Frankston City First stands up for clubs, community and care

Published on 13 May 2026

Frankston City Council has launched Frankston City First, its advocacy campaign ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election, calling on all candidates to commit to the people, places and services that help the city’s residents feel connected, supported, and proud of where they live.

At its heart, Frankston City First is about people — young girls playing sport without safe or suitable change rooms, volunteers working tirelessly to keep local clubs running, and community members experiencing homelessness or complex challenges who deserve dignity, care, and real pathways forward.

Mayor Sue Baker said the campaign reflects what the community has consistently shared with Council.

“Locals have told us what matters most — feeling safe and connected, having great places to gather and play, getting around easily, and ensuring people who are struggling are met with dignity and real support,” Mayor Baker said.

Across Frankston City, participation in local sport is booming, particularly among women and girls, yet many clubs are limited by facilities built decades ago with only male participation in mind.

Frankston City First priority projects like the new Bruce Park Pavilion, the refurbishment of Len Phelps Pavilion and an expanded Langwarrin Men’s Shed focus on fairness, safety and making sure everyone feels they belong.

“Sport is where many young people find confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging,” Mayor Baker said.

“Our clubs are doing an incredible job, but they need facilities that reflect the community they serve today, not the one they served 30 years ago.”

Frankston City First also calls for continued investment in programs that support people experiencing homelessness and improve safety and wellbeing in the city centre.

Initiatives like Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Zero and Community Connectors focus on early outreach, coordination, and care, helping people access housing, health and support services while creating safer and more welcoming public spaces for everyone.

“The success of the Community Connectors pilot in Young Street and Frankston Station has shown that meeting people with care and professional support leads to better outcomes for individuals and the whole community,” Mayor Baker said.

“Early help, coordination and compassion make a real difference.”

The Council is also calling on the State Government to prioritise repairs and ongoing maintenance of state-owned assets including roads and gateways such as the Beach Street underpass.

“When our major roads and entry points look cared for, our whole city feels more welcoming. It signals momentum. It reflects who we are and who we’re becoming,” Mayor Baker said.

Together, the Frankston City First priorities seek more than $19 million in State Government partnership funding, unlocking over $46 million in total investment across community infrastructure, sport and recreation, active transport, public spaces, and essential support services. All projects are ready to deliver and shaped through community and stakeholder engagement.

Frankston City First priorities

*Council estimate only.

“We’re taking a clear and united message to all candidates,” Mayor Baker said.

“These are practical projects that will make a real difference to people’s everyday lives and help our city continue to grow in a fair and inclusive way.”

Council will engage with all political parties and candidates in a bipartisan and transparent way, guided by its election engagement protocols, and encourages residents, clubs, and community groups to raise these priorities directly with their local candidates.

“Frankston City First isn’t about politics. It’s about standing up for our community and making sure Frankston City gets the support it needs to thrive.

With Frankston City’s population forecast to grow by more than 13% by 2046, investments like this ensure we’re well equipped to support the needs of our growing community.

"We encourage the community to get behind these initiatives, support our campaign on social media, and make sure election candidates know what matters most to Frankston City."

For more information visit: frankston.vic.gov.au/frankstoncityfirst.