Frankston City has been named Victoria’s Tidy City for 2025, adding to a long list of recent awards recognising council-led environmental, safety and inclusion programs.
The recognition follows the 2025 Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Tidy Towns & Cities Sustainability Awards, where Frankston was acknowledged for its environmental innovation, partnerships with local volunteers and long-term commitment to improving public spaces.
Tidy City title and major environmental award
Frankston’s Growing Our Urban Forest initiative received the Environment Award, with judges highlighting the scale of the program. More than 60,000 trees have been planted in the past three years, making it one of the largest local government tree-planting programs in Australia. The work is supported by local schools and the Frankston Environmental Friends Network (FEFN).
FEFN chair David Cross said the recognition reflected a shared effort.
“We’re so pleased that the hard work of all involved has been recognised in the 2025 Tidy Cities Sustainability Awards, with Frankston City winning both the overall award and recognition for our Growing Our Urban Forest initiative,” Mr Cross said.
Frankston was also named a finalist in three additional categories:
- Indigenous Culture for the Coastal Strategy: Cultural Values Assessment
- Community for the Environmental Friends Group Volunteer Guidelines
- Social Wellbeing for the Youth Empowerment Showcase Awards
National recognition for Community Connectors
Frankston’s Community Connectors program received a Gold Award in the 2025 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. The initiative, delivered by South East Community Links in partnership with Metro Trains, places trained social workers in public spaces to provide support, guidance and early intervention.
Since the start of the year, Community Connectors have supported 185 referrals, completed 124 de-escalations and recorded 340 harm-prevention interactions.
Council will continue the program at Frankston Station and Young Street until at least September 2026, and will expand the service into Station Street and Shannon Street malls through a new partnership with Vicinity Centres.
South East Community Links CEO Peter McNamara said the program’s strength lies in its community-first approach.
“With the support of Frankston City Council, Metro Trains and now Vicinity Centres, the Community Connectors program is meeting people where they are and providing support before situations escalate. By responding with care instead of enforcement, we’re creating safer public spaces in Frankston for everyone.”
Frankston declared a Refugee Welcome Zone
Frankston City has officially become a Refugee Welcome Zone, recognised by the Refugee Council of Australia for its commitment to inclusivity. The designation acknowledges the city’s support for refugees and the contribution they make to the local community.
Councillor Emily Green said the acknowledgment reflects Frankston’s long-standing values.
“Frankston City has always welcomed new community members with open arms, no matter their story or journey,”
“As a Refugee Welcome Zone, the world can now see that we are a city where everyone can belong, participate and reach their full potential.”
Refugee Council of Australia CEO Paul Power said Frankston had joined 177 councils nationwide committed to building inclusive communities.
“The Refugee Council of Australia is delighted Frankston City Council is taking this important step to show leadership in welcoming refugees, joining 177 other local councils around the country who have made a commitment to welcome refugees, uphold human rights and enhance cultural and religious diversity.”
Council is also progressing its membership in the Welcoming Cities Network from “Committed” to “Established”.
Additional awards across events, recreation and waste
Frankston City Council has recently been recognised in several other award programs, including:
- Australian Event Awards: state winner and national nominee for South Side Festival (Best Small Event)
- Australian Event Awards: national nominee for Carlsberg Beach Club (Best Brand Event)
- National Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards: finalist for Trim Your Bin
- 2025 Aquatics & Recreation Victoria Awards:
- Seasonal Facility of the Year for Pines Pool
- Large Facility of the Year for Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC)
- Sustainability Award for PARC
- Environmental Health Professionals Australia: Individual Excellence and Innovation Award for leadership in tobacco harm-reduction programs
Shared success across the region
Frankston’s success forms part of a broader regional achievement, with Mornington Peninsula Shire also receiving a major honour in this year’s Tidy Towns & Cities Sustainability Awards. Together, the two municipalities are now regarded as one of the tidiest and most environmentally engaged regions in Victoria.
The dual recognition highlights the depth of environmental work occurring across both communities, from tree-planting and coastal protection to long-running volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives.
Mayor says awards reflect shared community effort
Mayor Kris Bolam JP said the broad range of awards reflects the combined contribution of council staff, volunteers, partner organisations and local residents.
“These awards highlight the very best of what local government can achieve from protecting our environment to supporting our most vulnerable to building a city where everyone feels welcome,”
“It’s a proud moment for Frankston City and a credit to our staff, volunteers, partners and residents who share in these successes.”
He said the recognition demonstrates “pride, passion and innovation” as the city continues to grow and evolve.
As the city moves into the next phase of its environmental and community programs, Council says the recent recognition provides a strong foundation for future work. The awards highlight the progress already made to reinvigorate Frankston as a destination city.
What improvements or initiatives would you like to see prioritised next in Frankston and across the region?
