Knowing Frankston – Week 31

27 July–2 August 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.

One Week, 14,600 Indigenous Plants

Frankston turned greener this week as students, volunteers, families and community groups came together to plant 14,600 indigenous plants across four locations.

More than 150 people gathered at Overport Park for National Tree Day, while Frankston Heights Primary School and John Paul College planted more than 1,400 plants as Frankston’s Environmental Ambassador Schools. Students and volunteers also added over 600 plants at Wallace Reserve, continuing a partnership that has lasted more than 20 years.

Across Frankston City, approximately 5,500 students supported Schools Tree Day, planting 12,000 locally grown plants and helping create habitat for wildlife across the municipality.

💙 Why it matters

This wasn’t just about planting trees. It was about hundreds of people investing in Frankston’s future. The indigenous plants will provide habitat for wildlife, improve biodiversity and create greener public spaces that future generations will enjoy.

Hello, iPlay Frankston

iPlay Frankston officially opened at Bayside Shopping Centre on Thursday 30 July, becoming the company’s first Victorian venue.

Located in Shannon Mall, the new entertainment centre features more than 160 arcade games, indoor bumper cars, claw machines and Pandemonium, a series of challenge rooms combining teamwork, quick thinking and plenty of chaos.

💙 Why it matters

iPlay adds another family-friendly attraction to Frankston’s city centre, giving locals and visitors another reason to spend time, and money, in the CBD. It’s also a sign that national businesses continue to see confidence in investing in Frankston.

Council & Community

Mayor Sleeps Rough as Homelessness Funding Announced

Frankston Mayor Sue Baker recently spent a night sleeping rough alongside local leaders to better understand the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness.

This week, the Victorian Government announced $2.1 million over four years for a dedicated two-person outreach team across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. The team will connect people sleeping rough with housing, healthcare and other essential services.

Local organisations have welcomed the funding but say affordable housing and crisis accommodation remain urgently needed.

💙 Why it matters

The new outreach team is an important step towards helping people experiencing homelessness access support and services. While it won’t solve the housing crisis, it will provide practical assistance for some of the region’s most vulnerable people.

Police Recover $1 Million Worth of Stolen Vehicles

Frankston police have recovered more than $1 million worth of stolen vehicles and arrested 79 people through a targeted operation investigating cloned and stolen number plates across Melbourne’s southeast.

Since the Targeted Enforcement Crew was established in late March, investigators have recovered 25 stolen vehicles, including a Toyota LandCruiser worth approximately $200,000. Police have also seized 32 sets of cloned registration plates from properties across the region, including Frankston, Frankston North and Langwarrin.

💙 Why it matters

Operations like this help reduce vehicle theft and disrupt organised criminal activity. The recovery of stolen vehicles and cloned number plates also provides reassurance to local residents that police are actively targeting crime across Frankston and Melbourne’s southeast.

Development & Infrastructure

Frankston Stadium Takes Shape

Construction is continuing on the redevelopment of Frankston Stadium, the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Frankston City Council.

Scheduled for completion in mid-2027, the stadium will feature ten courts, Frankston’s first dedicated community gymnastics facility and the capacity to host major sporting events.

Structural, roofing, cladding and internal works are progressing across the site, including the gymnastics facility, function spaces, kitchen, administration and front-of-house areas.

💙 Why it matters

When complete, the new stadium will provide more opportunities for local sport, recreation and community events. It will also strengthen Frankston’s ability to attract regional and state-level competitions, bringing more visitors and economic activity to the city.

Events & What’s Happening

Tonight: Taiko Drummers at Frankston Dolphins VFL

Friday 31 July | Kinetic Stadium, Frankston

The local taiko drumming group will perform at the Frankston Dolphins VFL home game tonight. Catch the performance from 7.00pm, including the team’s run-on at 7.20pm, with additional performances throughout the evening.

💙 Why go?

It’s a chance to experience more than just the football. Community performances like this create a great atmosphere, showcase local talent and make a night at Kinetic Stadium an event for the whole family.

Take a Look Inside Baylight

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 August | 11.00am–1.00pm | 18A Beach Street, Frankston

Frankston’s new Baylight waterfront development is opening its display suite to the public this weekend. Visitors can explore the apartments, take in the waterfront views and enjoy a complimentary coffee while discovering what is taking shape on Beach Street.

The display suite at 18A Beach Street will be open from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August.

💙 Why it matters

Developments like Baylight are helping reshape Frankston’s waterfront, bringing new homes, investment and activity to the city centre. Whether you’re looking to buy or simply curious about what’s changing, it’s an opportunity to see one of Frankston’s newest developments up close.

Australian Welsh Male Choir Returns Home

Monday 3 August | 7.00pm | Frankston Mechanics Institute

After performing throughout the United Kingdom and France, the Australian Welsh Male Choir is inviting the community to a special welcome home rehearsal.

The free event begins at 7pm on Monday 3 August at the Frankston Mechanics Institute.

💙 Why it matters

For more than 50 years, the choir has proudly represented Frankston around the world. This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the city’s longest-standing cultural groups and celebrate its return home.

Read the full feature in the Winter edition of Gotta Love Frankston.

The Letterbox Project Connects Strangers

Tuesday 4 August | 10.30am | Frankston Library

Frankston City Council’s Positive Ageing team and Frankston Library will launch The Letterbox Project on Tuesday 4 August, inviting people to rediscover the simple pleasure of writing a letter.

Participants register at the library and are anonymously matched with a pen pal, choosing a code name instead of using their real identity. They write letters by hand and leave them at the library, where they are collected by their pen pal. The exchange continues each week without participants meeting in person.

The project runs every Tuesday from 10.30am until late October and is part of Loneliness Awareness Week, encouraging meaningful connections through thoughtful conversation rather than social media.

💙 Why it matters

In a world of instant messages and endless scrolling, receiving a handwritten letter from someone you’ve never met offers a different kind of connection. The project aims to reduce loneliness, encourage conversation and remind people that even small acts of kindness can make someone feel seen.

Arts & Culture

Welcome to Frankston Enters Pre-production

Breeding Ground Productions has begun pre-production on its next feature film, Welcome to Frankston, with filming expected to begin before the end of 2026.

The mockumentary comedy-drama follows a washed-up filmmaker who returns to his hometown to make the movie he believes will revive his career, only for the production to descend into chaos. The production is expected to feature Frankston locations and involve the local community.

A launch party and fundraiser will be held on Friday 16 October, with further event and ticket details to be announced.

💙 Why it matters

Films like Welcome to Frankston shine a spotlight on the city in a different way. They celebrate Frankston’s unique character, create opportunities for local creatives and businesses, and invite audiences to see the city through a fresh lens.

Sports & Recreation

Frankston Park Welcomes Improved Facilities for Women

New female-friendly changerooms, showers and bathrooms have officially opened at Frankston Park, home of the Frankston Football Club.

Around 1,300 women and girls now play football across Frankston City, including seven senior women’s teams and 42 junior girls’ teams, with hundreds more participating in Auskick.

The upgrades were jointly funded by Frankston City Council, the AFL and the Victorian Government as participation in women’s football continues to grow.

💙 Why it matters

Modern, inclusive facilities help ensure women and girls have the same opportunities to participate, train and compete as their male counterparts. As more girls take up football, investments like these support the continued growth of the game across Frankston.

Looking Ahead

The Block Heads to Mt Eliza

The new season of The Block premieres this Sunday, placing neighbouring Mt Eliza and its coastal lifestyle in the national spotlight.

Although Mt Eliza is now part of the Mornington Peninsula Shire, it was once within the City of Frankston and remains closely connected to the local community. The new season is expected to showcase some of the area’s beaches, streetscapes and coastal charm to millions of viewers across Australia.

As the series unfolds, it will be interesting to see how many familiar locations local viewers recognise.

💙 Why it matters

Television programs like The Block introduce audiences to places they may never have considered visiting. While the focus is on renovating homes, the series also provides valuable exposure for the region’s beaches, businesses and lifestyle, helping put our corner of Victoria in front of a national audience.

Today’s news becomes tomorrow’s history.