Frankston Budget backs safety and outreach in the CBD

We are investing more in safety and social outreach across the CBD through the 2025 –2026 budget after flagship programs including Rapid Response patrols and Community Connectors delivered strong results over the past year.

Programs including the Rapid Response CBD patrols, and the Community Connectors outreach initiative have had a measurable impact on safety and wellbeing in the city centre, with both on track for further expansion in the coming year.

$11M for healthier, more connected communities

Council has invested $11 million to deliver 17 play space upgrades across the municipality since its Play Strategy 2021 was endorsed and there are no plans to slow down, with five upgrades completed in 2024–2025 and five more planned for this financial year.

Council backs business with new support measures in 2025–26 Budget

Frankston City Council is delivering new investment and long-term support for local business and industry as part of its $1.7 million Local Support Package, included in the recently adopted $304.82 million 2025-26 Stronger Together Annual Budget.

With more than 14,000 registered businesses now operating across Frankston City, including a record 639 new business registrations over the past 12 months, the city is fast emerging as a regional centre for innovation, entrepreneurship and hospitality.

Last tree planted as part of Frankston’s Greening Project

Since 2021, Frankston City Council has planted over 60,000 trees across the municipality, from bushland reserves to busy streetscapes, in a bold move to create a greener, shadier and more climate-resilient city.

Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy this week planted the final tree as part of this season’s planting effort, a vibrant Golden Elm (Ulmus glabra) at Beauty Park in Frankston, capping off a significant stage of Council’s Urban Forest Action Plan.

CEO Phil Cantillon to farewell Frankston City Council

Our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Phil Cantillon has announced he will step down later this month, marking the end of his leadership term, which has been defined by major reform, steady stewardship and commitment to the Frankston City community. We have appointed Cam Arullanantham as Interim Chief Executive Officer over the next six months.

Friday 1 August, 4pm–5pm, Frankston Library, no booking required for adults

Is it a bird?
Is it a plane?
No, it's our superhero themed launch party for the Mayor's Reading Challenge 2025!

Dress up as your favourite superhero and join us for an afternoon of facepainting, books, prizes, and songs. Mayor Bolam plus a special superhero guest will also be joining in the fun!

Nominations close soon: Youth Excellence Showcase Awards

Do you know someone (aged 12–24) that is doing great things in the community? Frankston Youth Service YES! (Youth Excellence Showcase) Awards 2025 are open for nominations!

Categories are:

• Arts & Culture
• Team Spirit
• Community Contributor
• Perseverance in Adversity
• Change Maker
• Community Betterment Group

And there’s cash prizes for the winners!

Please nominate or share with anyone you think is worth celebrating! Nominations close Sunday 27 July.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week's 50th anniversary

This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week: Honoring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The 2025 theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," celebrates the achievements of the past and also the bright future ahead.

To help recognise and honour National NAIDOC, these landmarks are lit up around Frankston City until 18 July:

• Ballam Park fountain
• Ballam Park trees along Cranbourne Road
• Beauty Park fountain
• PARC trees
• Wells Street planters
• White Street Mall

And two exhibitions at Frankston Arts Centre are celebrating First Nations artists as part of NAIDOC Week 2025:

Everywhen Art presents: ReGeneration
and
Matthew Delaney’s Mad Dog Art

Both presented with the 2025 theme in mind:  The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. As part of the exhibition, there's also a documentary screening: Returning our Ancestors.

26 June to 16 August
(Free Entry) Frankston Arts Centre
Main Foyer Curved Wall

National Tree Day

Sunday 27 July, 10am–12pm, Lloyd Park Langwarrin

All welcome to come and plant trees on National Tree Day! Lloyd Park’s forest began as part of a habitat creation project partially funded by the Australian Government through the Westernport Biosphere.

The 2025 planting site has been prepared to ensure ideal conditions for native trees, shrubs, and understorey plants that will provide food and shelter for local wildlife. This year’s planting will also help improve habitat connectivity and climate resilience in the area.

Parking is available on street along Pindara Blvd and side streets. Meet near the playground. Access will require walking across grass, which may be muddy. Unfortunately, wheelchairs access is not available. Please note that this is dog and pet free event.

More to enjoy at Ballam Park  

Balamlam Lake at the northern end of Ballam Park continues to evolve as a unique feature blending environmental function with natural beauty. 

Around 900 new plants have been added along the pathways near the scout hall and kindergarten and plans are now underway to introduce native fish species, such as silver perch and golden perch, to the lake

As well as the lake and bioretention system, Council has also delivered a range of community features including lighting, pathways, public art, BBQ, seating and shelters and landscaping, offering a calm, green setting to complement the park’s active sports and play areas. Since opening late last year, it's become a local favourite for families and many locals and visitors and their four-legged friends! 

The $2.3 million upgrade was funded by Frankston City Council, Melbourne Water, and a low-interest loan from the Victorian Government. 

Japanese Festival

Sunday 3 August, 10am–4pm, Frankston High School senior campus

The Frankston Susono Friendship Association presents a fun day of family friendly activities, including:

• Japanese performances and entertainment
• hands on activities for the whole family
• cultural and sister city displays
• martial arts
• goods for sale
• Japanese food and cooking
• Taiko drumming
• lots of prizes and giveaways!

Working together to end homelessness

Homelessness Week 2025 (4–10 August) is a time to reflect on the growing housing challenges facing many Australians and to take meaningful, collective action. This year’s theme, Homelessness Action Now, calls on all of us to go beyond raising awareness. It is about working together, right now, to prevent and end homelessness in our communities. 

We are committed to being part of the solution. We advocate for more affordable housing, support local organisations delivering essential services, and partner with others to create long-term outcomes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

Need a foot in the door?

Our Work Ready Program is making it easier for local jobseekers to gain real experience and kickstart meaningful careers. 

From traineeships and apprenticeships to hands-on work experience, the program is opening doors and breaking down barriers. 

The program has placed 100 people since kicking off, including 48 people in 2024–2025 in areas like IT, horticulture, youth support, the arts, and more. 

And with the new WorkLink Pre-Internship, we’re helping young people with a disability get valuable on-the-job experience. This isn’t just about getting jobs, it’s about building futures right here in Frankston City! 

Be a part of local history

Have you been inside the Historical Homestead at Ballam Park? If not, join the queue as the tours are fully booked until June 2026! It's worth the wait.

In the meantime, you can have scones with jam and cream or hot soup in the homestead tea rooms which open every Sunday from 12pm–4pm. Excluding the 5th Sunday of the month.

To keep this beautiful homestead running, the dedicated volunteers need more people to join their busy team.

People with an interest in history often make amazing tour guides, and if you’re more of a people person the team would love your help serving up more of those delicious scones!

Contact Glenda (who has happily dedicated the past 40 years to the homestead) to register your interest: Phone 9789 3116 or email theviners@bigpond.com

Explore Frankston City’s demographic landscape: FREE online training

Tuesday 5 August, 2pm–3pm, online, FREE

Want to better understand the people who live, work and study in Frankston City? All community members are welcome to join us for a free, one-hour online training session introducing .id — a powerful demographic tool that provides insights into local population trends, community needs and future planning opportunities.

This introductory session will show you how to navigate the .id platform, access key data, and apply insights to support your projects, services, studies or work. Whether you’re completely new to .id or just need a refresher, it’s a great way to strengthen your understanding of our community.

You’ll leave with a clearer picture of who lives in Frankston City, what’s changing, and why data-driven decisions matter. Register below or contact the Social Policy Team at: social.policy@frankston.vic.gov.au

Honouring our community leaders

Cr Emily Green had the honour of presenting Aunty Deb Mellett OAM with a Certificate  of Appreciation for her extraordinary contributions to the Frankston Indigenous community at the June Council Meeting. 

Aunty Deb is a proud Gurindji woman, respected Elder, and passionate advocate for cultural connection and community empowerment. During her more than 25 years in the Frankston region, she has:

• received the Medal of the Order of Australia (2025)
• led Nairm Marr Djambana, transforming it into a vibrant Aboriginal Gathering Place
• brought over 30 years’ experience in social planning and Aboriginal community development
• honoured with the International Women’s Day Award (2017) & NAIDOC Outstanding Woman of the Year (2018)
• volunteered with Breast Cancer Network Australia and served as a BreastScreen Australia Ambassador
• supported Aboriginal youth in local schools, including Elisabeth Murdoch College
• helped develop the VEC’s Aboriginal Action Plan – Ngabun-Bambunj.

Aunty Deb’s legacy is one of leadership, cultural pride, and lifelong service. We are incredibly grateful for her continued guidance and impact to Country and the community.

Reduce your energy bills this winter

Help reduce your energy bills this winter The Energy Assistance Program is a FREE over-the-phone service designed to support Victorians who are having trouble paying their energy bills.

The program provides Victorian households assistance to:

• help navigate the energy market and access critical energy affordability supports
• manage the rising cost of living by saving money on energy bills
• better understand consumer rights and protections and have the confidence to take part in the energy market more often.

The Energy Assistance Program is delivered in partnership with community partner Anglicare Victoria. Phone 1800 161 215 or head to the website.

Business grants are back!

The popular Frankston City Business Grants are back!! Applications open Monday 11 August and close Friday 22 August. We are offering small business grants to support economic growth and development across the city. These grants aim to support Frankston City’s retail, commercial and industrial precincts by promoting business growth and expansion, increasing employment opportunities and encouraging successful businesses to relocate or expand to Frankston City, or home-based businesses to take the next step to move into a commercial property. This financial year there is $180,000 in grants available with eligible Frankston City businesses invited to apply for grants between $5,000 and $20,000.

Parents and kids connect at playgroup

Playgroup is a welcoming space where parents, caregivers, and grandparents can come together with their preschool-aged children to play, connect, and grow. Children have the chance to explore a variety of fun, hands-on activities while making new friends and learning valuable social skills. For adults, playgroup offers the opportunity to meet others in the community, build friendships, and enjoy a supportive, relaxed environment — often over a coffee and a chat. 

Environmental Sustainability Grants: applications open soon

Do you have a project idea that could help protect or enhance Frankston’s natural environment or combat climate change? Frankston City Council’s Environmental Sustainability Grant is opening this September, offering one-off funding of $1,000. The grant is available to local community groups and landowners who want to make a meaningful impact through environmental sustainability. 

A total of ten grants are available, across two grant categories:

• Community Group Projects: for activities that raise awareness and encourage local participation in sustainability, and projects that reduce emissions or help communities adapt to climate change, such as sustainable transport initiatives or education campaigns.
• Landowner Works: for projects that enhance biodiversity and protect native vegetation on private properties.

Applications open Monday 1 September and close Monday 20 October. 

Teen Life Swimming Program

Sign your teen up to join Peninsula Leisure's FREE five week water safety program for 10–17 year-olds! Complete your expression of interest by Friday 8 August.

School holiday fun at Frankston Skate Park

School holidays are here and it's the perfect time to hit the park, build your skills, make some friends and have fun! Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your Skating, BMX or Skooting to the next level, we've got a session for you. Check out what’s on via the Customer Portal.

Frankston facilities PARC and Pines win big at State Awards

Peninsula Leisure and Frankston City Council are celebrating an outstanding result at the 2025 Aquatics & Recreation Victoria (ARV) Awards, with local facilities Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) and Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (PINES) taking out three major awards.

PINES outdoor pool was awarded Facility of the Year (Seasonal), while PARC claimed Facility of the Year (Large) and the prestigious Sustainability Award.