More than 3,200 residents have accessed Frankston City Council’s support services in the past year, as Council prepares to deliver an expanded $1.5 million support package in its 2025–2026 Budget.
The increase comes off the back of strong community demand for programs such as Meals on Wheels, Community Transport, Youth Hangouts, and Seniors Connected—alongside targeted investment in emergency relief, workforce inclusion, and education access.
Council confirmed this week that many of its key support initiatives are set to continue and grow in the next financial year.
Community grants deliver grassroots impact
Twelve community organisations each received up to $20,000 in funding under the 2024–2025 Emergency Relief Fund, aimed at helping local charities expand their services to support residents in crisis.
Seaford-based Mums Supporting Families in Need received $16,831 to improve internal systems and expand their corporate volunteering program.
“The emergency relief funding provided by Council allowed us to upgrade our internal systems and fundraising technology,” said Strategy and Fundraising Manager Charlotte Davies. “It also enabled us to expand our corporate volunteering program over the Christmas period—boosting community engagement and ensuring more local families received the support they needed.”
Other recipients included Sikh Volunteers Australia, Life-Gate, Project Fresh Start, and Salvation Army Carrum Downs.
Council also administered more than $40,000 in grants under the Frankston Charitable Fund, a sub-fund of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. Recipients included Frankston Brekky Club ($9,000) and Pines Community Men’s Shed ($7,000), which is producing outdoor furniture for local schools.
Skills, swimming, and social inclusion
Frankston City Council’s Work Ready Program invested nearly $250,000 in building a more inclusive local workforce, delivering two traineeships, one apprenticeship, and 38 student placements to residents facing employment barriers.
Through the Child & Youth Inclusion (CAYI) Grant, more than $80,000 supported 121 students with educational expenses and helped 107 children participate in recreational activities.
A new initiative, the Can Swim program, delivered free swimming lessons across PARC, Pines, and Frankston Beach. Over 1,650 children and adults participated in 2024–2025, many of whom would otherwise miss out due to cost-of-living pressures.
Cr David Asker said Council’s focus was on ensuring access and equity.
“Initiatives like Work Ready and Learn to Swim are designed to ensure that no one is left behind in developing the skills they need to become active, confident and healthy contributors to the Frankston community.”
Looking ahead to 2025–2026
Following the success of these initiatives, Council has earmarked $1.5 million for an enhanced local support package in the 2025–2026 Budget, which is set to go before Council on 23 June 2025.
Cr Sue Baker said the funding reflects a commitment to strengthening grassroots efforts.
“These organisations are the heart of our community’s response in times of crisis. This funding strengthens their vital work—from governance to collaboration and long-term sustainability—and it’s vital this support continues in the years ahead.”
The final 2025–2026 Budget will be published following Council’s decision. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow updates at frankston.vic.gov.au.
