$1.7m Stronger Together package backs families, community and business

Published on 25 August 2025

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Frankston City Council has begun implementing its $1.7 million Local Support Package as part of its 2025–2026 Stronger Together Annual Budget, delivering direct cost-of-living relief to residents, families and businesses. 

Mayor Cr Kris Bolam JP said the package is one of the most community-driven initiatives Council has delivered. 

“This package came directly from our community, for our community,” Mayor Bolam said. “It reflects our commitment to supporting those who need it most, while building safer and more resilient neighbourhoods.” 

“Community is at the heart of Council’s Local Support Package”.  

The wide-ranging package spans six key areas of support, with funds already flowing into the community. Highlights include 

Community relief and resilience

  • $210,000 for 21 grassroots and charity organisations providing food, healthcare and housing advocacy.  
  • $115,000 in larger-scale funding for key community organisations such as Community Support Frankston, the Frankston Charitable Trust and Menzies Inc. 
  • Fees for 11 Council services suspended for 12 months, including kerbside trading, supported playgroup venue hire, and event and filming applications. 
  • In addition, pet registration fees for all residents have been frozen for the next twelve months.
  • $100,000 to enable free access to legal services for residents facing rental stress and the threat of homelessness, and for a school lawyer program to help students access legal support and increase their understanding of rights and responsibilities
  • Council will also be updating its Hardship Policy to enable ease of access for local ratepayers
  • Ratepayer Rewards worth $137,500, offering households a discounted paid hard waste collection, free PARC visit or membership upgrade, or discounted Arts Centre tickets. 

Business and local economy 

  • $165,000 for capability-building and advocacy support for local businesses to help them upskill how they do business in an ever-evolving entrepreneurial climate.
  • $30,000 expansion of the 2025–2026 Business Grants program.
  • $90,000 boost to the Destination Events Attraction Program to drive visitation and tourism and celebrate Frankston’s heritage.  

Community strengthening

  • $125,000 to partner with Accessible Beaches Australia and make Frankston City home to the most accessible beach in the country. 
  • $137,000 for an activity subsidy program reducing financial barriers for community participation in community organisations and sporting clubs.
  • $50,000 in seed funding to attract and support the potential establishment of a sustainable food bank and logistics service within Frankston. 
  • $18,000 to expand the school planting program and free tree vouchers for ratepayers, delivering 10,400 extra trees.  

Community safety 

  • $155,000 to expand Rapid Response patrols beyond the city centre.
  • $40,000 to grow the Community Connectors program.
  • $15,000 for Neighborhood Watch and a Trader Assistance Directory.
  • $10,000 for a graffiti prevention program.
  • CCTV feasibility mapping to determine the placement of new cameras given the Federal Government’s election commitment to allocate $1.5 million for new CCTV throughout the Frankston municipality. 
  • $125,000 for Victoria Police bicycles and CCTV technology in exchange for pro-active patrols in the Frankston CBD.  

Young people and families 

  • $40,000 in additional funding for Child and Youth Inclusion Grants, helping families struggling to afford education and recreation activities.
  • $15,000 in additional funding for Urgent Grants, assisting community organisations that need access to immediate assistance.   
  • Expanded youth activity programs in collaboration with local schools, Victorian Police and Council’s own Youth Services 

Cr Cherie Wanat said the package was made possible by finding efficiencies and savings across Council. 

“By identifying efficiencies and savings, Councillors have delivered these initiatives without cutting other essential services or projects that our community expect.”  

“As Frankston City grows and thrives, we’re building a future where everyone belongs, every person is supported, and every generation is part of the journey.” 

For more information on Council’s Local Support Package visit Local Support Package - Frankston City Council. 

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