old, as well as a limited range of vaccines for eligible adults in accordance with the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Council has a booking system for the Public Immunisation Program. To make a booking, please phone 9262 6197. Those without a booking will not be vaccinated.

Scan the QR code for the immunisation schedule:

Pruning keeps trees clear of power lines

Council manages tree pruning on public land to ensure a safe distances between trees and power lines. Pruning will occur in Burwood during January. Pruning is done in accordance with the Electric Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2020 and also with Council’s Electric Line Clearance Management Plan. More information: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ naturestrips

www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/childsafety 农历新年

Whitehorse City Council 祝愿我们 的社区农历新年快乐和繁荣。

Whitehorse 有许多庆祝农历新年 的活动，包括在 Box Hill 举办的 “ 2023 年黄金时代农历新年节庆 (2023 Golden Age Lunar New Year festival)”。请浏览我们的网站， 了解全部活动的详情。

详情请浏览网站：

www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/thingsdo/lunar-new-year 非法倾倒垃圾

Cam kết của Hội đồng về an toàn trẻ em

Trang mạng về An toàn Trẻ em của Hội đồng có thông tin về

Chính sách An toàn và Phúc lợi cho Trẻ em, Kế hoạch Hành động Tiêu chuẩn An toàn cho Trẻ em và Mẫu Báo cáo Sự cố An toàn cho Trẻ em.

Chúng tôi thường xuyên cập nhật trang mạng những thông tin về các Tiêu chuẩn An toàn Trẻ em của Victoria để giúp quý vị xác định, ngăn chặn và ứng phó với các mối lo ngại về sự an toàn của trẻ em. Hãy bấm vào nút “Chọn ngôn ngữ” ở đầu trang mạng để dịch thông tin.

Thông tin thêm: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/childsafety

Tết Nguyên Đán

Whitehorse City Council chúc cộng đồng của chúng ta một cái Tết Nguyên Đán hạnh phúc và thịnh vượng. Có rất nhiều sự kiện diễn ra tại

Whitehorse để chào mừng Tết Nguyên Đán, bao gồm lễ hội Golden Age nhân dịp Tết Nguyên Đán 2023 tại Box Hill. Truy cập trang mạng của chúng tôi để xem đầy đủ các hoạt động.

Thông tin thêm: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/thingsdo/lunar-new-year Đổ rác Trái phép

Quý vị có biết rằng việc đổ các vật dụng không mong muốn trên lề cỏ của mình mà không đặt trước việc thu gom rác thải cứng là bất hợp pháp không? Hoặc quý vị có biết là mình có thể bị phạt vì đổ thêm rác vào bãi rác thải cứng đã đặt trước để thu gom của người khác không?

Nếu quý vị sắp dọn nhà hoặc có đồ nội thất, đệm hoặc thiết bị gia dụng không muốn dùng nữa, hãy đăng ký dịch vụ thu gom rác cứng miễn phí.

Thông tin thêm: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/hardwaste

παιδιών

για την Ασφάλεια των Παιδιών περιέχει πληροφορίες για τη Πολιτική μας Ασφάλειας και Ευημερίας των Παιδιών, το Σχέδιο Δράσης για τα Πρότυπα Ασφάλειας των Παιδιών και τη Φόρμα Αναφοράς Επεισοδίων σχετικά με την Ασφάλεια των Παιδιών. Ενημερώνουμε τακτικά την ιστοσελίδα με πληροφορίες όσον αφορά τα Πρότυπα Ασφάλειας των Παιδιών της Βικτώριας για να σας βοηθήσουμε να εντοπίσετε, να αποτρέψετε και να αντιμετωπίσετε ανησυχίες σχετικά με την ασφάλεια των παιδιών. Πατήστε το κουμπί «Επιλογή Γλώσσας» στην αρχή της ιστοσελίδας για να μεταφράσετε τις πληροφορίες. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/childsafety

Σεληνιακό Νέο Έτος

Το Whitehorse City Council εύχεται στην κοινότητά μας ένα ευτυχές και επιτυχές Σεληνιακό Νέο Έτος. Υπάρχουν πολλές εκδηλώσεις στο Whitehorse για τον εορτασμό του Σεληνιακού Νέου Έτους, περιλαμβανομένου και του φεστιβάλ 2023 Golden Age Lunar New Year στο Box Hill. Επισκεφθείτε την ιστοσελίδα μας για να δείτε όλες τις εκδηλώσεις. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/thingsdo/lunar-new-year Παράνομη απόρριψη Γνωρίζετε ότι είναι παράνομο να απορρίπτετε ανεπιθύμητα αντικείμενα στη λωρίδα πρασίνου χωρίς να έχετε κάνει κράτηση για συλλογή σκληρών απορριμάτων; Ή ότι μπορείτε να λάβετε πρόστιμο όταν προσθέτετε στη συλλογή σκληρών απορριμάτων άλλων ατόμων; Αν μετακομίζετε ή έχετε ανεπιθύμητα έπιπλα, στρώματα ή ηλεκτρικές συσκευές, κλείστε ένα ραντεβού για μία δωρεάν συλλογή σκληρών απορριμάτων. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/hardwaste

L’impegno del Consiglio comunale per la sicurezza dei bambini

La pagina web del Consiglio comunale dedicata alla sicurezza dei bambini contiene informazioni sulla nostra politica sulla sicurezza e il benessere dei bambini, sul piano d’azione degli standard per la sicurezza dei bambini e sulla compilazione del modulo per la segnalazione di incidenti relativi alla sicurezza dei bambini.

La pagina web viene regolarmente aggiornata con informazioni sugli standard del Victoria per la sicurezza dei bambini, per aiutare ad indentificare, prevenire e agire con riguardo alla sicurezza dei bambini. Cliccate il pulsante “Seleziona lingua” in alto nella pagina web per tradurre le informazioni.

Per maggiori informazioni: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/childsafety

Nuovo anno lunare

Il Whitehorse City Council augura alla comunità un felice e prospero nuovo anno lunare.

Ci sono molti eventi in corso a Whitehorse per celebrare il nuovo anno lunare, incluso il festival 2023

Golden Age Lunar New Year a Box Hill. Visitate il nostro sito web per vedere l’intero programma delle attività.

Per maggiori informazioni: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/thingsdo/lunar-new-year

Discariche abusive

Sapevate che è illegale abbandonare oggetti indesiderati sulla striscia erbosa del marciapiede senza aver prima prenotato il ritiro dei rifiuti ingombranti? O che potreste essere passibili di multa se aggiungete i vostri oggetti alle raccolte di rifiuti ingombranti prenotate da altre persone?

Se vi state trasferendo o avete mobili, materassi o elettrodomestici indesiderati, prenotate una raccolta gratuita di rifiuti ingombranti.

Per maggiori informazioni: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/hardwaste