Councillor Appreciation Award

Deb Mellet OAM – 23 June 2025

Presented by Cr Emily Green in recognition for her outstanding service to the Frankston Indigenous community.

A proud Gurindji woman and esteemed Elder, Aunty Deb is the General Manager of Nairm Marr Djambana and has been a driving force behind cultural development and community empowerment across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. With over 30 years of leadership in social planning and Aboriginal cultural advocacy, she has inspired generations and built lasting community connections.

Aunty Deb’s receipt of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2025, alongside previous honours such as the International Women's Day Award (2017) and NAIDOC Outstanding Woman of the Year (2018), reflects a lifetime of dedicated service.

Frankston is deeply grateful for her continued guidance, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Country and community.

Pink Ladies Auxiliary – 2 June 2025

Presented by Cr Nathan Butler in recognition for being a longstanding and highly dedicated volunteer group at Frankston Hospital since 1968.

Through their dedicated operation of the hospital kiosk and various fundraising initiatives, they have raised over $10 million to purchase vital equipment and enhance patient services.

Their unwavering commitment and compassionate presence have significantly contributed to improving the hospital environment and patient care.

Thank you to all members for your generous contributions to Frankston Hospital and the monumental impact on the Community.

Disability Access Inclusion Committee – 12 May 2025

Presented by Councillor Sue Baker to the Disability Access Inclusion Committee in recognition of the Committee’s ongoing advocacy and support for people living with disability.

This dedicated group of volunteers has played a vital role in shaping a more inclusive community. Through collaboration with Council, the Committee has supported initiatives such as public recharge points for mobility devices, beach accessibility projects, International Day of People with Disability events, and improved access to Council events, facilities, and public spaces. 

Their efforts ensure accessibility remains central to community planning and development. Thank you for your generous contributions to building a more inclusive city for all

Peter Talbot – 24 March 2025

Presented by Cr Brad Hill to Peter Talbot in recognition of his dedication and tireless efforts in leading the 3199 Frankston Beach Patrol and keeping Frankston’s beaches clean and safe.

Peter’s extensive work in organising beach clean-ups, engaging with school groups and advocating for litter reduction initiatives has played a vital role in protecting Frankston’s coastline. Through this leadership Peter has inspired countless volunteers, fostering a strong and passionate network, dedicated to sustainability.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment to making a lasting impact on our environment and community.

Langwarrin Men’s Shed – 29 January 2025

Presented by Councillor Cherie Wanat to the Langwarrin Men’s Shed in recognition of the support they provide to the local community, particularly around social health and wellbeing.

Focusing on men’s health, the community group encourage men to participate in group activities and build teamwork, learn new skills, and share life experiences.

Over the years, participants have made valuable contributions to the community by way of building connections and encouraging each other to maintain an active body and mind.

Thank you for your generous offerings to the Langwarrin community.

Julie Fisher – 9 September 2024

Presented by Councillor Sue Baker to Julie Fisher for compassionately and tirelessly working to change attitudes, as well as creating a more inclusive world and support for people with Down Syndrome, so they can live their best lives.

As the mother of Darcy, who lives with Down Syndrome, Council honours your drive, energy and advocacy, while generously sharing knowledge and firsthand experience, through radio, major speaking events, including conferences, writing compelling books and participating in Frankston’s Human Library during the South Side Festival.

Congratulations and thank you for making Frankston City the inclusive and welcoming community it is. Keep up the inspirational work!

The Griffiths Family – 12 August 2024

Presented by Councillor Kris Bolam to the Griffiths family in recognition of the support, assistance and generosity the family has provided to Council towards the upgrade design at Whistlestop Reserve. This has included historic information and artwork developed into the design to recognise and honour the former Whistlestop Amusement Park.

The amusement park was owned and created by the late Jack Griffiths and his family have been a critical part in bringing this design to life.

Council thanks you for your input and helping achieve such a fantastic result!

Tanya Thomas – 24 June 2024

Presented by Cr Sue Baker to Tanya Thomas, Frankston & District Basketball Association (FDBA) Programs Support Officer, in recognition for her stellar contribution to inclusivity in basketball.

Council honours the drive, energy and commitment made to ensure everybody has a chance to have a go at basketball, no matter what background they come from, which resulted in the FDBA winning the Inclusive Basketball Association of the Year Award for 2023.

Initiatives championed by Tanya include All Abilities Basketball, Walking Basketball, Wheelchair Basketball and more recently, the innovative Vision Loss Basketball Program.

Congratulations! Thanks for making Frankston City the inclusive and vibrant community it is, and keep up the inspirational work.

Peter Fulton - 22 April 2024

Presented by Cr Glenn Aitken to Peter Fulton JP to express Council’s to express sincere gratitude for your outstanding commitment to service as a Justice of the Peace (JP) for the past 40 years and as a Bail Justice for the past 18 years.

Your dedication has been unwavering. We are particularly grateful for your willingness to serve at all hours of the day and night, providing invaluable assistance to the Frankston Police. Your meticulous service and fair approach have undoubtedly helped countless individuals navigate the legal system and ensured the safety of our community.

Jeff Svigos - 18 March 2024

Presented by Cr Kris Bolam to Jeff Svigos, former President of the Pines Football Netball Club, in recognition for his unwavering and passionate advocacy to make the Eric Bell Pavilion redevelopment a reality. Council applauds your drive, energy and commitment to deliver an outstanding outcome for the Frankston North community.

The upgraded Eric Bell Pavilion is used by the Pines Football Netball Club and the Pines Cricket Club as a base and home for a proud community – creating lifelong friendships, enhancing health and fitness, and boosting community spirit and wellbeing. Congratulations and thank you for your incredible work!

Frankston Winter Shelter – 23 October 2023

Presented by Cr Sue Baker, in recognition of the Frankston Winter Shelter initiative – a combined project of the Frankston Churches offering critical support for the most vulnerable in our community. Council applauds its dedication and commitment in providing a bed, a warm meal and safe place for the night through the winter months in a safe, caring, non-judgemental community environment where guests receive refreshment, hope and rest. Your passion has inspired and garnered more than 100 volunteers – demonstrating what the community can achieve when we work together. Congratulations and keep up the inspirational work!

Emma Jennings – 23 October 2023

Presented by Cr Suzette Tayler, in recognition of Emma’s inspirational work establishing the Peninsula Autism Friendship Group, expanding to provide social groups for kids, teenagers and young adults, as well as multiple Carer Groups. A hallmark of Emma’s work with the group has been a distinctive drive, passion and dedication to building an inclusive, welcoming and accepting community, which has grown to include new venues to cater for more people. Council applauds your amazing work to enrich and enhance the lives of so many.

BAM Arts Inc - 2 Oct 2023

Presented by Cr Sue Baker, in recognition of its tremendous dedication in providing numerous performing and creative arts programs and social networking opportunities for people with disabilities. These programs include learning instruments, song writing and recording, music theatre, drama, multimedia, film making, visual arts, print media, radio and broadcasting, to name a few.

Led by CEO and Founder, Lisa Murphy, the team does marvelous work encouraging and developing the creative and performance art skills of children, young people and adults living with a disability. Congratulations and thank you for the incredible work you do in the community.

11 September 2023 - Rotary Club of Frankston

Presented by Cr Kris Bolam, in recognition for operating the much loved and highly successful Seaford Farmers Market for more than 15 years. Council celebrates and honours their inspirational vision and commitment in running this vital community strengthening event, while also raising over $500,000 for many charitable causes in Frankston and beyond – benefiting local, national and international causes. Frankston City Council expressed its admiration and deep appreciation for their remarkable community service. Congratulations – you’ve left a lasting legacy that has enhanced and positively transformed the lives of many.

3 April 2023 - Robert Charles Bolch OAM JP FRVAHJ

Presented by Cr Bolam, in recognition of 18 years of service as a Justice of the Peace (JP) at the Frankston Police Station DSS.  Frankston thanks Robert for his selfless, long-term commitment to support residents who have faced a minefield of red tape with official form filling.  Through his patience and experience, Robert has supported many people across the Frankston City community to placate their anxiety when dealing with official documents.  His work to coordinate, educate and recognise other JPs over that time is also appreciated along with his legacy of collating detailed information for new JPs to access.  Frankston thanks you for your service. Presented by Cr Kris Bolam

15 March 2023 - Wayne and Geraldine Stanistreet

Presented by Cr Claire Harvey, to express appreciation to Wayne and Geraldine for their vision and hard work establishing the Open Mic Night at The Green held monthly at Yamala Bowls Club.  After pivoting online to keep this important community connected during COVID, this event now attracts a consistent line up of live acts, boasting a monthly evening of three hours of entertainment, with a waiting list of acts and all for a gold coin donation!  This event has breathed new energy and enthusiasm into the Frankston community, providing valuable opportunities for creative expression and connection.  Frankston thanks both Wayne and Geraldine for all their efforts, particularly the unseen work of arranging acts, setting up, creating a safe and welcoming space, and packing everything back down, including making their own equipment available.  Frankston thanks you for the way in which you've modelled persistence, inclusivity and generosity. Presented by Cr Claire Harvey.

20 February 2023 - Seaford Community Group

Presented by Cr Kris Bolam, to express appreciation to the Seaford Community Committee.  Established in February 2013, the group aims to improve communication and create a stronger sense of community in Seaford.  They have achieved this by establishing a local village voice, a village e-newsletter, assisting other community groups in their efforts to retain the Seaford Breach Cabin Park and have lobbied to improve the Seaford Community Centre facilities, the Seaford Service Centre and Library. Frankston thanks you for your efforts in building this strong sense of community in Seaford. Presented by Cr Kris Bolam.

12 December 2022 - Leon Costermans

Presented by Cr Claire Harvey, to express appreciation to Leon for his tireless work in the community as a Frankston Environmental Friends Network volunteer, especially through the Friends of Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Park, and also to congratulate him on this co-authored book 'Stories beneath our feet: exploring the geology and landscapes of Victoria and the surrounds', which has a strong focus on our region.  Thank you for your incredible support over the years to this City and its natural environment. Presented by Cr Claire Harvey.

21 November 2022 - Frankston Susono Friendship Association

Presented by Cr Sue Baker, to express appreciation to the Frankston Susono Friendship Association who, in 2022, celebrated 40 years of maintaining a relationship with Frankston's Sister City of Susono in Japan.  They work tirelessly as volunteers to build and support the language and traditions of being a cultural group within the Frankston community.  The Japanese Garden at Frankston High School's Senior Campus is a delightful and well-maintained tribute to Japan in the heart of Frankston. Presented by Cr Sue Baker.

24 October 2022 - Down's Estate Community Group

Presented by Cr Kris Bolam, to express appreciation for the 54+ volunteers whom perform many duties to revitalise, as well as preserve, the Down's Estate precinct.  The Down's Estate Community Project provide a unique, valuable and inclusive gathering and learning place for diverse community members.  They create opportunities for the general community to connect with the natural environment and with each other, participating in farming practices and enjoying a range of social, skills based and recreational activities. Presented by Cr Kris Bolam.

16 May 2022 - Meredith MacKenzie from Belvedere Community Centre

Presented by Cr Sue Baker, for her commitment over the last 7 years to the success and growth of programs for the Seaford community through the Belvedere Community Centre, ensuring on-going support to staff and the community throughout the pandemic and collaborating with various stakeholders to realise a new, fit-for-purpose home for the Belvedere Community Centre from 2023.  Frankston thanks you for your contribution to this Community. Presented by Cr Sue Baker.