Frankston City Council has released a second round of community resilience funding, with ten local organisations receiving a combined $57,000 to strengthen emergency relief, wellbeing programs and outreach services across the municipality.
The funding forms part of the Council’s $1.9 million Local Support Package within its Stronger Together Annual Budget. The package aims to ease cost of living pressures through direct financial support, service charge suspensions and targeted grants for vulnerable residents.
Mayor Kris Bolam JP said the additional allocations were designed to ensure support reached those facing the greatest need.
“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.”
He said the community continued to rely on frontline services as families, new parents, older residents and people experiencing homelessness faced ongoing financial strain.
“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.”
Practical help for families, students and people in crisis
The Babes Project was among the recipients. The organisation supports expectant and new mothers in Frankston with education, mentoring and practical assistance. The latest funding round will allow the group to offer free birth and parenting preparation sessions.
Founder and CEO Helen Parker OAM said the support would have a meaningful impact.
“At the moment, charities are doing it tough and for the Council to respond like this is really meaningful.”
“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. The program provides meals, clothing and essential items to people experiencing hardship.
Faith Programs Coordinator Aaron Charles said the Council’s support reinforced the value of the work.
“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.”
“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.”
Organisations supporting wellbeing, inclusion and crisis relief
Funding was also allocated to:
- Brotherhood of St Laurence Thrive Hub, providing emergency relief vouchers and job readiness support
- Frankston Pines Soccer Club, supporting inclusive programs and community events with free entry for residents
- The Man Cave, delivering school workshops and professional development sessions for educators
- Family Life Frankston, providing financial counselling and emergency support for up to fifty people
- Girl Guides Victoria Carrum Downs Unit, supporting girls to participate in the Growing Guides Project
- Peninsula Health’s Alcohol and Other Drug Services, offering relief for twenty five disadvantaged clients over Christmas
- Langwarrin Men’s Shed, supporting community connection for men experiencing isolation
- Frankston Life Community Street Chaplaincy, providing outreach for residents experiencing homelessness or hardship
Continuing trend of increased support demand
The latest allocations follow a funding round in August where twenty one organisations received $210,000 to support food relief, mental health programs, family assistance and youth services.
Council has also provided $135,000 to groups including Community Support Frankston, the Blue Ribbon Foundation Peninsula Branch, Menzies Inc and the Frankston Charitable Trust.
Local charities have reported growing demand over recent years, particularly for food relief, crisis support, housing assistance and mental health services.
