-IN THIS EDITION-
Emergency Preparedness Support from Council
Australia's Most Accessible Beach!
Garage Sale Trail
Funding Opportunities
Training Opportunities
Share with your Networks
With spring in full swing, this October edition is filled with fresh opportunities to help your community group thrive. Discover upcoming grants, training sessions, and practical resources to support your planning and projects in the months ahead.
There’s plenty to explore — scroll through to see what’s on offer for your group.
- From Frankston City Council’s Community Strengthening team
Are you prepared for an emergency?
Discover how to increase emergency resilience and awareness within your group.
Council can attend your group meeting to provide guidance about phone apps, tools, and advice to inform and help start the conversation.
If you are a trusted leader who can assist with sending out accessible messaging during emergencies, we can show you how to make this work for your community.
Contact Council on 1300 322 322 (ask for Emergency Management) to speak to staff about your group’s planning for emergencies.
Frankston set to become Australia’s Most Accessible Beach
Frankston City Council and Accessible Beaches Australia are thrilled to announce the ‘Australian’s Most Accessible Beach (AMAB)’ pilot program, launching in Frankston this summer.
The 3- month pilot, with support and funding from Council’s Social Inclusion Action Group and local businesses, will transform our iconic beach into an inclusive space welcoming people living with disability, seniors, and carers. The pilot will offer beach matting, shaded sunlounges, beach wheelchairs and walkers, support staff and a booking system to help you plan your visit with confidence.
Join the CALD Network Steering Group
The CALD Network is a community-led group supported by Frankston City Council with the aim of making Frankston a more welcoming, inclusive place for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The Network collaborates with Council to review services, raise awareness of CALD community needs, and celebrate our rich local diversity.
Community groups working with or representing multicultural communities are encouraged to get involved - EOI's to join the CALD Network are open now! This is a great opportunity to share ideas, collaborate with others, and help shape a more inclusive Frankston. Members also take part in community activities such as meet-and-greet events and cultural celebrations.
Garage Sale Trail - Registrations open!
Garage Sale Trail is Australia’s biggest second-hand treasure hunt, with over 750,000 pre-loved items sold or reused across two huge weekends of garage sales.
Last year, community groups, households, and charities raised more than $3.9 million and saved 418 tonnes of goods from landfill—helping maximise the value of the energy and resources behind the things we buy.
In 2024, nearly 300,000 Australians shopped or sold at over 13,000 garage sale events nationwide.
Register your Community Group or Charity for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail on 8–9 November or 15–16 November and be part of Australia’s biggest weekend of reuse!
Training Opportunities
Introduction to the Volunteering Involvement Cycle
18 November 2025, 11am-12pm
Online event (FREE)
Join us for a practical training session introducing the Volunteer Involvement Cycle, a new resource aligned with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement. Learn how to plan, recruit, support, and evaluate volunteers effectively to build a stronger, more sustainable program.
Perfect for anyone starting or improving a volunteer program.
The Complete Community Fundraising Handbook
FREE Digital Copy
This handbook highlights the need to move beyond single sources of funding and instead embrace a diverse mix of income streams. It also shows community organisations that fundraising is everyone’s job, not just the treasurer’s.
The handbook includes the following key sections:
- Laying the Foundations
- The Seven Steps of Fundraising
- The Seven Pillars of Fundraising
Funding Opportunities
Young Carers Bursary Program
Young Carer Bursary Program provides financial support to young carers in greatest need, making life a bit easier while you balance studying and caring for someone.
Bursary money is there to help you with your education and caring role.
You could use it for things like:
• Buying a laptop for your schoolwork
• Getting your school uniforms or books
• Paying for transport to get to school or college
• Taking a break from caring
• Joining in with school activities that cost extra
• Paying for some school fees
Closes 7 November 2025
Multicultural Infrastructure and Security Program
Grants of up to $400,000 are available for multicultural and multifaith organisations to support maintenance works, renovations and security upgrades to existing community facilities.
This funding will help provide multicultural communities safe, accessible and culturally appropriate spaces to connect and celebrate their heritage.
Applications are open until 3pm on Monday 5 January 2026.
Pro Bono For Purpose
MediaCast’s Pro Bono for Purpose charity grant is back for 2026, offering not-for-profits and charities the chance to harness the power of PR to raise awareness, build momentum, and create lasting change.
Grants valued at $5,000 and $10,000 are available to support media relations campaigns, helping your organisation reach audiences across radio, TV, print, and digital platforms.
If your organisation is passionate about making a difference, this is your opportunity to amplify your message with the help of MediaCast’s award-winning media experts.
Closes 12 November 2025
Access Refurbished Devices for Your Community
The National Device Bank is offering refurbished laptops, tablets, and mobile phones to community organisations supporting digitally excluded individuals. This initiative helps bridge the digital divide by providing quality devices to those in need.
This program is designed for not-for-profits, schools, and services assisting marginalised groups. With over 6,000 partners across Australia, the National Device Bank aims to empower communities through digital inclusion.
Looking for funding opportunities?
Council have signed up to 'Grant Guru' so you have FREE access to search more than 1300 external grants worth more than $60 billion.
Register to receive emailed alerts for new grants, save your favourites and access tips to help you apply for grants.
Have Your Say!
Engage Your WayWe’ve drafted a new Community Engagement Framework based on what you told us and now invite your feedback to make sure we got it right. Share feedback by 30 November. |
Let's Play!Local play spaces service a 400m walkable area for regular short-term stays. Follow this page to get notified about new local playspace projects that need your feedback. |
Mini Frankston CityRepresent your community and provide advice to Council. Members of Mini Frankston City are invited to focus groups, workshops and advisory panels. Register your interest! |
Share with your Networks
Bilingual BooksFrankston Library has children’s books in a selection of widely spoken languages including Australian Indigenous Languages, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog (Filipino) and Te Reo Maori, with small selection of titles in other languages |
Youth Arts FestivalGet ready to step back in time with Freshaissance, a creative, medieval-inspired festival by the Fresh Youth Committee! We’re looking for performers, artists, makers, and helpers to bring this magical day to life. |
Gambling Harm reductionDiscover simple ways to stay balanced in a digital world. Gambling harm and support services, safe payments and online scams, budgeting tips and more available at this free session. When: 30 October 5 - 6:30pm Where: Carrum Downs Library |
