Community strengthening

A strong community is one where everyone can join in, feel connected and take pride in their city. Our community strengthening initiatives break down barriers to participation and create more opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to live active, healthy and engaged lives. 

From subsidies that help people join clubs and groups, to free swimming lessons, accessible beaches, tree planting and graffiti programs, these initiatives build inclusion, wellbeing and community pride. Together, they make Frankston a place where people can connect, celebrate and thrive.

Active Participation Subsidy

Funding: $137,000 of additional funds 

We’re making it easier for everyone to stay active, connected and involved. With a $137,000 investment, Council is introducing a new Active Participation Subsidy program to reduce the financial barriers that can prevent residents from joining local clubs, groups and community activities. 

Eligible residents can have 85 per cent of their annual membership fee (up to $500), paid directly to their club or group on their behalf. This simple support helps people facing financial disadvantage take part in the activities they love, while strengthening community connection and wellbeing across Frankston. 

Check your eligibility 

To be eligible, you must be: 

  • A resident of Frankston City 

  • A holder of a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card 

How to apply  

Applications can be made online via the SmartyGrants portal. 

Applications are open and will close 6 May 2026. 

For more information, visit our Community grants page.

Graffiti removal kits

Funding: $5,000 

Keeping our city clean, safe and welcoming is a team effort. As part of a 12-month trial, Council is offering Frankston City residents a free graffiti removal kit to help quickly and easily clean up unwanted tags on their property. The kits support community pride by making it easier for residents to restore and maintain the look of their homes, helping to deter repeat graffiti and enhance the overall appearance of our streets. 

The program will launch in September 2025. For more information, visit Curb or remove graffiti - Frankston City Council.

Graffiti bounty

Funding: $5,000 

Council’s new Graffiti Bounty Program will encourage residents to help keep Frankston City clean, safe and welcoming by reporting graffiti. Residents who provide evidence leading to a successful prosecution will be eligible for a $500 reward.

The program will be open to all Frankston City residents and apply to graffiti across both private and public spaces – helping deter vandalism and protect the look and feel of our city.

The program will launch in September 2025. For more information, visit Curb or remove graffiti - Frankston City Council

Tree Register updates

Funding: $10,500 

Council will soon update the Register of Significant Trees on Public Land, increasing their capacity to assess up to 30 new trees*. This register celebrates and protects trees of historical, cultural and environmental importance, preserving Frankston’s unique urban forest for generations to come. 

Once the register opens, residents will be able to nominate trees on Council-managed land – including parks, nature strips, reserves and the foreshore – for assessment under National Trust of Victoria criteria. 

* Trees on private land are not eligible. 

School Planting program

Funding: $18,000 of additional funds 

On Friday 24 July 2026, local kindergartens, preschools and schools can take part in Schools Tree Day and enhance their outdoor spaces with free indigenous plants from the Frankston Indigenous Nursery. 

With an additional $18,000 investment, the program has grown from 3,000 to 12,000 trees – that’s an additional 9,000 trees to support healthier environments, richer outdoor learning and greater biodiversity across our city. Selected schools will also be recognised as Environmental Ambassador Schools, receiving extra plants and education support on the day.

Eligibility and the application process 

Eligible schools will be contacted directly and will be provided with further information on how to apply.  

Plants will be delivered to selected schools during the first week of Term 3, in the days leading up to Schools Tree Day. 

For more information, contact environment@frankston.vic.gov.au.

Accessible Beaches program

Funding: $125,000 

Frankston City Council, with the support of its community-led Social Inclusion Action Group, is partnering with Accessible Beaches Australia to deliver an Australian-first pilot project inspired by a successful model in Nice, France. Over three months in the 2025–2026 summer, the initiative will transform Frankston Beach into “Australia’s Most Accessible Beach” – creating new opportunities for people with mobility-related disabilities to enjoy our foreshore. 

Launching on 5 December 2025 as part of International Day of People with Disability celebrations, the pilot will include: 

  • Temporary beach access matting to the water 
  • Free-to-book beach wheelchairs and walking frames 
  • Shaded sunlounges for relaxing by the shore 
  • Support staff to assist with hoist transfers and water access 

A dedicated Community Advisory Committee is guiding the planning, delivery and evaluation of the project, ensuring every participant has the information, equipment and support they need for an easy, enjoyable beach experience.  

PARC - Can Swim program

Funding: $75,000 of continued funding 

Council is continuing to support the Can Swim program at Peninsula Leisure, making swimming and water safety lessons free and accessible for people of all ages. Designed to break down financial and social barriers, the program offers practical, fully subsidised lessons for infants, children, teens, adults and families. 

Programs include: 

  • Infant and family water familiarisation 
  • Pre-teen and teen programs 
  • Adult intensive courses 
  • Family water safety sessions 
  • Beach and open water training 
  • School incursions and community programs 

These programs help participants build confidence, develop vital life-saving skills and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of swimming – ensuring no one in Frankston misses out on the chance to be safe in and around the water. 

Check your eligibility and submit an expression of interest 

You can check your eligibility and submit an expression of interest via the Can Swim webpage. 

60th anniversary

Funding: $30,000 

Funding will support celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Frankston being declared a city. More than just a milestone, it’s an opportunity for our community to come together, share stories and honour the people, places and events that have shaped Frankston. The program will foster connection, pride and participation – adding vibrancy to our city and creating lasting memories for residents of all ages.

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