Frankston City Council has launched its $1.7 million Local Support Package as part of the 2025–2026 Stronger Together Annual Budget, aimed at providing direct cost-of-living relief to residents, families, and businesses. Mayor Cr Kris Bolam JP described the initiative as one of the most community-driven programs the Council has delivered, emphasizing that it reflects a commitment to supporting those in need while fostering safer and more resilient neighbourhoods.
The package spans multiple areas, beginning with community relief and resilience. It includes $210,000 for grassroots and charity organizations providing essential services such as food, healthcare, and housing advocacy, and $115,000 in larger-scale funding for key organizations including Community Support Frankston, the Frankston Charitable Trust, and Menzies Inc. Council has also suspended fees for 11 services for 12 months, including kerbside trading, playgroup venue hire, event and filming applications, and frozen pet registration fees. An additional $100,000 supports free legal services for residents facing rental stress, while ratepayer rewards totaling $137,500 offer discounted waste collection, free PARC visits, Arts Centre ticket discounts, and membership upgrades. The Hardship Policy is also being updated to improve access for local ratepayers.
Support for business and the local economy includes $165,000 for capability-building and advocacy programs, $30,000 to expand the Business Grants program, and a $90,000 boost to the Destination Events Attraction Program to promote tourism and celebrate Frankston’s heritage.
Community strengthening initiatives focus on accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability, with $125,000 allocated to partner with Accessible Beaches Australia to create the country’s most accessible beach. Other investments include $137,000 for activity subsidies for community participation, $50,000 in seed funding for a sustainable food bank, and $18,000 to expand school planting programs and distribute 10,400 trees to residents.
Community safety measures include $155,000 to expand Rapid Response patrols, $40,000 for the Community Connectors program, $15,000 for Neighborhood Watch and a Trader Assistance Directory, $10,000 for graffiti prevention, and feasibility mapping for new CCTV installations. Additionally, $125,000 supports Victoria Police bicycles and CCTV technology to enhance proactive patrols in the Frankston CBD.
For young people and families, the package provides $40,000 for Child and Youth Inclusion Grants, $15,000 for Urgent Grants supporting community organizations, and expanded youth activity programs in partnership with local schools, Victorian Police, and Council Youth Services.
Cr Cherie Wanat highlighted that the initiatives were funded through efficiencies and savings across the Council, allowing the programs to be delivered without cutting other essential services. The Stronger Together package reflects Frankston City’s vision of a community where everyone belongs, every resident is supported, and all generations can thrive together.
