Mayor Kris Bolam JP recognised with prestigious Mayor Emeritus Award

Published on 19 November 2025

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Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam JP has been formally recognised by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) with the distinguished Mayor Emeritus Award, honouring his exceptional contribution to local government and the Frankston City community.

The accolade was announced at the MAV State Council meeting in Melbourne, where Councillor Nathan Butler accepted the award on Mayor Bolam’s behalf, as the Mayor was overseas on a goodwill visit to strengthen ties with Frankston’s sister cities.

The Mayor Emeritus Award honours elected representatives who have served multiple mayoral terms and demonstrated exceptional leadership in local government. Mayor Bolam becomes only the third Mayor in Frankston’s history to receive this prestigious recognition.

Frankston City Council Interim Chief Executive Officer Cam Arullanantham said the honour was a fitting recognition of Mayor Bolam’s long-standing service and impact.

“Mayor Bolam has been a driving force behind some of Frankston City’s most transformative projects and advocacy successes. His commitment to community outcomes, transparency and civic pride has had a lasting impact on both our organisation and the city as a whole,” said Mr Arullanantham.

Fellow Frankston City Councillor David Asker described Mayor Bolam as a “Mayor for all seasons”.

“Kris has led our city through some of its most challenging and defining periods, from the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis in 2011, through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, and now during a period of extraordinary investment and growth in 2025. His leadership and calm resolve have consistently guided the community through change.”

Former Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Graham Pittock highlighted Mayor Bolam’s role in rebuilding regional trust and strengthening cross-municipal partnerships during his early mayoral term.

“In 2011, Kris was instrumental in re-establishing a strong and productive relationship between Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Shire. At Kris’s urging, the Shire rejoined various alliances, and together we delivered one of the most practical demonstrations of regional cooperation: jointly raising funds to enable a Victoria Police vehicle to patrol our shared communities. Kris understood then, and understands now, the value of trust and beneficial partnerships.”

Mr Pittock said Mayor Bolam’s leadership has consistently extended beyond Frankston’s borders.

“Kris has always operated with a clear sense of purpose and a deep belief in the power of collaboration. His leadership has strengthened not only Frankston, but the broader region.”

“If every council had at least one Kris Bolam, the country would be a much better place.”

Over his three mayoral terms – 2011, 2021 and 2025 – Mayor Bolam has championed major advocacy wins and delivered landmark projects that have shaped Frankston City’s growth and reputation.

Key Achievements

  • 2011:
    • Secured 75 additional police officers through the City Safe advocacy campaign
    • Formalised the sister city relationship with Wuxi, China
    • Secured the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship event
    • Successfully secured recognition as Victoria’s Cleanest and Friendliest Beach and earned the Department of Local Government’s National Award for Excellence, along with multiple other awards and accreditations
  • 2012:
    • Established a business grants program in response to the global economic crisis, supporting new, existing and relocating businesses – creating thousands of direct and indirect local jobs that continue to grow the Frankston economy today.
  • 2021:
    • Oversaw the award of contract for the $36.6 million Jubilee Park Stadium redevelopment
    • Delivered the $9.2 million COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Package, including community support and economic recovery initiatives
    • Secured $22 million for the Kananook Commuter Car Park through relentless federal advocacy.
    • Achieved the largest increase in community satisfaction in over a decade—a 17.5% surge in support, marking the best results in ten years.
  • 2025:
    • Secured $59 million in federal funding through the Frankston City First advocacy program – the most successful election advocacy campaign in the city council’s history
    • Established a new sister city partnership with Annapolis, United States.
    • Oversaw the award of contract for the $60 million Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium redevelopment – the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Council with bi-partisan support from all levels of government
    • Delivered the $1.9 million Local Support Package featuring cost-of-living relief and initiatives for local families, businesses and community organisations
    • Led a successful campaign that secured the title of Victoria’s Tidy City for 2025, along with multiple other awards and accreditations

Mayor Bolam also made history as Frankston City’s first councillor appointed to both the MAV Board and the Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel.

Mayor Bolam said he was deeply honoured to receive the award and proud to represent a community that values progress, inclusion and strong civic leadership.

“Frankston is a city that continues to evolve and inspire. This recognition reflects not just my journey, but the dedication of countless councillors, officers and community members who understand what our city can achieve,” Mayor Bolam said.

“As we look ahead, it’s vital that future councils keep their eye on the prize – laying the foundations for Frankston City to flourish. Our passion has always stemmed from a genuine belief in the extraordinary potential of this city.”

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