Frankston’s Hall of Famers honoured at upgraded Clyde St Mall
Published on 19 May 2021
A diverse range of Frankston City’s most notable residents have been celebrated in a ‘Mall of Fame’ at the upgraded Clyde St Mall.
Mayor Kris Bolam said 23 local heroes, with remarkable records in philanthropy, public service, medicine, business, literature, sport, media, entertainment and technology have been recognised with ‘Mall of Fame’ pavers.
The new Clyde St Mall of Fame is a new home for the former Frankston City Hall of Fame.
Mayor Bolam said: “In these pavers there are names and stories to inspire almost everyone who is looking for a role model to a better future whether it be Harry Wragge AM, whose research was a foundation for the Internet, or Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams – the first international freestyle motor cross rider to win gold at the X-games in Los Angeles.
“These are locals who have achieved in their fields and in many cases, given back in extraordinary ways,” the Mayor said.
Mayor Bolam was joined with the Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, the State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, Council CEO Phil Cantillon, Bayside Shopping Centre Manager, Gabe North-Harney, and Hall of Fame inductees Desmond Piper and Rick Amor for the opening of the upgraded Clyde St Mall and the relocated Frankston City Hall of Fame.
Mayor Bolam added distinctive paving, bicycle hoops and new lighting have created a welcoming space for shoppers and visitors at the Clyde St Mall.
“It combines amenity and character and will encourage people to sit for a while – away from traffic – and enjoy their time in Frankston’s central activity area.
“I can’t wait to see how new trees will transform this space in summer and beyond as they mature.
“From a strategic point of view, Council has funded this million dollar project because we know it will improve connections.
“I’d like to thank Vicinity Centres – who operate the Bayside Shopping Centre – for contributing toward this project, and in particular, Centre Manager, Gabe North-Harney, for her continued commitment to the revitalisation of our City,” the Mayor said.
Mayor Bolam noted this is the latest in a series of completed mall upgrades, including stage two of the adjacent Station Street Mall.
“Both projects, valued at a total of $1.37 million, were delivered as part of the Connecting Malls Project, which gives residents better pathways between their homes and the urban amenities of Frankston.
“By creating this welcoming space, we also encourage people to spend time here – connecting them with local businesses. By creating this pleasant pathway between Balmoral Street and Ross Smith Avenue East, we improve the pedestrian flow through to Frankston Station.
“I have already seen how the Clyde Street Mall is becoming a favoured resting place and ‘cut through’ for residents, shoppers, workers and commuters. This is what our Connecting Malls Program is all about,” Mayor Bolam said.
The Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, said: “This is about this precinct going from strength to strength. This is about vision and pride in our community.”
The State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, said: “The improvement of Clyde St Mall has been the next step in revitalising Frankston’s CBD through connecting our malls. As well as creating a better user experience, the mall recognises prominent members of our Frankston community.”
Bayside Shopping Centre Manager, Gabe North-Harney, said: “We recognise Bayside has a role to play as a major stakeholder in the Frankston CBD. It’s delightful to see these streetscape improvements making such a difference to visitor experience.”
Hall of Fame 2009 inductee, Desmond Piper, described the new ‘Mall of Fame’ as fantastic.
Mr Piper played hockey from the age of nine years and was later selected for the Australian Hockey Team, playing in several World Cup Series and three Olympic Games. He also co-founded Frankston Hockey Club – both coaching and playing with the club.
Hall of Fame 2010 inductee, Rick Amor, is one of Australia’s most significant contemporary artists with permanent collections at the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery.
Mr Amor said he has based many of his paintings on his childhood memories, adding: “I often come back and refresh my memory of the Frankston foreshore.”
Council CEO, Phil Cantillon, said the official opening the upgraded Clyde St Mall is a brilliant opportunity to again recognise the contributions of inspirational local figures and to celebrate the completion of Council’s Connecting Malls Project.