Outstanding Volunteer Organisation Award Winner

From saving injured wildlife to strengthening community skills and knowledge, AWARE Wildlife Rescue shows how volunteer-led organisations can build lasting impact.

The Annual Volunteering Frankston Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of local volunteers who generously give their time, skills and passion to support the Frankston City community, and in 2025 the Outstanding Volunteer Organisation award was proudly presented to AWARE Wildlife Rescue, along with a $1,000 prize to support their work. For over twenty years, this volunteer-run not-for-profit has delivered a 24-hour emergency wildlife rescue hotline, supported by highly trained volunteers skilled in rescue and rehabilitation techniques. Beyond emergency response, AWARE builds community capacity through public events and specialist-led workshops, empowering more people to care for local wildlife. As an active member of the Frankston Environmental Friends Network, AWARE also advocates for wildlife protection, educates the community and grows the next generation of wildlife rescuers and carers across the state.

Call for Community Groups to Join us at our Community Connections Expo

Frankston City Libraries is inviting local clubs, community groups and organisations to be part of an upcoming community expo at Frankston Library.

The Community Connections Expo is all about connection. The expo will aim to showcase the diverse range of groups, clubs and organisations in our community, giving locals the chance to discover what’s out there, find people with shared interests, and take the first step towards belonging.

By participating, your group will have the opportunity to:

• Promote what you do to the wider community
• Connect with potential new members or participants
• Be part of a broader initiative focused on strengthening social connection and reducing loneliness

Whether you’re a long‑standing organisation or a small volunteer‑run group, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’re interested in being involved, please complete the short Expression of Interest form below.

Have Your Say!

Help Shape Future Support for Community Groups

Complete our short survey for the chance to win one of three valuable prizes designed to support your community group.

What you could win:

• 📸 A professional photography session to showcase your group, plus a featured spotlight in the Community Groups eNews

• 🎓 A tailored, in-person training session for your team, delivered by Volunteering Victoria.

• 🏠 Free hire of a Council-run community room for one occasion, ideal for meetings, workshops, workshops, or celebrations (subject to availability and standard venue conditions)

By sharing your experiences, challenges, and support needs, you’ll also help Council improve programs, training, and resources for community groups in 2026.

Why take part?
The survey is short, and your feedback will help us understand:

• the challenges your group is facing.

• which Council supports you’ve accessed.

• what support would benefit your organisation most moving forward.

Your feedback will directly shape how Council supports community groups in the future, while giving you a chance to win practical, high-value support for your organisation.

Training Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

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.

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