GET YOUR
FREE TV GUIDE INSIDE!
Frankston DOWNLOAD 3MP FROM THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY
An independent voice for the community
Your weekly community newspaper covering Frankston, Frankston South, Karingal, Langwarrin and Seaford
FREE
Tuesday 7 October 2025
For all advertising and editorial needs, call 03 5974 9000 or email: team@baysidenews.com.au www.baysidenews.com.au
FRANKSTON-based delivery driver Amy McDermott is bottle and can mad, and has made over $5000 since the beginning of the Container Deposit Scheme. See ‘Amy’s on a recycling mission’ - Page 8
Council initiatives aim to ease cost of living pressures Raia Flinos raia@baysidenews.com.au AS households continue to struggle with rising living costs, Frankston City Council have launched two new initiatives designed to deliver relief to residents. Part of the council’s $1.7m local support package, the initiatives include the Active Participation Subsidy Program and Ratepayer Rewards initiative, which total a combined value of $250,000. Both are designed to not only help ease financial pressures, but to encourage community connection and wellbeing. The council has invested $137,000 into the Active Participation Subsidy Program to help remove cost barriers which stop residents from joining local groups, clubs, and activities. The program will see eligible residents have 85 per cent of their annual membership fees, up to a maximum of $500, paid directly to their club or group. This support will allow individuals and families experiencing financial hardship to continue participating in sports or hobbies that contribute to their mental and physical wellbeing. Deputy mayor Steffie Conroy said the initiatives reflect the council’s commitment to inclusion, affordability, and community wellbeing. “We know cost-of-living pressures are being felt by many in our community. By introducing these initiatives, we’re reducing barriers and creating more opportunities for residents to stay active, connected and involved,” she said. The Ratepayer Rewards initiative
will see $117,000 provide direct benefits to households through the selection of exclusive incentives. Delivered with the 2025-2026 rates notices, rate payers can choose one of three rewards: $30 off a paid hard waste collection, a $30 voucher for Frankston Arts Centre, or free entry or a membership upgrade at Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre. In addition, residents will have the opportunity to claim one of 1400 trees currently being grown by the council, which will be ready in time for the Autumn planting season. This not only provides a cost-free way to enhance private gardens but also contributes to long-term environmental goals. “Whether it’s joining a club, taking the family to the pool or enjoying a night out at the theatre, we want to make sure everyone in Frankston has access to the experiences that make our city vibrant and welcoming,” Conroy said. The programs are available until 30 June 2026, or until funds have been fully allocated, so residents are encouraged to act quickly to avoid missing out. Applications for the Active Participation Subsidy Program are now open through the SmartyGrants portal, with further details available on the council’s Community Grants page. Information on how to redeem Ratepayer Rewards is included in the rate notices sent out and on the Local Support Page of the council website. Frankston’s new initiatives represent a targeted approach by local government to provide practical support to help ease cost of living pressures for residents while also helping them stay engaged in the community.