Volunteers celebrated at the 2025 Volunteering Frankston Awards
Published on 14 January 2026
Frankston City’s humble and dedicated heroes have been celebrated at the 2025 Volunteering Frankston Awards.
The Volunteering Frankston Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of local volunteers who dedicate their time, skills and passion to supporting the Frankston City community each year.
Each year, individuals and organisations are invited to recognise remarkable volunteers across six award categories: Service, Leadership, Environmental and Animal Welfare, Youth Community, Senior Community and Teamwork. The winner of the Community Organisation Award receives a cheque for $1,000 for their organisation.
Mayor Kris Bolam, Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy, Cr Emily Green, Cr Butler, Cr Wanat and Council Interim CEO Cam Arullanantham joined special guests to honour our volunteers.
Mayor Bolam said our volunteers are the heart and soul of Frankston City, adding: “We are privileged to have over 16,800 volunteers in Frankston City, who contribute more than 46,000 hours of their time each and every year to our community.
“It’s a remarkable contribution that is equal to $1.3 million worth of donated time annually … a contribution that I and Council applaud, recognise and deeply appreciate. The inspirational people we’re recognising are dedicated to supporting others in need over a long period of time.”
The Service to Community Award was won by Len May from Mornington Railway Preservation Society Inc.
Len is a passionate volunteer and has provided over 40 years of volunteer service in a leadership, mentorship and training role. Len has trained almost all of the volunteers in train operation related duties at one point or another. Len provides leadership, guidance and mentorship to ensure that the railway is operated safety and efficiently.
The Leadership Award was won by Aaron McKaskill from Mums Supporting Families in Need
Aaron began volunteering at Mums Supporting Families in Need through the NDIS Pathway to Employment with Workforce Plus, and now confidently attends as a registered volunteer.
By stepping up independently and showing commitment, Aaron has become a role model, positively influencing the team culture and enhancing the overall effectiveness of our service.
The Environmental and Animal Welfare Award was won by Johan de Bree from Frankston Beach Association.
For the past 14 years as Foreshore Activities Coordinator at FBA, Johan has invested his time putting his qualifications and expertise in horticulture to significant effect in leading our works to preserve the coastal dune system against erosion and rising sea levels.
Johan’s promotion of plantings of endemic species and alerts to the proper disposal of plastics will continue to benefit ecosystems and wildlife.
The winner of the Youth Community Award is Olivia Cooper from Fresh Amplify, FCC
Olivia is a volunteer audio engineer mentor in the Fresh Amplify youth recording studio.
Olivia has dedicated countless hours to providing young bands and artists with their first studio experiences. Her expertise has enabled her to record, produce, and mix musical projects for Pulana, SKURGE, and other young musicians from Frankston.
A winner of the Commendation Award for the Youth Community Award is Ray Wills from the Chatty Café, Frankston North Community Centre, FCC
Ray first became involved at Frankston North Community Centre (FNCC) as a student in a pre-accredited adult education short course. Ray's energy, willingness to learn and commitment has assisted FNCC to develop a well-loved and important social inclusion program for our community.
The winner of the Senior Community Award was won by Terry Mackay from Community Support Frankston.
83-year-old volunteer treasurer of COMMUNITY SUPPORT FRANKSTON (CSF), Terry has collaborated to provide positive changes and outcomes to the Frankston Community for numerous decades. Terry has also collaborated to ensure the longevity of the annual FRANKSTON COMMUNITY APPEAL, now approaching its 34th year.
Terry remains as one of the longest serving active Emergency Relief Treasurers in Australia. He's a person considered to have exceptionally good character to all those who meet him.
The Teamwork Award was won by 3198 Seaford Beach Patrol.
3198 Seaford Beach Patrol is a volunteer-led team protecting Seaford’s coastline through data collection, education, and community engagement.
3198 Seaford Beach Patrol has run nearly 100 beach cleans with 2,687+ volunteers, donating over 2,900 hours to Frankston, and they’ve removed almost 3 tonnes of waste.
A Commendation Award for Teamwork was won by Frankston L2P Driver Mentor Program.
The Frankston TAC L2P mentors are a selfless group of volunteers who give up their time to support our local young people to get the 120 hours needed to obtain their probationary license. The Frankston L2P mentors do everything they can to ensure the learners feel safe and supported throughout their time on the program.
The Outstanding Volunteer Organisation Award, including a $1000 prize, was won by AWARE Wildlife Rescue.
AWARE Wildlife Rescue volunteers provide an invaluable service in caring for injured wildlife in Frankston City and beyond. The 31 volunteers work collaboratively to provide a 24-hour hotline and service to rescue, transport, care for and release wildlife back into our precious natural reserves.
AWARE Wildlife Rescue volunteers go above and beyond what most volunteers would ever be prepared to do to rescue, care for and rehabilitate injured and sick wildlife.
Council Interim CEO Cam Arullanantham said:
“There are many groups and programs in the Frankston City community who rely on the time and skills of volunteers to do the vital work they do”.
“From providing Meals on Wheels, protecting our environment, mentoring programs, providing food and clothing, and even in keeping our local beaches free from rubbish – we rely on the work of our volunteers to keep the City running”.
“Congratulations and thanks to all the volunteer nominees, organisations and award winners. On behalf of an incredibly grateful Council and community, thank you to each and every volunteer who makes such a positive impact in Frankston City! You are greatly appreciated”.
Mr Arullanantham also thanked the judging panel for the 2025 Volunteering Frankston Awards including Trudy Poole, Abby Foster and Jibin George.