Mayor calls for election commitments to protect vital local services
Published on 12 November 2026
Frankston City Council is calling on Victorian state election candidates and major parties to commit to two proven community support programs, warning both face an uncertain future without continued State Government investment.
Mayor Cr Sue Baker has written to candidates seeking bipartisan support for Community Connectors, which operates around Frankston Station and Young Street, and Frankston Zero, a local services partnership helping rough sleepers find pathways to stable housing.
The call follows the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula candidates forum, where homelessness, cost-of-living pressures, community safety and the local economy were among key issues discussed.
Mayor Baker said both programs were delivering practical responses to those challenges, but funding uncertainty was putting their future at risk.
“These are proven programs making a real difference to people experiencing vulnerability, while also contributing to a safer, more welcoming and thriving Frankston City,” Mayor Baker said.
“We are seeking support from all sides of politics. Our community deserves to know where candidates and parties stand on these essential services before they cast their vote.”
Keeping Community Connectors on the ground
Council is seeking $750,000 over five years to support the continued operation of Community Connectors.
Delivered in partnership with Metro Trains and South East Community Links, Community Connectors provide a visible and trusted presence within the Frankston State and Young Street precinct, connecting people with support for challenges including homelessness, mental health concerns, housing instability and social isolation.
In its first year, Community Connectors supported 2,452 people, prevented harm in 535 situations and de-escalated 180 incidents. Crime Statistics Agency data over the same period showed a 44 per cent decrease in disorderly and offensive conduct offences around the station between 2024 and 2025.
Without further State Government funding, the program may cease operating from mid-2027.
“Community Connectors demonstrates what can be achieved by having skilled workers on the ground, building trust, resolving issues before they escalate and connecting people with the help they need,” Mayor Baker said.
"That support matters to the person in distress. It also matters to the trader opening their business, the commuter catching a train or bus, and everyone visiting our city centre."
“We have an effective program already operating. We need a commitment that keeps it on the ground.”
Sustaining a coordinated response to homelessness
Council is also seeking $2.5 million over four years for Frankston Zero to maintain service coordination and By-Name List management and expand multidisciplinary assertive outreach across the municipality, including access to a registered nurse.
Frankston Zero brings more than 20 local services together to identify people sleeping rough, understand their individual circumstances and coordinate support towards stable housing.
Since 2021, the partnership has helped 84 people into secure housing.
But demand has continued to grow.
At the end of October 2026, 107 people were active on Frankston’s By-Name List, including 62 people sleeping rough, the highest numbers recorded since Frankston Zero began in June 2021.
Existing State Government funding is due to end in June 2027.
“Those figures show why now is not the time to step back,” Mayor Baker said.
“Without continued investment, vital coordination and outreach could be reduced just as the number of people needing help is reaching its highest level since Frankston Zero began.
“We want people identified earlier, connected with health, housing and support services and given the best possible opportunity to move out of homelessness.”
Community deserves certainty before election day
Mayor Baker said the two funding requests represented a combined investment of $3.25 million in services directly responding to homelessness, vulnerability and community safety.
“There is still time to provide certainty,” Mayor Baker said.
“I urge candidates and parties seeking to represent our community and form the next Victorian Government to commit to Community Connectors and Frankston Zero before election day.