Knowing Frankston – Week 33
10-16 August 2026
Pollution booms remain in place along Kananook Creek as Melbourne Water continues the clean-up following the hydrocarbon spill.
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.
This Week in Focus
Kananook Creek clean-up progressing
There was some encouraging news from Kananook Creek this week, with Melbourne Water reporting that the amount of hydrocarbon material in the waterway is reducing.
The spill was first discovered on Wednesday 5 August. Since then, crews have installed 145 pollution booms and absorbent pads at different locations along the creek and its drainage network.
Around 2,000 litres of hydrocarbon material has now been removed.
Melbourne Water continues to work with EPA Victoria and Frankston City Council to determine the source of the spill and ensure it has stopped. Booms remain in affected areas and are being checked daily. They will be removed gradually when it is safe to do so.
💙 Why it matters
Kananook Creek is one of Frankston’s important waterways, running through the community before reaching Port Phillip Bay. After the concern caused by the spill last week, signs that the amount of material in the waterway is reducing are welcome news. Finding the source, however, remains important.
Council & Community
Frankston takes its priorities to Parliament House
Frankston City joined Mornington Peninsula representatives and the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula at Parliament House this week, advocating for projects and investment across the region.
For Frankston, priorities included attracting the health workforce needed for the new $1.1 billion Peninsula University Hospital and supporting key worker accommodation within the growing Health and Education Precinct.
Road and transport priorities included upgrades to the Foot Street/Hastings Road and Frankston Gardens Drive/Frankston-Dandenong Road intersections.
The delegation also raised the proposed Frankston Special Economic Priority Area and Kananook Industrial Precinct, improved walking and cycling connections and continued investment in Frankston as a place to live, work, visit and host major events.
💙 Why it matters
Many of Frankston’s biggest infrastructure projects depend on State Government support and funding. Taking these priorities directly to Parliament puts the city’s needs in front of decision-makers.
Thirty years of environmental action
The Frankston Environmental Friends Network celebrated its 30th anniversary this week, recognising three decades of local environmental groups working together to protect Frankston’s natural environment.
Established in 1996, the network brings together groups caring for Frankston’s creeks, beaches, wetlands, bushland, reserves and wildlife.
Environmental educator and author Leon Costermans spoke as part of the anniversary celebration, reflecting on the natural environment that makes Frankston so special.
💙 Why it matters
Behind many of the natural places we enjoy around Frankston are volunteers who have spent years protecting and restoring them. Thirty years of the network represents three decades of people working together to care for the environment we sometimes take for granted.
Business & Economy
Bowling ball incident leaves General Public facing costly damage
A rather unusual Frankston story made news this week after police released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with enquiries following an incident at General Public in Playne Street.
The incident itself occurred on 27 July, when a bowling ball was allegedly thrown into the ceiling, causing water damage inside the entertainment venue.
General Public reopened the following morning and has continued operating, but five of its nine bowling lanes may have sustained longer-term damage.
If water has warped the timber beneath the lanes and replacement is required, the repair bill could reportedly run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
💙 Why it matters
General Public is part of Frankston’s growing entertainment offering in the city centre. While the incident happened in July, the police appeal and potential extent of the damage emerged this week, turning what may have seemed like a prank into a potentially very costly problem for a local business.
Arts & Culture
Young performers take to the Frankston Arts Centre stage
Frankston Arts Centre hosted Wakakirri Performance Nights this week, giving school students the opportunity to tell stories through dance and performance.
Wakakirri is a national festival involving schools from around Australia, with students creating and performing their own Story-Dance productions.
Across four nights, young performers took to the Frankston Arts Centre stage in front of family, friends and the wider community.
💙 Why it matters
Events such as Wakakirri give young people the experience of performing on a professional stage while bringing schools and families together through creativity and storytelling.
Looking Ahead
Frankston turns 60
Friday 21 – Sunday 23 August
Next weekend Frankston celebrates a significant milestone, marking 60 years since it was officially declared a city on 24 August 1966.
A special weekend of events will run from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August, celebrating Frankston’s people, history, creativity and stories.
The program includes a special early-season Little Beauty Market in Beauty Park, live entertainment, exhibitions and a new community mural.
At Frankston Library, Paul Kennedy will host Growing Up Frankston: Authors in Conversation, bringing local stories and experiences to the anniversary celebrations.
There will also be a 60th Anniversary Swing Night at Cube 37 and a free screening of On the Beach, the 1959 film famously shot in Frankston, Mt Eliza and Melbourne.
Moon Dog joins the celebrations
Saturday 22 August | 4pm–8pm
Moon Dog Beach Club is joining Frankston’s 60th anniversary celebrations with a cosy winter market on Saturday afternoon.
The free market will showcase local makers and artists, with stalls featuring handmade and second-hand treasures alongside DJs, fire pits, food and drinks.
One more night at the 21st
Saturday 22 August
For generations of Frankston locals, the 21st Century Nightclub was part of growing up. Next Saturday, it returns for one night.
The 21st Century Reunion will take over the Pier Bandroom from 8pm, bringing back music from the 80s, 90s and 00s across multiple rooms.
The Sub Club will return, along with live music in the Pelly Bar, original 21st Century DJs and special guests.
The reunion follows an extraordinary response from former patrons, with photographs, stories and memories of nights at the 21st being shared in the lead-up to the event.
