Knowing Frankston – Week 39

21-27 September 2026

Every week, Frankston writes another chapter of its story.

Here’s a look back at the people, places, changes and stories that shaped the week.

Another week in Frankston has brought stories that are difficult, uplifting and important to record.

There were serious incidents on our roads and in our neighbourhoods, but also stories of a community rallying around one of its own, local sporting success, major projects taking shape and recognition for some of the environmental and community work happening across our city.

Here is the week that was in Frankston.

THIS WEEK IN FOCUS

Community rallies around local dad after Langwarrin stabbing

The Frankston community has rallied around local father Colin Sheean after he was seriously injured in a stabbing in Govan Street, Langwarrin, early on Saturday 26 September.

Police allege a group of boys were attempting to break into a vehicle outside a property when Colin confronted them at about 12.20am. A confrontation followed and the 41-year-old was stabbed.

Three teenagers, two aged 16 and one aged 17, were arrested following the incident and charged.

Colin suffered life-threatening injuries but was later reported to be in a stable condition.

As news of the attack spread, friends and community members began raising money to help Colin and his two daughters while he recovers. The fundraiser describes Colin as the sole parent of his daughters after losing his wife five years ago, and says his injuries will also affect his ability to run his business.

💙 Why it matters: Behind a police report is a local family whose life changed in a matter of moments. The response that followed is also part of the story, with people across the community stepping forward to help a Frankston dad and his daughters through what will be a long recovery.

CRIME & SAFETY

Man arrested following fatal Frankston South hit-run

An 83-year-old Frankston South woman died after being struck by a vehicle on Frankston-Flinders Road near Highland Drive at about 5.30am on Tuesday 22 September.

Police said the vehicle, believed to be a dark-coloured SUV, left the scene following the collision.

A 55-year-old man was later arrested in Seaford as Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives continued their investigation.

The arrest formed part of the investigation and does not itself establish guilt or mean charges have been laid.

💙 Why it matters: A woman lost her life on a local road and another family is grieving. The investigation into exactly what happened remains important for the wider community.

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One person dies in Stanley Street unit fire

One person died following a fire at a unit in Stanley Street, Frankston, on Friday 25 September.

Fire Rescue Victoria crews were called to Unit 2, 22 Stanley Street at 4.54pm and arrived within minutes. Three FRV crews, supported by CFA volunteers, brought the fire under control at 5.23pm.

One person was found deceased inside the property.

Police secured the scene, with forensic investigators and an arson chemist expected to examine the property as investigations into the cause continued.

💙 Why it matters: Emergency crews were on scene within minutes, but tragically a life was lost. Investigators will now work to establish how the fire began.

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Frankston man refused bail over alleged AirTag stalking

A 65-year-old Frankston man has been refused bail after being accused of secretly tracking several women using Apple AirTags.

Timothy Wilson appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court Bail and Remand Court facing four stalking charges as well as weapons offences.

Police allege AirTags were placed on the vehicles of four women to monitor their movements. The court heard investigators had identified around 30 AirTags linked to Wilson’s devices and were working to identify other potential victims.

Wilson previously served with Victoria Police.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

💙 Why it matters: Small tracking devices have legitimate everyday uses, but this case highlights growing concerns about how easily the same technology can allegedly be misused to track another person without their knowledge.

COUNCIL & COMMUNITY

Three Frankston projects reach Tidy Towns finals

Three Frankston City projects have been named finalists in the 2026 Victorian Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards.

Creative Circularity is a finalist in Behaviour Change Campaigns and Education, Australia’s Most Accessible Beach is a finalist in Social Well-being, and the Seaford Banksia Arboretum Project is a finalist in the Environment category.

The accessible beach program recorded more than 450 participants across 30.5 days, while more than 2,500 Banksias have been planted as part of the Seaford Banksia Arboretum project.

Award winners will be announced on 30 September.

💙 Why it matters: These aren’t simply beautification awards. The three finalists recognise work in accessibility, environmental restoration and community education happening right here in Frankston.

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355 young readers finish the Mayor’s Reading Challenge

That’s a wrap on the 2026 Mayor’s Reading Challenge, with 355 children across Frankston City reading an incredible 19,410 books throughout August.

This year also saw 59 children in Prep to Grade 2 take part, helping introduce younger readers to the challenge.

💙 Why it matters: Nearly 20,000 books read in one month is a lovely reminder that fostering a love of reading starts young, and hundreds of Frankston families got behind it.

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Biodiversity Blitz puts Frankston out in front

Frankston has been leading the way during September’s iNaturalist Biodiversity Blitz, with residents photographing and recording plants, animals, insects and fungi found across the municipality.

The citizen-science challenge pits participating councils against one another while also creating useful biodiversity records that can be accessed by scientists and environmental organisations.

Yarra Ranges has been close behind Frankston, while Mornington Peninsula Shire is also taking part.

💙 Why it matters: Every photo uploaded becomes more than a competition entry. It helps build a clearer picture of the wildlife and plant species living alongside us in Frankston.

DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

Frankston Stadium redevelopment reaches 60 per cent

The major redevelopment of Frankston Stadium has passed the 60 per cent completion mark.

Mayor Cr Sue Baker, Deputy Mayor Cherie Wanat and Cr Brad Hill recently joined State Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke, Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea and representatives from the Frankston & District Basketball Association and Bayside Gymnastics Club to inspect progress.

The project is set to become one of Frankston City’s largest sporting infrastructure developments, creating expanded facilities for basketball and gymnastics.

Completion is expected in mid-2027.

💙 Why it matters: This is a major investment in Frankston’s sporting future and will provide significantly improved facilities for local clubs, athletes and families for decades to come.

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Lipton Reserve playground officially opens

The upgraded Lipton Reserve playground has officially opened, bringing new play equipment, nature-based play and improved accessibility to the local community.

The project forms part of the Victorian Government’s $1.83 million Pick My Park partnership with Frankston City Council, which includes upgrades across a number of local parks.

The new space also includes additional tree planting and landscaping.

💙 Why it matters: Neighbourhood parks are often where communities meet. Investing in accessible local spaces gives children and families places to play and connect close to home.

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Frankston Hospital Stage 2 moves ahead

Work is continuing on the next stage of the Frankston Hospital redevelopment following completion of the major new hospital tower.

Stage 2 includes approximately 4,000 square metres of new open space and further works across the hospital precinct.

Stage 1 delivered a new 12-level clinical tower, around 130 additional beds and 15 new operating theatres.

💙 Why it matters: Frankston Hospital serves a rapidly growing region. The redevelopment is changing not only the hospital itself but the scale of health services available close to home.

SPORT

Langwarrin are Division 1 premiers

Langwarrin Football Netball Club has capped off its season by claiming the 2026 MPFNL Division 1 premiership, defeating Mt Eliza by five points.

It was a hard-fought grand final, with Langwarrin holding on to win 69–64.

The premiership adds another chapter to the club’s long history and gives players, volunteers and supporters plenty to celebrate after a huge season.

💙 Why it matters: Local football clubs are about far more than what happens on the field. A premiership belongs to the volunteers, families and generations of supporters who build a club year after year.

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Jimmy Rees brings ‘Meanwhile in Frankston’ to town

Comedian and entertainer Jimmy Rees brought his Meanwhile in Frankston shows to Frankston Arts Centre this week, with strong demand resulting in an additional performance being added.

It was Rees’ first Frankston appearance, with the locally named show drawing audiences across multiple performances.

💙 Why it matters: Strong ticket demand is another sign of the appetite for live entertainment in Frankston and the role the Arts Centre continues to play in bringing major Australian performers to the city.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Waterfront space finally comes to life

One of Frankston’s most prominent waterfront spaces is finally coming to life.

Roccella Lido is preparing to officially open on 1 October on the upper level of the Frankston Yacht Club building, overlooking Frankston Beach and Port Phillip Bay.

The spectacular upper-floor hospitality space has sat without a long-term operator for years despite occupying one of the city’s best waterfront positions.

The new coastal Italian venue will feature pizza, pasta and southern Italian-inspired food, with a full-length balcony making the most of its bay views.

💙 Why it matters: For years people have looked up at this extraordinary waterfront space and wondered why it wasn’t being used. Its opening finally brings life to a prominent part of Frankston’s foreshore and adds another reason for residents and visitors to spend time on the waterfront.

STATE ELECTION 2026

Roads and hospital capacity raised in Lakewood Estate

Liberal candidate for Frankston Bree Ambry has been door-knocking in Lakewood Estate as campaigning continues ahead of Victoria’s 28 November state election.

Ambry said residents had raised concerns with her about local road conditions and hospital capacity.

Frankston is currently held by Labor MP Paul Edbrooke.

The comments form part of Ambry’s election campaign and are reported as her stated priorities rather than independently established conclusions about local services.

💙 Why it matters: As the state election approaches, Knowing Frankston will follow the local issues and commitments being put forward by candidates so residents can see what is being discussed in their neighbourhoods.

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One Nation names Frankston candidate

Paul Stafford has been announced as One Nation’s candidate for the seat of Frankston at the November state election.

His nomination adds another candidate to the contest for the local seat as campaigning begins to gather pace ahead of polling day.

💙 Why it matters: Knowing who is standing locally is part of following the election. As candidates announce policies or commitments specifically affecting Frankston, we’ll record those developments as they happen.

LOOKING AHEAD

Roccella Lido officially opens | 1 October

Frankston’s newest waterfront restaurant officially opens on the upper level of the Frankston Yacht Club building, finally bringing the long-unused hospitality space into operation.

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Victorian Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards | 30 September

We’ll find out whether any of Frankston’s three finalists, Creative Circularity, Australia’s Most Accessible Beach and the Seaford Banksia Arboretum Project, take home an award.

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Mayor’s Great Pet-Together | 4 October

Ballam Park will once again fill with pets and their people for one of Frankston’s biggest community days. Last year’s event attracted more than 6,000 people and their pets.

Another week recorded. Some stories we celebrate, others we would rather never have to tell, but together they become part of the record of our city.

Knowing Frankston. Notice it before it becomes a memory.