2026 Frankston City News April-May

South Side Festival is back to light up Frankston City

Due to overwhelming demand, Neon Fields will transform Beauty Park for a third time— reimagining it as a vibrant wonderland of light and adventure. This immersive experience is family-friendly and completely free.

Tickets are now on sale for the kind of theatre experience you’d usually have to travel to Melbourne to see. In Common by One Fell Swoop Circus blends breathtaking acrobatics with gripping theatrical tension. Kiki and Zuki is a beautifully crafted shadow puppetry work for families, perfect for children aged six and over. Witness a feature film being shot, edited, scored, and broadcast live on stage in Live Cinema by Here &

There’s also the community cold-water dip South Side Sea Soak, edgy exhibitions, themed trivia nights, a clothing exchange, an all-ages gig at Singing Bird Studio—and so much more to explore.

See you South Side 8-17 May. Tickets and more information: southsidefestival.com.au

Contact us

Phone: 1300 322 322

Email: info@frankston.vic.gov.au

Live Chat: frankston.vic.gov.au

Interpreter: 131 450

Customer Service Centres

Civic Centre

30 Davey Street, Frankston

Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm

Seaford Customer Service Centre

Seaford Community Centre, corner of Station Street and Broughton Street, Seaford

Monday to Friday, 9am–4.30pm

Langwarrin Customer Service Centre

Shop 6, The Gateway, Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Langwarrin

Monday to Wednesday 9-4pm, Thursday & Friday 9 5pm

Carrum Downs Library and Customer Service Centre

203 Lyrebird Drive, Carrum Downs. Monday to Wednesday, 10am–1pm

Frankston Regional Recycling and Recovery Centre (FRRRC)

20 Harold Road, Skye (off Ballarto Road, opposite the Skye Recreation Reserve)

Open 7 days a week, 8am–4pm Treasure Chest open 7 days a week, 10am–3pm

Hoon driving

1800 333 000 (Crime Stoppers)

Graffiti removal

1800 66 8247 (1800 NO TAGS)

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Frankston City News is published six times a year and distributed to approximately 62,000 homes.

Current and previous editions of Frankston City News can be downloaded at frankston.vic.gov.au/FCN

Message from the Mayor

The first year of the four‑year Council and Wellbeing Plan marks a significant milestone for Frankston City Council, signalling a new era of integrated planning and stronger alignment with community priorities. The publication of the first mid‑year progress report for the new Plan represents an important checkpoint in our evaluation cycle.

The Integrated Plan is anchored in the refreshed Community Vision 2040, developed through thoughtful and service-focused engagement. This means every update on the Council and Wellbeing Plan is simultaneously a report on progress toward the community’s long-term vision—ensuring planning that is connected, coherent and genuinely community-centred.

Milestones include the expansion of the Student Social Worker Clinic to the Carrum Downs Library, which has improved access to support services and created new opportunities for social connection.

The second annual Future Frankston Development Forum was held, delivered in partnership with the Property Council of Australia, with more than 100 industry professionals in attendance and significant online engagement, the forum reinforced Frankston’s reputation as a leading development and investment destination.

The Frankston Seniors Festival delivered more than 120 free or low-cost events across October. These activities provided vital opportunities for older adults

CEO message

Welcome to the April–May edition of Frankston City News.

to stay active, engaged and socially connected, further strengthening community wellbeing.

Council’s environmental leadership also earned state-level recognition, with Frankston named Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria’s “Tidy City of the Year.” The city additionally received the Environment Award for the Growing Our Urban Forest initiative, which has planted more than 60,000 trees over the past three years. This work strengthens biodiversity, enhances public open space, and fosters community pride.

Infrastructure improvements continued with the opening of the Moon Dog car park, supporting accessibility and the economic vitality of a growing precinct.

Together, these achievements, among many others, reflect a strong start to delivering the Integrated Council & Wellbeing Plan and the Community Vision 2040. They demonstrate an organisation working with purpose, alignment, and community focus— enhancing wellbeing, strengthening connection, supporting economic growth, and protecting the natural environment. Year 1 has laid a solid foundation for continued impact in the years ahead.

Cr Sue Baker Mayor

Having now spent my first three months as CEO of Frankston City Council, I’ve had the pleasure of getting out across the city and meeting many members of our community – from local business owners and community groups to students, volunteers and residents who care deeply about the place they call home.

It has been a wonderful introduction to Frankston City. What has stood out to me most is the strong sense of pride people have in their neighbourhoods and the passion they bring to shaping the future of our city.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve also had the opportunity to visit some of our parks, community facilities and local events, and to meet the dedicated Council staff who work every day to support our growing community. From our libraries and youth programs to the teams maintaining our parks, streets and foreshore, it’s clear there is a genuine commitment across Council to delivering services that make a difference in people’s everyday lives.

At the same time, Council is currently working through our annual budget process for the 2026–2027 financial year. This is an important opportunity for us

to plan how we invest in the services, programs and infrastructure that support our community both now and into the future.

Many residents have already taken the time to share their ideas and priorities through Engage Frankston and through submissions to Council, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed. Your feedback plays an important role in shaping how we plan for the future of Frankston City.

As our community continues to grow and evolve, so too do the needs of our city. Balancing new opportunities with the ongoing care of our parks, facilities, roads and community services is an important responsibility, and one we approach with the long-term vision of our Community Vision 2040 and Financial Plan in mind.

I’m looking forward to continuing to meet more of our community in the months ahead and learning even more about the people, places and stories that make Frankston City such a special place.

Tennille Bradley CEO

We’re rolling out more flavours across Frankston City!

Frankston City’s mobile food van scene is set to get even bigger — and tastier — this year, with new and returning vendors ready to roll out across the municipality from Monday 1 June.

Following an incredibly strong response to Council’s latest Expression of Interest process, the mobile food van program continues to grow in popularity, prompting the addition of a new location at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve after direct community feedback. The updated Mobile Food Van Guidelines, shaped by community and vendor feedback in 2023 and 2025, ensure every license awarded supports vibrant public spaces, encourages small business growth and contributes to a thriving local economy.

One operator especially excited to be returning is Jimmy Abou-Karroum, the much-loved face behind Rolling Mugshot at Riviera Car Park in Seaford. For almost two years, Jimmy has been greeting early risers with hot or iced coffee, good humour and genuine warmth.

Jimmy moved to Australia from Lebanon 13 years ago and found his passion for hospitality working in a café shortly after arriving.

He laughs that he’s “a morning person and a people person”, which explains why he’s perfectly at home running a mobile coffee van. His alarm goes off at about 4am on week days so that by 5:30 am, he and his small team — including his brother, Ryan— are ready to serve

coffees, iced drinks, muffins and other locally sourced snacks to the daily mix of walkers, runners, families, tradies and commuters who’ve come to rely on his team’s friendly presence. Being offered a three year license extension at Riviera Car Park means a great deal to him.

“This community has supported me from the start,” Jimmy said. “I love talking to people — that’s why I do this. I’m grateful to be able to stay and keep building those connections.”

That connection is something he actively gives back. Late last year, Rolling Mugshot hosted a community event that raised $850 for Theodora’s Cheerful Givers, a Seaford charity helping locals put food on the table. Jimmy is already planning more charity events and under his new license agreement, will expand his operation to mornings, seven days a week from 1 June.

Other successful applicants from the mobile food van EOI include*:

› Ballam Park site 1: The Laughing Lark Mobile Café (am and pm, seven-days-a-week)

› Ballam Park Site 2: Crepe Delices (am), and the IceCream Man (pm), both operating seven-days-a-week

› Olivers Hill Site 1: Little Olly’s (am and pm, seven-days-a-week)

› Olivers Hill Site 2: Captn Brew (am) and Fresh & Fuel (pm), both operating seven days-a-week

› Overport Park: Harmony Place (am and pm, seven-days-a-week)

› Riviera Carpark: Rolling Mugshot (am, seven-days-a-week)

› Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve (new site): The Laughing Lark Mobile Café, van 2 (am and pm, seven-days-a-week)

› Lloyd Park: Coffee on Q (am and pm, seven-days-a-week)

Lease agreements are being finalised and will be confirmed in the coming months.

*Times may also change based on vendor discretion and weather conditions.

Council will continue to support mobile food operators through licensed sites, as well as offering commercial opportunities at festivals, events, markets and other activations throughout the year. For more information about Frankston City’s mobile food van program, visit frankston.vic.gov.au/tempandmobiletrading

Dogs again welcome on local beaches

Find your local ANZAC Day service

May rates reminder

A reminder that the final rates instalment for 2025–2026 is due on Sunday 31 May. Rates notices will arrive in letterboxes by the end of April. For more information, including concessions, payment plans and hardship assistance visit frankston.vic.gov.au/Rates

Summer beach restrictions for dogs, which run from 1 December to 31 March each year, have now lifted. It is still important for dog owners to remain respectful of other beach goers and our environment when enjoying the beach with your pet. Please pick up after your dog and ensure they remain on leash at all times while on the beach and foreshore area. For a list of free roam areas in Frankston City visit frankston.vic.gov.au/FreeRoam

Annual ANZAC Day commemorative services, including the Dawn Service traditionally held at around 6am, march and main service later in the morning with wreath-laying and formal remembrance proceedings, will be held on Saturday 25 April. Local ANZAC Day events are held in partnership with local RSL sub branches, Council and community groups. To confirm event details closer to the date, visit frankstonrsl.com.au and seafordrsl.com.au

Putting Frankston City First ahead of state election

Frankston City Council has unveiled a refreshed and ambitious Frankston City First advocacy agenda to champion ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election, shaped by comprehensive community and stakeholder feedback and focused on ready-to-go projects with broad community impact.

Frankston City Mayor Sue Baker said the Frankston City First priorities are grounded in what the community has said matters most, seeking a commitment of just over $17 million to match commitments from Council, reflecting the aspirations of a community that wants safe, connected, inclusive and welcoming neighbourhoods.

“Locals have told us what matters most—feeling safe and connected, having great places to gather and play, getting around easily, and ensuring people who are struggling are met with dignity and real support,” Mayor Baker said.

“We’re taking a strong, united message to candidates. These are projects and services that are ready to go, widely supported and capable of delivering real and long lasting benefits across our whole city.”

The new priorities build on the success of

Council’s 2025 federal advocacy campaign, which secured around $60 million for local projects, reinforcing Council’s reputation as a leading, result-driven advocate for its growing community.

“Our community has benefited in immeasurable ways from the outcomes of our advocacy work over the years, with the delivery of projects

including Jubilee Park Stadium, Sandfield Reserve Precinct Revitalisation, the Frankston Stadium underway, and more,” Mayor Baker said.

“We’re ready to work with candidates across Frankston, Carrum and Hastings electorates to ensure these priorities become real outcomes for our community.”

Building skills, confidence and community

Glenn has been coming to the Langwarrin Men’s Shed for around four years. After an accident left him with an acquired brain injury and in a wheelchair, he attends with his support worker, Bernie.

At first, Glenn naturally headed toward the woodworking area. He’d been a carpenter before his injury, and the familiarity of a workshop and the rhythm of building work drew him in. But Bernie noticed that Glenn still needed quite a bit of hands-on support for woodworking, and he hoped to help him find something he could enjoy more independently.

One day, the shed’s secretary and artist Michael Ryan asked Glenn if he’d like to try painting. Glenn agreed and something shifted. Since then, he’s developed a real interest in creating both landscapes and abstract pieces during his weekly sessions.

“It’s been really terrific for him,” Bernie said. “He loves it, and I can see him really thinking about what he wants to paint before he gets started.”

Stories like Glenn’s are common at the men’s shed. People arrive for different reasons—some for skills, some for routine, some simply for company—but many find more than they expected. Bernie has seen the shed’s impact on many members.

The challenge, Bernie says, is navigating the shed’s busy layout. Glenn uses a wheelchair, and with equipment, tools and large community projects being built, it can be tight and difficult to move around at times. This is one of the reasons he and others strongly support the shed’s proposed expansion, which would make the space more accessible for everyone.

The proposed expansion, enclosing the concrete pad alongside the shed, would ease the pressure and allow programs and equipment to spread out more safely and offer space for more community members to enjoy all that

the Langwarrin Men’s Shed offers. The total cost of the expansion is estimated at $400,000. Council has committed $200,000 and is seeking matched funding from the State Government to bring the project to life.

Want to share your support for the Langwarrin Men’s Shed? Reach out to your candidates in this year’s State election and let them know what’s important to you! Scan the QR code to find your candidates. Find out more about the shed langwarrinmensshed.org.au

Council’s 2026 state election advocacy priorities include:

Baxter Park Master Plan Implementation

Seeking $1.8 million to kick-start delivery of the Baxter Park Master Plan with essential entry safety upgrades alongside redeveloped multi-use courts for netball, tennis and other sports.

Monterey Reserve Precinct Revitalisation

Seeking $2 million towards youth and multi-generational community infrastructure through delivery of the Monterey Reserve Master Plan.

Homelessness support

Seeking $500,000 to enable Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Zero to continue providing assertive outreach services for people in Frankston City experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Len Phelps Pavilion Refurbishment

Seeking $2 million towards an upgraded home to bring tennis and netball together with football (AFL) and cricket.

Improved gateway entrances

Seeking investment towards essential uplift, safety and beautification improvements at two key gateway entrances into Frankston City, the Frankston Freeway and Beach Street underpass. Also seeking recurrent funding to address maintenance and repairs across state-owned and managed roads, median strips, gateways, bridges, sound walls and rail stations.

Langwarrin District Level Play Space

Seeking $2.2 million towards construction of Langwarrin’s first district level play space at Lloyd Park.

Connected Neighbourhoods

Seeking $5.85 million towards a package of five shared user paths (SUPs) to support safe and accessible active transport opportunities for locals.

The connections are proposed for Fletcher Road, (Frankston) Robinsons Road (Langwarrin), Frankston-Dandenong Road (Carrum Downs), Eel Race Road, (Seaford) and Baxter-Tooradin Road (Frankston South).

Community Connectors

Seeking $750,000 towards a five year extension of the Community Connectors initiative, providing essential support for vulnerable people within the Frankston Station and Young Street precinct.

Langwarrin Men’s Shed Upgrade

Seeking $200,000 towards an expansion of this vibrant community hub enabling more programs to be offered, supporting people of all ages and abilities.

Make sure you let your local Members of Parliament and candidates know how important these projects are to you. To find out how to get involved, and for more detail on Council’s Frankston City First campaign visit frankston.vic.gov.au/advocacy

A little slice of Frankston is on its way to Cambodia

Equipment from five of Council’s play spaces will soon begin a brand-new chapter far from home — thanks to Council’s partnership with Rotary Peninsula 2.0 ‘Play It Forward’ initiative and some special volunteers.

The first pieces to make the journey are from Ferndale Reserve, which is now undergoing an upgrade. The equipment is on the way to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where it will be rebuilt in a community for children who’ve rarely (if ever) had access to a playground.

Rotary Peninsula 2.0 Past President Trudy Poole, and her husband, Russell, have been supporting projects in Cambodia for 20 years. During this time, they formed lifelong connections and saw firsthand that something was missing in schools and communities that we can often take for granted — a playground that can make a difference to children’s lives.

“A playground is more than just a slide, a ladder, or a swing. It is a gateway to adventure, a place where, even for just 10 minutes, kids can escape the pressures of daily life,” Trudy said.

“For a child living in a place like Cambodia, this may be the only time they get to feel free to be whoever or whatever they want to be. We found a Rotary project, Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds (ROARP), that ‘harvested’ playgrounds destined for landfill that were available to be repurposed overseas, so we decided to do something about it.”

Rotary Peninsula 2.0 works closely with Heart Print, a local Cambodian NGO, to unload each container, repair, paint and reassemble every piece with support from locals.

“Children often rush up asking, “How much do we need to pay?”, not realising the playground is a gift just for them. Another unexpected benefit is that more parents are coming to schools for parent-teacher interviews because the children are safe and have somewhere to play,” Trudy says.

While the year has just kicked off, Rotary already has equipment from 19 play spaces on pallets, ready for future shipments overseas (to add to the 26 play spaces they have already shipped to Cambodia in the past 15 months! The first shipment from Frankston City shipped out on 7 March and play equipment from four more Council reserves will follow throughout this year.

The project also supports Council’s commitment to waste minimisation by giving great equipment a meaningful second life. Stay tuned for updates.

Celebrating our community hubs

Neighbourhood House Week 11-17 May

This year’s theme is ‘Your place to connect’ — and that is certainly true for Frankston City’s nine Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres! Our neighbourhood houses are increasingly important in a time when loneliness is on the rise and creating real world connections with our neighbours can be difficult. The houses provide important communal spaces where people can come together, connect, learn and grow.

At your local house or centre, you’ll find something for everyone, including U3A (University of the Third Age), maternal child health services, parent education sessions, immunisations, community Kinders, libraries, story time, computer courses, community gardens, adult education classes, youth hangouts, playgroups, general and specialist fitness classes and much more.

Frankston City May, Sue Baker says neighbourhood houses have become cherished landmarks in the communities they serve.

“We can’t underestimate just how important free community spaces are in an age when we are all stuck on a screen most of the time, and when more and more people are saying they feel alone and are struggling to find ways to connect with others.

“Beyond community connection, our neighbourhood houses offer unique learning and growth opportunities – often to vulnerable groups who need them the most.”

To find your nearest Neighbourhood House or Community Centre, scan the QR code or visit frankston.vic.gov.au/CommunityCentres

Mayor Sue Baker JP Pines Ward

0438 145 842

crbaker@frankston.vic.gov.au

Pines

community fun day

I recently attended the free Community Celebration Day brought together by Frankston Pines Soccer Club and Southcare Community Care and held at the club’s home ground at Monterey Reserve. Southcare Community Care is a local non profit organisation that works with vulnerable people in the Frankston, Seaford and Carrum Downs area, providing youth support, men’s groups, food assistance, a food pantry and community outreach services. The event aimed to showcase community services, support local groups and bring people together for a fun, inclusive day.

It was a perfect day for it, with a terrific range of organisations contributing their time and information about their services. The event’s success was a testament to Pines Soccer, as a club embedded in the heart of Frankston North and to Southcare’s passion for their community. The all-abilities activities were generating smiles on the faces of participants, with their families cheering them on. I would like to thank both Southcare and the Frankston Pines Soccer Club for creating this opportunity for us to come together.

Deputy Mayor Cherie Wanat

Elisabeth Murdoch Ward 0439 610 895

crwanat@frankston.vic.gov.au

A warm thank you to our local heroes

At the first Council meeting of the year, it was a pleasure to present a Certificate of Appreciation to Miranda Castles to recognise outstanding dedication to enhancing health and wellbeing outcomes across Frankston City. Miranda’s dedication is visible through her role at the Frankston & District Netball Association, championing numerous initiatives and programs that strengthen community health, active engagement and sport participation and operating a new district facility, which has provided supported access to safe, vibrant spaces for local residents to connect, play and thrive. Miranda makes significant contributions to the Frankston community as a valued member of the Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee, where she has brought a powerful, informed community voice to the table; has actively contributed to the design, operation and functionality of Jubilee Park Stadium, ensuring it reflects community needs and supports long-term growth in local sport; and contributed her expertise as a panel member assessing community grants in 2025, and has volunteered over numerous years on school councils and other community groups. Miranda’s contribution is demonstrated through consistent leadership, community service and a deep commitment to supporting local participation, inclusion, and connection.

I also attended the Annual School Crossing Supervisors Meeting. It was fabulous to see so many dedicated crossing supervisors in the one place. Crossing supervision is more than just a responsibility – it’s a public service built on trust and ensures the safety and wellbeing of our students, parents, teachers and community members. We all know how much a smile and a friendly face can brighten someone’s day and provide a vital community connection (no matter the weather!). Crossing supervisors are at the heart of our communities, and they demonstrate such commitment and hard work throughout the year. Their visibility, reliability and care defiantly do not go unnoticed. Their contribution makes a real difference every single day. I was privileged to recognise some long-term dedication to the role. Christine and Jan who have reached 35 years of service; Robyn and Ross who have notched up 31 and 30 years, respectively. An incredible quartet with such wonderful achievements. We are so fortunate to have such exemplary leaders and role models in our community that have lasting impacts and earned the respect and admiration of so many.

Cr David Asker Wilton Ward

0438 175 560

crasker@frankston.vic.gov.au

Making Frankston the destination event capital

I am always excited by the possibilities our Destination Event Attraction Program (DEAP) represents each year. DEAP is an annual competitive funding program designed to attract new and vibrant events to our city, bring with them new visitors and providing an opportunity to showcase everything that is great about our city.

A funding pool of $250,000 has been allocated as part of the DEAP, providing financial and in-kind support to event organisers, however they must bring more than just a new local event. Criteria for successful applicants includes providing unique experiences, celebrating cultural diversity and showcasing our city. This has certainly proven true in the past, with previous events supported by the DEAP attracting significant positive media attention to Frankston City, challenging perceptions and highlighting the city’s lifestyle and cultural assets.

A key component of Council’s Destination Events Strategy 2023–2028, last year’s DEAP events drew over 50,000 visitors and generated $5 million in economic benefit. The program truly is an investment in our city, and it has proven extremely popular with event organisers. The program is regularly over-subscribed, with an average of $1.5 million in funding requested over the past two years, from a $250,000 funding pool.

And of course, the DEAP contributes to an already enviable Major Events season, which now includes Frankston Christmas Festival, Frankston Street Art Festival, Waterfront Festival, South Side Festival, The Great Pet-together, Party in the Park, plus a host of other rotating events, markets, celebrations and festivals.

We are so lucky to have this incredible array of events and activities on our doorstep. I wrote in our last edition about the opening of our revitalised Frankston Arts Centre courtyard, as just one of the many enticements for people to come down and see what Frankston and surrounds has to offer, which we locals know is a lot!

Stage 1 of the Destination Event Attraction Program is currently accepting applications and closes on Sunday 8 March. Successful applicants from Stage 1 will move to Stage 2, which opens on March 23 and closes on Sunday 19 April. We will aim to advise successful applicants and announce evens in early June.

Cr Kris Bolam JP Ballam Ward 03 9768 1451

crbolam@frankston.vic.gov.au

Activating our foreshore

We recently announced Roccella Lido as the new Frankston Yacht Club tenant. Opening this August, the Italian restaurant will employ 90 staff, boosting local jobs and tourism. With upcoming announcements for the former Sofia’s (Pier Promenade) and the Visitor Information Centre, these developments signal a major revitalisation of our foreshore and broader investment across the city.

Cementing international ties

Council is strengthening bonds with our Sister Cities—Susono (Japan), Wuxi (China), and Suva (Fiji)—while expanding into Annapolis (USA). Recent highlights include a visiting Susono delegation and a poignant gift of Gallipoli sand from the Frankston RSL to the American Legion in Annapolis. We also facilitated gift exchanges between the Frankston Historical Society and the Annapolis Heritage Commission.

To ensure these partnerships remain strategic and transparent, Council recently adopted a formalised framework to deliver tangible community benefits. We also continue to explore significant investment opportunities following last year’s delegation to Wuxi. Frankston remains open to global ideas; our strength lies in engagement, not isolation.

Partnering for our future

Council is collaborating where strategic interests align:

› Nepean Partnership: Partnering with the City of Kingston on state election priorities like homelessness, family violence support, and improving state assets. We are also exploring potential shared services opportunities between our two municipalities to improve efficiency and service delivery.

› Housing Accelerator Taskforce: A multi government initiative providing the leadership and oversight needed to increase housing supply across Frankston.

› Regional Tourism Board: Trialling membership with the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board to leverage expertise in destination marketing and investment.

Cr Nathan Butler

Yamala Ward 0497 918 095

crbutler@frankston.vic.gov.au

Accessible beach experiment is a win for inclusion

Our trial to create Australia’s truly first accessible beach this summer is now complete, giving us the chance to assess the project’s effectiveness and popularity. The trial, delivered with the support of Accessible Beaches Australia, Life Saving Victoria, the Social Inclusion Action Group and many other local organisations, was a proud moment for our city, as we provided truly equitable access to our foreshore for locals and visitors who had previously been unable to enjoy the sand and sea.

You will see from some of the preliminary results and feedback we recorded in March, noted on page 17, that undeniably this trial was a success. What really stuck with me was the fact that almost a third of those who accessed the service this summer hadn’t touched sand in more than 11 years, with some having not enjoyed a beach in decades. I am so proud to have witnessed a barrier to inclusion being broken down this summer and to see the pure joy on the faces of participants and their loved ones.

One of the most rewarding parts of the trial was simply being down there and hearing people share their stories. Families told us how meaningful it was to experience the beach together again, and carers spoke about how rare it is to find spaces that truly consider everyone. Moments like that remind us why projects like this matter so much. Access to something as simple and iconic as the beach shouldn’t be limited by mobility or circumstance, and this trial showed what’s possible when a community works together to remove barriers. This certainly wasn’t achieved alone. I would like to thank the 30 organisations involved for their generous contributions amounting to an incredible $200,000, without which this project would not have gotten off the ground. Thank you to all the staff on the ground who made it happen. I look forward with excitement to the project’s next phase. Please keep an eye out for more information in the coming months.

Cr

Steffie Conroy Lyrebird Ward 0438 743 440

crsconroy@frankston.vic.gov.au

Is it just me, or has 2026 absolutely flown by? The first few months of the year saw me battling through the first trimester, and I’m so happy to share that we will be welcoming another baby boy in the second half of the year. Callan and Cormac are very excited to welcome another brother to the family. We’ll be continuing the “C” name tradition, if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

In February, the Waterfront event was a great success, it’s one of my favourite events of the year. The Rotary Peninsula Duck Derby was also a fantastic result, with 1,200 ducks sold and all funds raised going straight back into the community.

Another wonderful Rotary Peninsula 2.0 initiative is the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playground Program. The first ever playground from Frankston City has recently been harvested and is being prepared for shipment to Cambodia in March. I was so pleased to join the Rotary team at Ferndale Reserve to help harvest the playground. Ferndale’s new playspace is currently underway, taking inspiration from the old Ballam Park wooden fort playground.

and Family

Park. Babies born in the current birth year can be registered to have a lifelong connection to Frankston, with their names displayed on a plaque in the park. The Family Garden is available for those born outside the current birth year. In 2025, my mum added my brothers and me to the Family Garden, so we will always share that special connection to Frankston. It’s a beautiful gift idea, with all funds raised supporting Frankston Maternity Ward in purchasing critical equipment, or PARC to help ensure every child learns to swim. More information on how to get involved is available on the Rotary website rotarypeninsula.org/birth-tree

Carrum Downs also has some exciting activity coming up. Local residents Cristina and Brandon have launched a monthly market, The Carrum Downs Market, which will be held at Rotary Park. With over 100 stalls, the market will run rain, hail or shine (just not in heavy winds!) from 9am to 2pm each month.

Cr Emily Green Kananook Ward 0439 374 681

crgreen@frankston.vic.gov.au

Building our urban canopy — and our sustainable future

In my first few months as a Councillor last year, I received lots of great suggestions from residents about where they’d like to see more trees in Frankston City. That’s why 12 months ago, I pushed for Councillors to have more say on tree planting locations, so we can better meet your tree canopy needs.

Since then, we have been collaborating with the community to inform where we plant trees, which helps us to have a meaningful impact on local biodiversity but also on community wellbeing, as we all go on this journey together.

Frankston City’s Urban Action Plan is a 20-year vision to grow and care for our city’s trees, making our neighbourhoods greener, cooler, and healthier for everyone. Our urban forest includes all street trees, trees in our parks and reserves and those in backyards and on private land. Together they serve an important purpose, protecting us from extreme heat, supporting our native environment and boosting property values.

To give you some background, in 2020, Frankston had around 62,000 street trees across 450+ species, providing 17 per cent canopy cover. Our goal is to increase this to 20 per cent by 2040 and in fact between 2021 and 2024 we were able to grow our urban canopy by 60,000 additional trees. While this commitment is arguably one of the single largest undertakings by an Australian council, we have also unfortunately needed to reallocate funds, to help maintain and in some cases replace, these plantings following theft and vandalism.

To help us to continue to work towards our urban canopy goal, Council expanded our focus to plantings on private property. To support this, we are giving away 1,400 free indigenous and native trees in large 200mm pots to eligible Frankston City residents from the Frankston Indigenous Nursery.

This giveaway forms part of Council’s $1.7M Local Support Package, helping to ease cost-of-living pressures while delivering on the action plan, to grow a cooler, greener and more climate-resilient Frankston. This is in addition to our ongoing Street Tree Planting Program.

Every tree planted will improve our city’s liveability for generations to come. To claim your free tree, scan the QR code.

To find out more about our Urban Forest Action Plan, visit frankston.vic.gov.au/UrbanForest

Cr Brad Hill JP Derinya Ward

0438 212 426

crhill@frankston.vic.gov.au

Cleaning up our coastline

A big thank you to the more than 150 community members who rolled up their sleeves for this year’s Clean Up Australia Day campaign. As usually the event was led by our two incredible local environmental warriors, Seaford Beach Patrol and Frankston Beach Patrol. Not only did the groups’ volunteers clear an incredible 130kg of litter from our local beaches but they were also busy sorting through the waste to recover any recyclables to give them a second life.

Of course, there is no need to wait until the next Clean Up Australia Day to help support our local environment. Whether it is through a regular volunteering commitment with a local group, like our Frankston Environmental Friends Network, or just picking up a stray piece of litter off our streets the next time you’re out and about, every little bit counts. Keeping our city clean is everyone’s responsibility.

I have had the pleasure of joining the Frankston Beach Patrol group several times over the years during scheduled clean ups and I can’t recommend the experience enough. Not only is there the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of your labour at the end of the day, but the fun and camaraderie that comes from working side by side with your neighbours provides a real sense of community connection. To find out more about getting involved in local volunteer opportunities, including environmental groups, head to the Council website or follow @seafordbeachaptrol3198 and @3199frankstobeachpatrol.

It is also a timely reminder that littering, including cigarette butts and dog waste, is against local laws and will incur a fine. Litter poses a huge problem for our community, not only as an environmental hazard but a safety issue. Many items carelessly discarded on our streets and in our parks and reserves take a very long time to break down. Many items you use today will still be around long after you are gone. Let’s all make sure we are taking pride in where we live.

Cr Michael O’Reilly Centenary Park Ward 0472 904

323

croreilly@frankston.vic.gov.au

Getting to know your neighbours

We are recognising the important work of our local Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres from 11–17 May, for Neighbourhood House Week, and rightly so. Our community centres are hubs for local learning, socialising and friendship. They play an important role in connecting us during a time in history when community and connection are increasingly rare and difficult. I encourage you to pop down to your nearest centre, browse through the available activities and have a go. You might be surprised at what you learn and who you meet. More information on page 6.

On the topic of neighbours, we also recently recognised the benefits our nearest neighbours play to our health and wellbeing. Across the city many of you held big and small events with others living in your street and nearby, as part of the Neighbours Every Day campaign, run by Relationships Australia and championed locally by the Frankston Social Inclusion Action Group. Studies show that knowing your neighbours improves our overall wellbeing, mental health, sense of belonging and safety — all of which improve our overall resilience as a community. If you missed the March event, it’s okay, just remember to say hi to your neighbour when you see them out and about, offer to lend a cup of sugar or a helping hand. It’s never too late to reach out. Find out more ways to connect at frankston.vic.gov.au/SIAG

Reconciliation Week

Australia marks National Reconciliation Week from 27 May–3 June, recognising two key milestones in the nation’s reconciliation journey: the 1967 referendum and the High Court’s Mabo decision. The 2026 theme, ‘All In’, encourages Australians to commit to reconciliation not just during this week, but every day. It’s a reminder that meaningful reconciliation depends on all of us playing our part. Frankston City Libraries has plenty planned, including workshops for adults with hands-on exploration of storytelling through dot painting hosted and facilitated by N’Dene Riley, a proud Parrdarrama Pungenna and Six Rivers Aboriginal woman, and contemporary Aboriginal artist. For children we will be holding Storytime and Ochre Painting with Sammy Trist. Sammy Trist is a proud Taungwurrung woman of the Kulin Nation, living on the Mornington Peninsula. First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing, Bunurong Land Council and Nairm Marr Djambana, with funding from the Social Inclusion Action Group also recently hosted a ‘Get your Recon On’ event at Frankston Foreshore, including markets and a funrun.

Frankston City Council is proud to be partnering with the Federal Government to deliver the Frankston Regional Arts Trail, a 7.4km immersive arts and cultural trail that will connect Frankston foreshore with McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery and further strengthen Frankston City’s reputation as the arts capital of the south-east.

The trail will utilise the existing Baxter and Peninsula Link trails, connecting existing local attractions while encouraging residents, workers and visitors to enjoy active transport and outdoor activity. Additionally, it will provide vital long-term tourism and economic benefits to the Frankston community, being a destination for visitors and a connection to existing local attractions.

Two new sculptures have already been installed along the trail at Beauty Park and Ballam Park, with several more to come throughout 2026. Installations expected in 2026 include Frankston Pier, Jubilee Park, and the corner of Hastings Road and McMahons Road and more! The project also includes key pedestrian crossing upgrades at three key intersections along the trail: Hillcrest Road (in progress), Willow Road (completed), and Skye Road (expected in 2026).

These essential works will improve trail user safety and ensure a seamless connection along the trail. If you would like to receive regular updates on this exciting project, please email ArtsTrail@frankston.vic.gov.au

Pictured: Those That Run With Dingoes by Clancy Warner, Beauty Park Frankston, photo: Steve Brown

Love Me Tender by Gleb Dusavitskiy, Ballam Park Frankston, photo: Steve Brown

Supporting seniors to travel with confidence

Tuesday 21 April and Tuesday 28 April (two-part program), FREE

Council’s Positive Ageing Team is proud to bring our popular Rail Safety and Awareness program back for local seniors, following strong positive feedback from last year’s participants. This FREE, twopart program helps seniors gain the skills and confidence to travel independently on public transport.

Session one is a theory workshop covering rail safety, boarding tips, using myki cards, navigating stations, and building travel

confidence. Session two puts learning into practice, with a supported train trip into Melbourne. Participants are escorted by Metro Trains Melbourne and representatives from Victoria Police, including local Frankston Police and PSOs. The program continues to strengthen confidence, independence, and connection within our senior community.

To register, email positiveageing@ frankston.vic.gov.au, phone 0482 691 444 or scan the QR.

Young people bring colour, pride and connection to Headspace Frankston

A vibrant new Pride-themed mural now welcomes visitors to Headspace Frankston, created through a youth-led collaboration celebrating pride, inclusion and diversity.

Led by The Salvation Army Youth Services and funded by the Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) Frankston, the project gave young people the opportunity to design and deliver a large-scale public artwork that reflects their voices and lived experiences.

SIAG supported the initiative as part of its commitment to empowering community-led projects that strengthen inclusion across Frankston City.

To complete the mural, a group of local young people worked with street artist, Father Marker, across two design workshops and three days of painting, exploring

what Pride means to them as both identity and a celebration of community and belonging.

Although centred on Pride, the mural also reflects Frankston’s diversity, incorporating symbols of identity, growth and connection and celebrating LGBTQIA+ young people as part of the wider community. Throughout the project, participants built confidence, developed new skills and contributed to a public artwork — many for the first time.

A celebration event was held to mark the mural’s completion, bringing families, staff and community members together to acknowledge its impact.

People aged 16–24 interested in future projects can contact ys.peninsula@salvationarmy.org.au

For more information on SIAG, visit frankston.vic.gov.au/SIAG

FREE annual hard waste collection coming to a kerb near you

Every year, Frankston City Council provides a FREE annual hard waste collection service, giving households a chance to dispose of bulky items that don’t go in regular kerbside bins.

This year's collection will again make its way across the city between May and June. Keep an eye out for a brochure in your letterbox with exact collection dates for your street. We will also post the schedule on our website and social channels, so make sure to follow @FrankstonCity and keep a close eye on frankston.vic.gov.au/HardWaste for the latest updates. You can also check your street’s designated week through the My Address tool on the Council website.

Each eligible household is entitled to place up to two cubic metres of hard waste out on the nature strip for collection. Items need to be out by 6am on the Monday of your collection week but no earlier than two days before

your scheduled week. Council’s Contractors won’t return for anything put out after that time.

The service accepts a wide variety of household items, including bundled green waste, furniture, mattresses, whitegoods and e-waste, but there are also things that can’t be collected — such as tyres, soil, bricks, hazardous chemicals or unwrapped glass — so checking the official do’s and don’ts list beforehand will save you time and the effort to remove unacceptable items.

If you need a collection outside of the annual free service, you can contact us to book an extra hard waste pickup for a fee at any time.

Taking advantage of this service is a great way to declutter safely and responsibly — and if your items are still in good condition, consider donating them to local charities or community groups before placing them out for collection.

ENVIRONMENT

New federal funding for Council’s coastal resilience project

Council has also secured funding through Round Three of the Disaster Ready Fund, enabling our Coastal Resilience 2100 project to progress into Stages 5–7.

This next phase will deliver a regional Coastal Hazard Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CHARP), long-term adaptation pathways, and an enhanced monitoring program, with Stage 5 adaptation pathways commencing in mid-2026. The upcoming stages also include a hazard-focused review of Bunurong cultural values to ensure Traditional Owner knowledge informs adaptation planning.

Council has completed Stages 1–4 of the project, providing the technical foundation for understanding how coastal hazards are projected to evolve and how Council can plan for long-term adaptation. The newly released Stage 4 – Coastal Vulnerability and Risk assessment shows that coastal risks increase steadily with sea level rise due to erosion and inundation, triggering the loss of protective dune systems.

These steps mark a major advance toward building a resilient and adaptive coastline in Frankston City. Scan the QR to view the Coastal Resilience 2100 reports.

Dark Sky webinar and Native Bee workshop

Join us at our upcoming Backyard Biodiversity events! We’re excited to host the Dark Sky Alliance Victoria Webinar on Thursday 16 April.

Learn about light pollution, why dark skies matter, and what we can do to protect nocturnal wildlife. Also, our Introduction to Native Bees – In-Person Workshop on Saturday 16 May.

Discover the incredible world of native bees, how to spot them, and how to support them in your own backyard. Follow Frankston City Council – Gardens for Wildlife on Eventbrite to receive updates on booking into Backyard Biodiversity events.

New residents can now register for our Biodiversity Welcome Pack

If you are a new or recently relocated resident we would like to welcome you with a biodiversity welcome pack that celebrates the remarkable fauna, flora and fungi found in Frankston City.

It aims to help you, our newest neighbour, be a good neighbour to nearby nature reserves. You will gain a greater understanding of our biodiversity values, learn about our Gardens for Wildlife program and connect with others in our nature reserves. By supporting our newest residents, especially residents living near high conservation areas, we can all work together to help preserve and protect our precious nature reserves for everyone to enjoy both now and into the future. Register today.

Book into our autumn School Holiday Ranger Program

Join us on Wednesday 15 April at the George Pentland Botanic Gardens for our autumn School Holiday Ranger Program. Explore the gardens to learn more about our native flora and fauna, the value of biodiversity conservation, how to help care for our natural reserves and keep them clean. There are three sessions run in a day for up to 7-year-olds at 10am, 8–12-year-olds at 11.30 am and a mixed age group up to 17 years at 1pm. All sessions are one hour. Adult attendance is required. Spaces are limited to 15 participants per session and must be booked in advance. Book online at eventbrite.com/e/1763448986389

Become part of something meaningful at Belvedere Bushland Reserve!

We’re inviting community members of all ages and backgrounds to join a new volunteer group dedicated to caring for one of our most treasured local bushland reserves.

This is a chance to meet like-minded people, spend time outdoors, and make a real difference right here in your neighbourhood. By getting involved, you’ll help protect and enhance the reserve’s unique biodiversity, support the health of local wildlife, and deepen your connection to the natural environment.

No experience is needed—just a willingness to get your hands dirty, learn new skills, and share in the rewarding experience of community stewardship. If you’re passionate about nature, curious to learn more, or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, we would love to welcome you. Get in touch today, email environment@frankston.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 322 322

Wildlife friendly gardening: join the Gardens for Wildlife Community!

Gardens for Wildlife is a FREE, community-driven program that helps Frankston City residents create beautiful, wildlife-friendly gardens.

Whether you’re new to gardening or already love getting your hands in the soil, our volunteer Garden Guides are here to support you with simple, practical tips. From February to November, two friendly volunteer Garden Guides will visit your garden for a relaxed, supportive chat about how to make your space more inviting for local wildlife.

They’ll share ideas, answer your questions, and help you plan small changes that make a big difference. After your visit, you’ll receive a personalised written

Register for FREE plants on Schools Tree Day

Each year we support kindergartens, pre-schools, primary and secondary schools in Frankston City to improve their natural environment with FREE indigenous plants for Schools Tree Day on Friday 24 July.

Planting indigenous species helps to enhance the natural environment by increasing biodiversity for better outdoor learning opportunities, including more nature play. This year kindergartens and pre-schools are eligible for up to 100 free plants and primary and secondary schools are eligible for up to 200 free plants.

When you register, there is the option to apply to become one of two Environmental Ambassador Schools, who receive up to 600 plants each, onsite education and assistance with planting on the day. Registrations are now open and close at 5pm, Friday 1 May.

report with plant suggestions, habitat ideas, and other ways to help nature thrive at home.

Plus, as a thank you for taking part, you’ll receive a voucher for 20 indigenous plants from the Frankston Indigenous Nursery and a Gardens for Wildlife letterbox sticker to celebrate your wildlife-friendly home. Scan the QR and follow the Frankston City Council Gardens for Wildlife page on Eventbrite to book a visit when new time slots open.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Garden Guide to support others in our community, we’d love to hear from you! Email us to find out more:

G4WFrankston@frankston.vic.gov.au

Meet your Ward Councillor

Would you like to meet with your local Ward Councillor to discuss a specific issue relating to your ward or the wider Frankston area?

Meet your Ward Councillor meetings provide an opportunity for you to meet directly with your local Ward Councillor on specific ward or municipal issues relating to council, within the functions and duties of their role as a Councillor.

You might use the time to ask questions like:

› When is the next Hard Waste Collection?

› Can we have a public litter bin/ dog waste bin installed?

› I have a pothole in my street, how do I report it?

Next available meeting opportunity:

Councillor: Cr Kris Bolam

Time: 9am–12pm (15-minute time slots available)

Date: 15 April 2026

Location: Karingal Place Neighbourhood Centre, 103 Ashleigh Avenue, Frankston

These meetings will be held at scheduled times throughout the year and at designated locations.

You can reach out to your Ward councillor to arrange a meeting outside of scheduled times. Scan the QR for more information.

National Volunteer Week 2026

National Volunteer Week (18-24 May) is Australia’s largest annual celebration honouring the wonderful contribution of volunteers across Australia.

The theme this year is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, highlighting 2026 as a key time to give back, enhance connections, create purpose and a positive impact. Frankston City is privileged to have over 16,800 volunteers, who contribute more than 46,000 hours of their time each year, making such a positive difference in our community.

Volunteering Frankston is a Council-run program that promotes volunteering and supports over 115 registered community organisations throughout Frankston City and the wider community.

Volunteering Frankston offers volunteer matching and provides training and support to registered community organisations to build their skills to connect with volunteers in the community. If you would like to find a volunteer position, or register for volunteer matching, please contact Volunteering Frankston on 9768 1407. Printed volunteer position descriptions for local community organisations are also available on the Volunteering Frankston stands in front of the Long Room in the Frankston Library, and volunteer positions can also be viewed on the Volunteering Frankston portal.

Strategic direction for Frankston City’s Industrial areas approved!

On 27 February, Planning Scheme Amendment C148fran was approved into the Frankston Planning Scheme – a major milestone that puts our Industrial Strategy and Industrial Design Guidelines into action.

These new additions give Council, industry and local businesses much greater certainty, making it easier and faster to redevelop industrial land and supporting sustainable, long-term economic growth across Frankston City.

Some key changes include:

› Clear preferred industries for each area – including a stronger mixed-employment focus in the Kananook Industrial Area to leverage the redevelopment of the Frankston Stadium!

› A new planning Design and Development Overlay to guide high-quality industrial design and amenity.

› A fast-track planning pathway (VicSmart) for Seaford and Seaford North industrial areas, lifting the building cost threshold from $1 million to $3 million and enabling 10‑day approvals – the first of its kind in metropolitan Melbourne!

This milestone reflects four years of collaboration with the industrial community. Thank you to everyone involved in helping shape Frankston City’s industrial future.

Imagine Frankston celebrates the latest news and triumphs across Frankston City, from new business openings, developments and visitor attractions.

What’s in a name?

Is poetry in motion throughout Frankston’s city centre?

The names of some of the dozen or so new developments, which will take shape over the next few years, are starting to be released and will change the way we speak about and navigate our city.

› “Turn left at Baylight” (OYOB Property Group’s $65 million,105 apartment development).

› “I’ll meet you outside Solene” (Pace Development Group’s $91 million, 144 apartment project) (FYI Latin for dignified, French for graceful, radiant dignity).

› “We’re just up the road from Horizon” (Urban DC’s $82 million, 75 apartment complex)

› “It’s near to Harbour” (Urban DC’s $140 million, 94 apartment project)

Can the language we use influence the way that we feel about a place? Perhaps we’re a City that’s both re-building and re-naming ourselves into something beautiful.

The recipe for success

Frankston City’s hospitality scene is cooking on gas, with locals hungry for fresh experiences, new precincts heating up, and savvy operators savouring the scent of opportunity.

We have seen an unprecedented smorgasbord of new hospitality chains opening in the city centre over the last few years from Moon Dog Beach Club to TGI Fridays to Betty’s Burgers, Oshima, San Churro, Yo My Goodness (YOMG), Grill’d, Young Street Tavern, Ceylon Girls, Mad Mex, Guzman Y Gomez, Starbucks etc.

It seemed to simmer down (just a notch) last year, possibly as the sector watched and waited, testing local appetite. With investor confidence assured (the above all still going strong), the temperature is back to rising. The dozen or so multi-million dollar residential / mixed use developments promise a significantly expanded customer base. Local operators are either scooping awards or the attention of The Good Food Guide (hooray for Commonfolk café, Ordain, Young Street Tavern, Hotel Paradiso, Moon Dog Beach Club…!)

The August 2026 opening of Roccella Lido at the

top floor of the Frankston Yacht Club has been well documented, as well as a confirmed tenant at the former Sophia’s site. But venues are popping up like hotcakes throughout the city as investors feast on the momentum.

105 Degree Korean BBQ, Fukutontei Ramen, Project One café on Nepean Highway, Playne and Butter at Hotel Lona, Zambrero, Tendernest Fried Chicken, Rizins Smash Burger, Pizzeria Diavola, Seaford’s new Vietnamese offering Luma, Billy’s Kitchen at Karingal Hub, Anshumann Da Dhaba on Beach Street, Dixy Chicken & Café are just a very small selection of everything on offer or planned throughout the suburbs.

We’re salivating to see what Bang Bang will bring to Playne Street, as well as the 10 mobile food and drink vans that will cover an expanded footprint throughout the city in from June.

This is obviously great news for residents, but also fantastic to see investors vying for a seat at Frankston City’s most welcoming table. Contact an Investment Attraction Officer at business@frankston.vic.gov.au to discuss opportunities.

For everything you need to know about Frankston City, follow Imagine Frankston on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn

The greatest showman

All the world’s a stage, but nowhere more so than Frankston City. As we continue to steal the spotlight as Victoria’s headlining act, the events world is sitting up and taking note.

In a single weekend, Council’s Waterfront Festival attracted 45,000 people and piqued the interest of Channel 7, The Age and Channel 10 all keen to get the scoop on the hottest festival around. It even received a $95,000 Federal Government Grant from Revive Live this year to support live music, Australian artists and cutting-edge audiovisual production.

40,000+ people flocked to November’s Frankston Christmas Festival, another 40,000+ expected to the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships throughout March and April, and of course Frankston foreshore’s Carlsberg Beach Club continued to break the internet for the second year in a row this summer.

The secret to our success is to always back the next big idea. Council’s Destination Event Attraction Program (DEAP) has been offering $250,000 in incentive funding to creatives, producers and event organisers who are ready to create, relocate or host a major event in Frankston City. We can’t wait to see what’s our next showstopper.

Pet registration renewals

Frankston cat and dog owners should keep a look out for pet registration renewal notices, arriving in mailboxes in March.

Your pet registration must be renewed each year by Friday 10 April. Your pet registration fee supports making our community pet-friendly for all residents and the 19,000+ cats and dogs that call Frankston City home.

Registering your pet is the best way to be quickly reunited with your furry friend if they escape or are found wandering outside of your property. Your pet registration also helps to fund 35 dog free roam areas, dog water fountains and litter bins in parks, programs to support responsible pet ownership and helps us to respond to animal related issues such as dog attacks.

A portion of the fee also helps the state government to provide responsible pet ownership programs to schools and the community. All cats and dogs over the age of three months that reside within the Frankston City municipality, must be desexed, microchipped and registered with Frankston City Council. Remember your pet must wear their green registration tag when outside of your property. If you have misplaced your pet’s registration tag, you can contact Council for a free replacement.

Practice your home fire escape plan

Do you know how to prevent fires in the home and keep your loved ones safe?

All of us, no matter where we live, are at risk of a fire in our home. Most fires in the home are preventable by taking simple actions to reduce the risk.

Be sure to consider your family’s specific circumstances in your planning, do you have members most at risk such as children, those with a disability, pets? Take sometime today to consider what you will do. In the event of a fire in the home, having working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan can save your life.

As part of your plan, all family members should know:

the two quickest ways out of every room how to exit from upstairs if you have a multi-level home the agreed safe meeting place outside

Always keep exit paths free from any obstructions. Document your escape plan, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/planprepare Visit these online resources for more information and to prepare for emergencies that may impact your family emergencyprepare.com.au or email CommResAdmin@frv.vic.gov.au for information to be provided in accessible formats.

Frankston Youth Services autumn school holiday activities

These holidays Frankston Youth Services is offering a variety of interactive activities and training programs designed by and for young people aged 12–24.

The activities are opportunities to gain new skills, build social connections and have fun in a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment, supported by experienced youth workers. Bookings are now open, scan the QR to book your spot and follow @frankstonyouthservices to keep up to date with all the latest news and events.

April school holiday fun at PARC

PARC has your family fun day sorted these school holidays with loads of activities to entertain kids of all ages will enjoy, including:

› PARC's inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island. Sessions will run weekdays from 11am–3pm and bookings are essential.

› raft waterslides

› aquatic playground

› pool side scavenger hunt

› balloon entertainment and face painting

› prizes and giveaways.

PARC's April school holiday program will run weekdays from Tuesday 7

– Friday 17 April. The out-of-water activities change daily, so be sure to

check their school holiday calendar on the PARC website for details on their pool side entertainment. Scan the QR for more information.

A beach for everyone

This summer, Frankston Beach delivered something extraordinary — not just a pilot program, but real, measurable outcomes for people who had waited years to access the sea and sand again. Across the three month Australia’s Most Accessible Beach Pilot:

› 241 groups (450+ people) used the Accessible Beach

› 91.8% came specifically because it was accessible

› 29% hadn’t set foot on a beach in more than 11 years

› Some visitors returned to the ocean for the first time in decades

These numbers reflect something simple but powerful: when accessibility is prioritised, people’s lives genuinely change. What made this pilot extraordinary wasn’t just the service — it was the way our community came together to make it happen.

More than 30 local organisations recognised the need and stepped up with over $200,000 in support, far exceeding the total project cost. Their commitment helped create what’s been described as “the most comprehensive beach accessibility initiative delivered by a local government in Australia” by Shane Hryhorec from Accessible Beaches

Frankston City Council contributed $45,000 and worked with Accessible Beaches Australia and Life Saving Victoria to deliver the pilot, but it was the collective financial support from the Social Inclusion Action Group, local businesses, community groups and sponsors that turned this into a flagship program.

With beach matting, equipment, trained support and inclusive design, we set a new standard for accessible beach experiences. Families travelled long distances. Locals reconnected with the water. People who had been excluded finally felt welcome.

Next steps…

Council will receive a full report on pilot outcomes and recommendations in April. Remaining funds have been put aside to support a proposed two year Accessible Beach Program (subject to endorsement in the 2026–27 Budget).

Council has also applied for Commonwealth funding to help deliver a Changing Places facility on the Frankston Waterfront — another major step towards a coastline designed for everyone. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible community advocates who visited, shared their experiences, and helped show what’s possible — Jaime, Leah and resident Mary from Regis Aged Care. Keep an eye out for updates in the coming months.

Celebrating Frankston City’s inaugural female leadership trifecta!

History was made back in December last year, when Council announced its first ever all-female leadership team, Mayor Sue Baker, Deputy Mayor Cherie Wanat and CEO Tennille Bradley. We took the opportunity to spotlight this powerful alliance on International Women’s Day in early March.

Gender aside, it’s the combination of the trio’s skills, backgrounds and expertise that truly deserves celebration, with expertise spanning a unique combination of town planning, placemaking, urban revitalisation, community safety and strengthening.

Amidst an era of unprecedented transformation, Mayor Sue Baker JP has very clear objectives, grounded in safeguarding the needs and desires of the people of Frankston City. “Urban renewal” must improve the quality of life for every single resident to be deemed a success. Our more vulnerable residents must have access to safe, secure and affordable homes, cost of living support, and essential community services.

Growth and change must not come at a cost to our lifestyle, liveability, civic pride and cultural identity.

As a long-term resident, business owner and active community member, Deputy Mayor Cherie Wanat has a wealth of deep local insight that aligns directly with both the City’s and community’s priorities. Significantly, Cr Wanat’s professional expertise includes town planning, advocacy and responsible urban development which lends invaluable oversight of the management of the City’s public spaces and infrastructure delivery.

Frankston City Council CEO Tennille Bradley has exceptional credentials in fostering large scale strategic change. Her years of executive leadership experience at the City of Greater Geelong, which is one of the State’s fastest growing and most economically diverse regions, demonstrates her expertise in complex urban renewal, economic development, and placemaking initiatives at scale. As Executive Director of Placemaking Tennille was responsible for developing strategies that ensured neighbourhoods and public spaces (including the town centre and waterfront), were not only made more vibrant, welcoming, and functional but reflected local character, culture and community needs.

Today we aren’t just celebrating these three incredible women, but also the guiding lights of every business owner, community group, sports club, family, blue-sky thinker, volunteer, nurturer and protector that make our city somewhere to be incredibly proud to call our home.

Think Local first

Frankston City’s Think Local campaign encouraging Frankston City workers, businesses and the community to think local first, is back this June! Think Local will be a partnership between Frankston City Council and Frankston Business Chamber designed to support small and medium businesses and help strengthen our local economy. Along with promoting the importance of spending locally, there will be extra workshops and training, events, decals, competitions and business showcases. For more details on how you can get involved with Think Local visit frankston.vic.gov.au/thinklocal

Upcoming business workshops

Businesses can access FREE workshops and training and attend business events across the city to help your business connect, learn and grow. Here are our upcoming workshops for April/May:

2026 Builders & Trades Conference

Save the date: Friday 1 May

Save the date for a high impact day of growth, connection, and transformation. Enjoy breakfast, learn from builders scaling past $10M, discover how to turn your business into a profitable asset, join expert panels on sustainability and AI assisted trades, engage in hands on roundtables, and showcase your solutions in the trade show.

Hair & Beauty Industry Learn & Connect

Save the date: Monday 4 May

Join Frankston City’s Economic Development Team and local industry experts for a few hours of learning, inspiration, and connection at our Hair & Beauty Industry Learn & Connect workshop. Discover ways you can excel your hair and beauty business plus connect with others in the industry.

Launching your New Business

Save the date: Wednesday 6 May

Turn your business idea into reality with a three-hour workshop covering, market research, structures, compliance, operations, branding, marketing, finances and tax. Perfect for new entrepreneurs seeking practical guidance and confidence to build or refine a strong business plan.

Visit frankston.vic.gov.au/Business to register for our workshops.

Are you interested in shaping the next generation of skilled workers?

If you have experience in presenting to senior students or large groups, are a business owner in Frankston City and want to share your interesting career pathways story, we want to hear from you! Join Frankston City’s Career Q&A Sessions: A platform where students can directly engage with, and ask questions of, local business owners to gain valuable career insights. We are hosting a series of Q&A sessions (during business hours) and looking for vibrant business owners in a range of industries to take part. Email business@ frankston.vic.gov.au with your interest and include Career Q&A in the subject.

Get all the latest local business information, opportunities, news and events via our Frankston City Business eNewsletter frankston.vic.gov.au/enewsletter

Powering up emerging business owners

The Frankston City Entrepreneur Program 2025–26 is powering up emerging business owners with ongoing mentoring from local industry experts.

In February, participants wrapped up their final three workshops: Branding and Marketing, Digital Marketing and AI, and Revision and How to Pitch. These high energy sessions helped participants to sharpen their brand identity, clarify their audiences and craft compelling messages that truly connect with customers. The final workshop boosted participants’ confidence and pitching skills ready to showcase their business ideas, before they compete for the exciting opportunity to secure a $10,000 grant to help establish their business idea. An awards night will be held on Tuesday 28 April. To hear more visit frankston.vic.gov.au/entrepreneurprogram

Save the date: June Are you interested in speaking at our Home Based Business Forum this June? We’re seeking Frankston City business owners from a variety of industries who have successfully operated a home-based business for several years and are willing to share their experiences, insights and successes with others in our local business community. Register your interest: business@frankston.vic.gov.au

Creating Connections

Creating Connections

Various dates and locations, FREE

Join relaxed community conversations, build reflective habits through journaling, or explore calm and presence with meditation and mindfulness sessions. Enjoy low-pressure activities, including social Mahjong, mindful craft and friendly puzzle hour. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, try something creative, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with others.

FrankTALK with Mary-Lou Stephens

Friday 24 April, 1pm–2pm, Frankston Library, FREE

Hear Mary Lou discuss her latest work, The Hobart Hotel, a sweeping dual-timeline historical novel filled with glamour, intrigue and high stakes. From the glittering 1939 opening of the Wrest Point Riviera to the dazzling launch of the Wrest Point Hotel Casino in 1973, Stephens weaves the stories of two women whose lives are shaped by secrets, danger and the unexpected consequences of their bold choices.

FrankTALK with Victoria Purman

Friday 15 May, 1pm–2pm, Frankston Library, FREE

Join us as we welcome back bestselling Australian author of The Radio Hour, A Woman’s Work and The Nurses’ War, Victoria Purman as she introduces her new novel The Marriage Trap, a powerful and compelling story set in 1960s Adelaide. Exploring the arrival of the contraceptive pill, shifting social expectations, and the fight for women’s freedom, Purman shines a light on the lives of ordinary women navigating extraordinary change.

Writers’ Salon Showcase: Part of Frankston South Side Festival

Sunday 17 May, 1pm–2pm, Frankston Library, FREE

Step into a world of words at the South Side Festival Writers Showcase, where creativity and community come together. This event celebrates the talented voices of our Frankston Writers’ Salon, a group of passionate storytellers who meet monthly at Frankston Library to craft and share their work.

the

Friday 17 April, 7pm

Catch UK comedian Stephen K Amos live in Now We’re Talking— sharp jokes, big laughs, no limits! Drum Tao: Samurai

Saturday 2 May, 4pm & 7.30pm

After captivating more than 9 million people worldwide, Japan’s Drum Tao returns with their most breathtaking production yet.

New green car park blends nature with smart design

A fresh new feature is now available at Jubilee Park just in time for footy season! It’s a 3,800sqm grass-cell informal car park that delivers the practicality of overflow parking while keeping the park’s natural, green character front and centre.

The area, beside John Coburn Oval and between the oval and netball courts, once un-turfed, natural ground used informally for parking during busy match days, has been completely renewed. Beneath the newly laid turf sits an innovative grid of tough plastic cells that strengthens the ground and provides a stable, all-weather surface — all while looking just like healthy green lawn.

This means the space can work double-duty: ready for sports overflow parking when needed, and a

The team from Peninsula Leisure and PARC want to make being active more fun, social, accessible and enjoyable for everyone, no matter your age, ability or starting point.

30-20-2 is your weekly activity formula for better health, a simple way to remember the right amount of regular activity which is recommended for better health.

Here’s how it works:

› 30 minutes daily of moderate activity OR

› 20 minutes daily of vigorous activity AND › 2 days per week incorporating muscle strengthening activities.

Peninsula Leisure is excited to share its new digital hub, filled with practical tools to help you understand 3020-2 and build more movement into your daily life.

The 30-20-2 digital hub helps you:

› Feel confident from day one with clear, practical tools.

› Keep your momentum going with expert support and guidance

› Make time for movement with flexible workouts that fit your schedule

› Discover new ways to be active nearby with our guide to local clubs and trails.

You don’t need to overhaul your life. Every bit counts. Being healthier physically and mentally is simple with 30-20-2. Check out the digital hub via Peninsula Leisure’s website peninsulaleisure.com.au/30-20-2

welcoming open area for picnics (while watching a match or training), walking, relaxing or other community uses throughout the year.

The project forms part of the ongoing delivery of the Jubilee Park Master Plan, which continues to enhance the park’s amenity, safety and access. New pathway lighting has also been installed along the link from Nursery Avenue, making evening visits and training sessions easier and safer.

This upgrade reflects Council’s commitment to finding innovative ways to support sporting clubs and community use while preserving the green, open spaces that make Jubilee Park such a valued destination.

Behind the scenes of Frankston City’s biggest ever build

There’s nothing like watching a major community project take shape! And recently, Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea MP, State Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke MP, Frankston City Mayor Cr Sue Baker and councillors joined Frankston District Basketball Association and Bayside Gymnastics Club representatives for an exclusive behind the scenes walkthrough of the expanding Frankston Stadium precinct.

This project has come a long way since Council first approved the expanded facility that will deliver 10 basketball courts and Frankston’s first purpose built community gymnastics hall, supporting thousands of local participants. It remains the largest infrastructure investment in Frankston City’s history, reshaping the Bardia Avenue site into a modern, accessible hub for community sport, major events, and regional visitation. Where the project is up to:

› Construction continues to progress across multiple areas of the site:

› Roofing and cladding are underway on the new show court and gymnastics areas.

› Low level precast concrete panels are being installed around the gymnastics zone.

› Civil works are well underway to the new southern car park area.

› The Rotary shed has been relocated to its new space on site.

These works build on the strong early progress achieved since construction

officially started in 2025 as part of Council’s broader vision for a highcapacity regional sporting hub.

What’s next — key milestones coming up:

The project is about to enter several exciting construction stages, including:

› erection of structural steel for the western expansion area

› completion of the roofing and cladding across the show court and gymnastics areas

› installation of new roofing and cladding to the existing courts.

These upcoming works move the stadium closer to opening its doors to the community in mid-2027 and delivering a future-ready facility aligned with Council’s sustainability, accessibility, and participation goals. The project is proudly funded by Council in partnership with the Australian and Victorian Governments. Council.

Thanks also to Sport and Recreation

Victoria, Gymnastics

Victoria and Basketball

Victoria for their involvement and support throughout the project.