Council expands Local Support Package with second funding round
Published on 21 November 2025
Frankston City Council has announced a fresh round of community resilience funding as part of its Local Support Package.
Ten charitable and non-for-profit organisations received a total of $57,000 to support vital emergency relief, referral services and community strengthening initiatives.
The recipients were announced on Wednesday night, and congratulated by Councillors, including Mayor Kris Bolam JP.
“By supporting these ten organisations, we are able to target relief effectively and efficiently, ensuring as many people as possible get the help they need,” Mayor Bolam said.
“From helping new mothers manage financial stress to providing wellbeing programs for isolated men, these initiatives are core to our community and help to ensure no-one is left behind.”
Council’s $1.9 million Local Support Package, established as part of its 2025-2026 Stronger Together Annual Budget and bolstered by local sponsorship, is designed to ease the rising cost-of-living pressures in our community through a range of direct and indirect measures.
Since the package was announced, more than 35 organisations have received funding to support critical work in the community.
Other package highlights include the temporary suspension of 11 service charges for residential and commercial residents, grant support for local students at risk of falling behind in their studies due to cost-of-living challenges, and lower commercial and residential rate increases that are below the state-imposed cap.
Among the organisations to receive funding in the latest round was the Babes Project, which supports expectant and new mothers in Frankston with practical assistance, education, and mentoring to empower them through pregnancy and early parenting.
This funding will be used to run free sessions preparing women for birth and early parenting by building parenting skills, confidence and social connection.
“At the moment, charities are doing it tough and for the Council to respond like this is really meaningful,” said Helen Parker OAM, Founder and CEO of The Babes Project.
“It means we can support more mums, more families, and that means more children can thrive. That really changes the future, not only for mums and families, but for the whole Frankston community.”
John Paul College’s Companion Food and Outreach Van also received funding to support its program, delivering free meals, essential supplies, and outreach support to vulnerable people in the Frankston community.
This funding will be used to support an anticipated 500 people by offering companionship, clothing items, toasties, warm drinks and non-perishable food items to Frankston community members doing it tough.
“The fact that Frankston City Council has reaffirmed the work we’re doing out in the community with financial backing just goes to show how important this work actually is,” Aaron Charles, Faith Programs Coordinator at John Paul College Frankston, said.
“The community building element of it is so important. The fact that it’s a hub for people who do feel a bit isolated in the community, especially those who are displaced from a home or something like that, gives people some sort of consistent routine, a place to come and check in with other members of the community.”
This follows a similar ceremony in August where 21 relief organisations received $210,000 in funding support ranging from the Women’s Spirit Project to Mum’s Supporting Families in Need to Smiles for Life to the Frankston Brekky Club.
Furthermore, as part of its Local Support Package, Council provided a further $135,000 to organisations such as Community Support Frankston, the Blue Ribbon Foundation -Peninsula Branch, Menzies Inc., and the Frankston Charitable Trust.
For more information on Frankston City Council’s Local Support package visit Local Support Package - Frankston City Council
Local Support Package Community Resilience Funding Round 2 Recipients:
Babes Project
Supports expectant and new mothers in Frankston with practical assistance, education, and mentoring to empower them through pregnancy and early parenting.
This funding will be used to run free sessions preparing women for birth and early parenting by building parenting skills, confidence and social connection.
John Paul College’s Companion Food and Outreach Van
To support its program, delivering free meals, essential supplies, and outreach support to vulnerable people in the Frankston community.
This funding will be used to support an anticipated 500 people by offering companionship, clothing items, toasties, warm drinks and non-perishable food items to Frankston community members doing it tough.
Brotherhood of St Laurence – Thrive Hub
The Brotherhood of St Laurence Thrive Hub provides free services including employment support, financial counselling, education programs, and community connection opportunities to help local people achieve long-term stability and independence.
This funding will be used to provide emergency relief vouchers for those suffering hardship and assist job readiness through support with essential items such as uniforms, licenses and transport.
Frankston Pines Soccer Club
Frankston Pines Soccer Club’s Inclusive Program (formerly All Abilities) provides people of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to play soccer in a fun, supportive, and welcoming environment.
This funding will be used to support come and try days and provide free entry to all local residents at their “Celebrating Community Together” event.
The Man Cave
The Man Cave provides men in the Frankston community with mental health support, social connection, and wellbeing programs to help reduce isolation and promote positive mental health.
This funding will be used to partially subsidise student workshops within schools and also deliver a full day professional development workshop for up to 40 educators.
Family Life
Family Life – Frankston provides counselling, family support, and early intervention programs to help individuals and families in the community build stronger relationships and wellbeing.
This funding will be used to provide immediate relief and support to alleviate financial distress via their Financial Counselling service offering directly assisting up to 50 people.
Girl Guides Victoria – Carrum Downs Unit
The Carrum Downs Unit of Girl Guides Victoria –offers programs and activities that empower girls and young women in the Frankston area to develop skills, confidence, and leadership in a fun, supportive environment.
This funding will be used to support 20 girls to participate in the Growing Guides Project including membership, adventure activities and badges and awards.
Peninsula Health - Alcohol and Other Drug Services
Peninsula Health – Alcohol and Other Drug Services provide assessment, treatment, and support programs for individuals in the Frankston community affected by alcohol and other drug use.
This funding will be used to relieve financial distress over the Christmas period for an anticipated 25 complex and disadvantaged clients.
Langwarrin Men’s Shed
Langwarrin Men’s Shed offers men who may have retired, or may have become isolated due to circumstances, or just simply have time on their hands and are seeking something meaningful to do. The Men’s shed provides an opportunity for participation in group activities and engagement with the local community.
Frankston Life Community Street Chaplaincy Program
The program provides outreach support, care, and practical assistance to vulnerable people in the Frankston community Including those experiencing homelessness or hardship