Knowing Frankston – Week 36
31 August – 6 September 2026
An artist’s impression of the proposed new Bruce Park Pavilion. Final funding and construction arrangements are still to be confirmed. Image: Frankston City Council.
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
Bruce Park Moves Closer, but Funding Remains an Election Promise
A further $3 million has been promised for the redevelopment of the Bruce Park Pavilion.
State Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke announced that a re-elected Labor Government would contribute the money following the Victorian election on 28 November.
Frankston City Council has proposed a new two-storey, accessible and female-friendly pavilion for the precinct. Council has committed $3.33 million and the Australian Government has budgeted $5 million towards the project.
The latest announcement is an election commitment, meaning the money is not yet available and a construction date has not been confirmed.
Bruce Park is used by more than 1,000 players through Frankston Rovers Junior Football Club, Heatherhill Cricket Club, Bruce Park Tennis Club and Heatherhill Football Club.
The campaign for better facilities has included an extraordinary effort by Aaron Gale, who rode 457 kilometres over 24 hours to draw attention to the condition of the existing pavilion.
Read the Bruce Park project details
💙 Why it matters
The commitment brings the long-awaited redevelopment closer, but the project is not completely through. The election result, funding agreements and final construction arrangements still need to be confirmed.
Community Safety
Wells Street Store Ram-Raided and Set Alight
A convenience store on Wells Street was targeted in another deliberate attack during the early hours of the morning.
A vehicle was driven into the shop at about 1am before the building was set alight. Police said those responsible left the area on foot.
It was the second attack on the business within a short period, leaving the shop badly damaged and emergency crews responding in the centre of Frankston.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
💙 Why it matters
Deliberately lighting a fire in a central shopping area places neighbouring businesses, residents and emergency workers at serious risk. The repeated attacks have also left another local property damaged and unable to operate normally.
Police Appeal After Young Street Assault
Police released images this week as part of an investigation into an assault outside the 7-Eleven on Young Street.
The incident occurred at about 11.15pm on 21 August after an argument involving three men. Police say one man was pushed and then struck to the head, causing him to lose consciousness.
Those involved left the area towards Wells Street.
Anyone who recognises the person shown in the police appeal or has information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
💙 Why it matters
Although the assault occurred earlier, the release of images made this a new public appeal during Week 36. Information from the community may help police identify those involved.
Council & Community
Frankston Teen Turns Year 12 Side Project into a Business
Frankston High School graduate Blake Alford-Ryan completed VCE while serving as school captain and building his own agency.
The 19-year-old also received a 2025 VCE Leadership Award for his commitment to student voice and creating change at school, including advocating for uniform reform and solar panels.
Speaking to The Age, Blake said working on his business helped him manage the pressure of Year 12 by giving him something different to focus on outside his studies.
After being accepted into the Bachelor of Laws course at Swinburne University of Technology, Blake has deferred his studies to concentrate on growing his brand agency, Habits of a Few.
Learn more about Blake and his work
💙 Why it matters
Blake’s story is a great example of a young Frankston person backing an idea early and taking an unconventional path. It is also a reminder that success after school does not always have to follow the expected order.
Remembering Jan Hume
Frankston Basketball is mourning the passing of Jan Hume, one of the original participants in its Walking Basketball program.
Jan was there week after week, from the Thursday morning warm-ups to the coffees shared afterwards in the stadium foyer.
Known for her wit and sense of fun, Jan became an important part of the community that grew around the program and helped make it what it is today.
Frankston Basketball has extended its condolences to Jan’s family, friends and the entire Walking Basketball community.
💙 Why it matters
Programs like Walking Basketball are about far more than staying active. They create friendships, routines and a sense of belonging. Jan was part of that from the very beginning.
Boost Their Basics Returns to Wells Street
Netfocus IT and Mums Supporting Families in Need have launched their 2026 Boost Their Basics September donation drive.
Throughout September, donations of new everyday essentials can be delivered to the Wells Street Windows at Netfocus IT, 50-52 Wells Street, Frankston.
Requested items include socks, underwear, singlets, pyjamas, nappies, baby wipes, baby wash and toiletries.
Donations can be delivered from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm or on Saturdays between 10am and 3pm.
💙 Why it matters
The collection provides practical material aid to families experiencing hardship while giving Frankston residents and businesses a simple way to contribute.
Annual Rate Notices Arrive
Frankston City Council began distributing its annual rates notices this week.
Council’s 2026-27 budget applies the Victorian Government’s 2.75 per cent rate cap and includes a Local Support Package worth almost $900,000.
The accompanying rates guide outlines services delivered during the previous year, including almost 40,000 Meals on Wheels deliveries, more than 4,000 square metres of footpath repairs and the planting of more than 5,000 trees.
The rate cap applies to Council’s overall general rate revenue. Changes to individual bills can vary depending on property valuations and how those valuations compare across the municipality.
Residents who have not received their notice by 7 September are encouraged to contact Council.
Find information about Frankston City rates
💙 Why it matters
Rates are one of the largest direct Council costs faced by local households. Clear information about how bills are calculated and where the money is being spent helps residents understand what they are paying for.
Frankston Businesses Asked to Have Their Say
Frankston City’s Annual Business Survey opened on 1 September.
The five-minute survey is open to businesses located within Frankston City or with an ABN registered in the municipality. It closes at 5pm on Tuesday 22 September.
Participating businesses can enter a draw for local business vouchers valued at $1,000, $500 and $250.
Council says the responses will help shape future business services, workshops, grants, networking opportunities and economic development programs.
Complete the Annual Business Survey
💙 Why it matters
The results will influence the support offered to local businesses. The prizes must also be spent with eligible Frankston City businesses, keeping the money in the local economy.
Arts & the Environment
A Thinking Gnome Joins Frankston’s Foreshore
A new sculpture titled Oh No, Thinker Gnome has appeared near the Frankston foreshore.
Created by artist Gregor Kregar, the work is part of the developing Frankston Regional Arts Trail.
Kregar also created Reflective Lullaby, affectionately known as Frankie, at McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery.
The planned nine-kilometre arts trail will connect the Frankston foreshore with McClelland through more than 10 public art locations. Additional installations and pathway improvements are expected to continue into 2027.
Explore the Frankston Regional Arts Trail
💙 Why it matters
Frankston is home to significant birdlife across our beaches, wetlands, creeks and reserves. With H5N1 now confirmed locally, knowing not to handle a sick or dead bird, and reporting it quickly, can help authorities track the disease and protect wildlife, pets and the wider community.
Frankston North mMural Celebrates Recycled Water
A mural by artist Jimmy Dvate is bringing new colour to the long-standing milk bar at 20 Excelsior Drive in Frankston North.
The artwork celebrates the completion of the Monterey Recycled Water Scheme.
Completed in April, the scheme is expected to deliver about 98 megalitres of Class A recycled water each year. The National Golf Club’s Long Island course was the first customer connected, with Council sporting and community facilities expected to follow.
The $5 million project included $1.3 million from the Victorian Government, with the remaining investment provided by South East Water, Frankston City Council and project partners.
Read about the recycled water mural
💙 Why it matters
The mural makes a major infrastructure project visible to the community. The recycled water scheme will reduce demand on drinking water while supporting local sporting grounds and community facilities.
Beach Patrol Returns to Long Island
Members of 3198 Seaford Beach Patrol gathered at Long Island Beach on Sunday for their first monthly clean of spring.
The volunteer group meets for one hour each month to remove litter from beaches around Seaford and Frankston while collecting information about the waste they find.
The September clean was followed by a community picnic.
💙 Why it matters
Regular volunteer clean-ups prevent rubbish from reaching Port Phillip Bay and provide useful information about the types of litter appearing along the local coastline.
Local Business & History
Ritchies Marks 156 Years
Ritchies marked 156 years since Thomas Ritchie opened the original business in Frankston in 1870.
What began as a small local general store grew into a supermarket and liquor business operating across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
The company is celebrating the anniversary throughout September.
💙 Why it matters
Ritchies is now a national business, but its story began in Frankston. The anniversary is an important part of the city’s commercial history and a reminder of the businesses that helped shape early Frankston.
Sport
Bombers’ Finals Run Comes to an End
Frankston Bombers’ senior season ended in Saturday’s MPFNL Division Two preliminary final.
Red Hill defeated the Bombers 10.13 (73) to 3.9 (27), ending Frankston’s six-game winning streak and its push for a place in the grand final.
The result brought an end to an impressive late-season run from the Bombers, who finished fifth before progressing deep into the finals.
View the official match result
💙 Why it matters
The final result does not erase what the Bombers achieved. Reaching the preliminary final after finishing fifth and building a six-game winning streak gave supporters a memorable conclusion to the season.
Looking Ahead
World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day will be observed on Thursday 10 September.
People across the community will walk in memory of those who have died, in support of those who are struggling and in hope of a future where nobody faces their darkest moments alone.
The day also supports fundraising for crisis services that remain available around the clock.
Anyone needing immediate support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. If life is in danger, call 000.
💙 Why it matters
Suicide affects families and communities long after a life is lost. Open conversations, connection and accessible crisis support can help people feel less alone.
Free Household Chemical Collection Announced
Frankston will host a free Detox Your Home collection on Saturday 17 October from 10am to 4pm at the Frankston Regional Recycling and Recovery Centre, 20 Harold Road, Skye.
Residents will be able to dispose of eligible household chemicals including fuels, solvents, pesticides, poisons, cleaning products and pool chemicals.
The drive-through collection will be staffed by trained chemists and advance registration is required. Paint will not be accepted at this event.
💙 Why it matters
Hazardous chemicals should not be placed in household bins or poured down drains. The collection provides a free and safe disposal option that protects residents, waste workers and the environment.
