Knowing Frankston – Week 37

7-13 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.

Community Connectors making Frankston safer

A total of 406 incidents were prevented around Frankston Station and Young Street last financial year through Frankston’s Community Connectors program.

The team supported 3,104 people during 2025–26, de-escalated 216 situations and made 217 referrals to specialist services for people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health concerns, alcohol and drug issues and social isolation.

The program places Community Connectors in the precinct to build relationships and link people with services, working alongside Metro Trains staff, Protective Services Officers, health providers, homelessness services and emergency services. More than 700 collaborative service interactions were recorded during the year.

The program won Gold at the 2025 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards and has since been replicated in Footscray and Broadmeadows.

Frankston City Council is now seeking $750,000 from the State Government to keep the program operating and build on its work.

💙 Why it matters

The area around Frankston Station is one of the city’s busiest public spaces and community safety remains a significant local issue. These figures give a rare look at what is happening on the ground, including the hundreds of situations being dealt with before they become more serious. With further funding now being sought, the future of the program is also becoming a local election issue.

Goodbye & Hello

Vale John Cleary, a Langwarrin club legend

Langwarrin Football Netball Club has farewelled Life Member and Club Legend John “JC” Cleary, whose association with the club stretched across 60 years.

John arrived at Langwarrin in 1966 and played 77 games between 1968 and 1976, kicking 13 goals. His contribution continued through 25 years as Club Trainer, six years as Interchange Steward and 11 years as Timekeeper.

He was Reserves Team Manager in 1980, was named Trainer in Langwarrin’s Team of the Century and received Life Membership in 1996.

Langwarrin dedicated its five-point finals victory over Mt Eliza to John and fellow club figure Shaun “Staggers” Staggard.

💙 Why it matters

John Cleary’s six decades of service reflect the volunteers whose loyalty and quiet contribution become part of a local club’s history.

Council & Community

More than 300 Council laptops given a second life

More than 300 retired Frankston City Council laptops are being refurbished and redistributed to local students instead of being discarded.

The computers were securely wiped before being provided to local social enterprise This Is I-T!, which prepares the devices for their new owners.

The program gives students greater access to the technology they need for learning while reducing electronic waste.

💙 Why it matters

Access to a reliable computer can make a real difference to a student’s education, while reusing Council equipment keeps valuable technology out of landfill.

Four young musicians receive LVK scholarships

Four young local musicians, Penn, Jet, Hope and Ryder, will receive music tuition through scholarships funded by an anonymous $5,500 donation.

Penn will receive one year of weekly 30-minute lessons, while Jet, Hope and Ryder will each receive six months of weekly tuition.

The donor, affectionately nicknamed “Paul Rudd”, has chosen to remain anonymous.

💙 Why it matters

The donation gives four young musicians the time, teaching and encouragement to develop their abilities, regardless of what their families may be able to afford.

Frankston High students power off for mental fitness

Frankston High School students put their phones aside on Thursday 10 September for a student-led March for Mental Fitness.

The Power Off to Power Up initiative saw students walk 24 laps of the school oval without their phones, raising awareness of mental health and the pressures young people face online.

The event supported local not-for-profit SmackTalk, founded by Wayne Holdsworth following the death of his 17-year-old son Mac after an online sextortion incident. SmackTalk now works with young people, parents and communities around social media, mental health, sextortion and suicide prevention. A booked-out parent session with Wayne was also held following the walk.

💙 Why it matters

With social media playing such a large role in young people’s lives, the initiative put students themselves at the centre of a conversation about switching off, connecting with each other and looking after their mental health.

Reminiscence Library brings Frankston memories to life

Historic photographs, familiar objects and stories from decades past are helping people living with dementia reconnect with memories through a new Reminiscence Library program.

The first session was held at Frankston South Community and Recreation Centre on Friday 11 September, using local history books, poetry, photographs and familiar material from the 1950s, 60s and 70s to encourage conversation between participants and their carers.

The Frankston City Libraries program will continue with monthly sessions in October and November.

💙 Why it matters

Frankston’s history isn’t only preserved in archives and photographs. Programs like this can use familiar places, objects and stories to help people reconnect with their own memories while creating moments of connection with their families and carers.

Frankston bravery recognised more than a decade later

Former Frankston resident Russell Harrison has received a Commendation for Brave Conduct for intervening when he heard a neighbour being violently assaulted in Frankston on 11 December 2015.

Harrison crossed the road after hearing calls for help, confronted the attacker and helped the woman escape. A struggle followed while Harrison attempted to restrain the offender until police arrived. Harrison later administered CPR after the offender stopped breathing. More than a decade later, his actions have now been formally recognised through the Australian Bravery Decorations announced in September.

What makes his story much deeper is what happened afterwards. Harrison has spoken about the criticism and accusations he faced following the incident, despite ultimately being cleared, and says the bravery recognition gives him a sense that someone has finally acknowledged that he was trying to help. He had previously served in rescue work, the US military and as a paramedic.

💙 Why it matters

This isn’t simply an award announcement. It is a story about an ordinary person hearing somebody in danger next door, deciding to intervene, and living with the consequences of that decision for years.

Former Belvedere Community Centre site to be sold

Frankston councillors have voted to begin the process of selling the former Belvedere Community Centre site at 36 Belvedere Road, Seaford.

The centre had operated there since the early 1990s before moving to the Healthy Futures Hub in East Road in 2023. Council officers have classified the old property as surplus to operational requirements. The proposal includes demolition of the existing buildings and removal of the site’s reserve status before sale, with objections to the sale to return to Council for consideration. Proceeds are intended to be reserved for future Council property acquisitions.

There’s a little more history here than first appears. The organisation began as the Women’s Activities Group, later becoming Belvedere Community Centre, and Council records show it moved into the purpose-built Belvedere Road facility in 1991.

💙 Why it matters

It marks the end of a long community chapter for a Seaford site that housed local education, social and support programs for more than 30 years.

Frankston Inclusive Beach Project receives $108,000

The Frankston Inclusive Beach Project has received $108,000 in Federal Government funding to help make Frankston’s waterfront more accessible for people with disability.

The funding will support a new Changing Places facility at the Frankston waterfront, designed for people with complex disabilities who cannot use standard accessible toilets. The project has been backed by Frankston City Council and more than 30 local organisations, advocates, families and volunteers.

The announcement was made by Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea, who has supported the community campaign for the project.

💙 Why it matters

A trip to Frankston beach is something many of us take for granted. For people with complex disabilities and their carers, the lack of appropriate changing facilities can make that simple day out impossible. This project removes one more barrier to enjoying Frankston’s foreshore and shows what can happen when local advocacy turns into practical infrastructure.

Peninsula University Hospital moves into Stage 2

Work is continuing on Stage 2 of the Peninsula University Hospital redevelopment, building on the major new clinical tower completed as part of Stage 1.

The next stage will include Hospital Way, a new internal corridor connecting the existing hospital with the new clinical tower, designed to make it easier for patients, visitors and staff to move between services.

Works are also paving the way for larger loading docks and around 4,000 square metres of open space for hospital staff.

Stage 1 delivered the new 12-level clinical tower, including 130 additional beds, 15 new operating theatres and expanded mental health and oncology facilities.

💙 Why it matters

The hospital redevelopment isn’t finished with the opening of the new tower. Stage 2 is about making the old and new parts of the hospital work as one connected precinct, an important next step for one of Frankston’s biggest pieces of health infrastructure.

People

Frankston walks for World Suicide Prevention Day

People across Frankston walked together on Thursday 10 September for World Suicide Prevention Day, remembering those who have died, supporting those who are grieving and offering hope to people who may be struggling.

The local walk was a reminder that suicide prevention begins with connection, honest conversations and making sure people know that help is available.

If you or someone you know needs support, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14. Text support is available on 0477 13 11 14. If life is in immediate danger, call 000.

💙 Why it matters

Coming together helps reduce stigma, encourages conversations and reminds people affected by suicide that they do not have to face their grief or struggles alone.

Crime & Safety

Fatal collision on Peninsula Link at Carrum Downs

A man has died following an early-morning collision between a car and truck on Peninsula Link at Carrum Downs.

Emergency services were called to the freeway near the Frankston-Dandenong Road off-ramp about 3.20am on Wednesday 9 September.

Police located the car with no occupants inside. Officers searched the surrounding area and found a deceased man nearby. He had not been formally identified at the time police released details of the incident.

The truck driver stopped at the scene and was not physically injured.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives attended the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Southbound lanes of Peninsula Link between Thompsons Road and Frankston-Dandenong Road were closed while investigators examined the scene.

Police have asked anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage or has information that could assist investigators to contact Crime Stoppers.

💙 Why it matters

The collision resulted in the loss of a life and caused significant disruption on a major route through the Frankston area. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding what happened.

Electronic tracking devices allegedly found on Frankston cars

Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a 65-year-old Frankston man after electronic tracking devices were allegedly placed on vehicles belonging to local women. Police allege the conduct occurred between June and September 2026. The man faced court on Sunday 13 September on stalking and other charges, and remains before the courts.

💙 Why it matters

The case raises concerns about personal safety and the alleged use of electronic tracking technology to monitor people without their knowledge.

Arts & Culture

Frankston Arts Centre named Australia’s Performing Arts Centre of the Year

Frankston Arts Centre has been named Australia’s Performing Arts Centre of the Year at the 2026 PAC Australia IMPACT Awards, one of the major national honours for the performing arts sector.

The award recognises the Centre’s work in inclusion, accessibility, community connection and artist development, including taking arts programs beyond the venue and into schools, health settings and public spaces.

Opened in 1995, the Frankston Arts Centre has now been part of the city for more than 30 years. It welcomes more than 190,000 visitors each year, with more than half coming from outside Frankston City. The complex includes the 800-seat main theatre, Cube 37, galleries and other creative and community spaces.

PAC Australia Executive Director Katherine Connor said the Centre’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility had helped make it a genuine place of belonging, while its investment in local artists had created pathways for creative development.

The award was presented in Brisbane on 9 September as part of the Australian Performing Arts Exchange. An interesting detail we hadn’t picked up initially is that FAC also receives 16 hours of pro bono consultancy from international venue and acoustic consultancy Charcoalblue as part of the award.

💙 Why it matters

This isn’t simply another award for a local venue. Frankston Arts Centre has been recognised nationally for the way it connects arts with the wider community. More than 30 years after opening, a Frankston institution has been judged one of the country’s leaders in its field.

Sport

Gary Bradshaw gets Australian call-up

Frankston South resident Gary Bradshaw is preparing to represent Australia for the first time after qualifying for the WPA Blackball Pool Championships in England from 20–28 October.

Gary has been a member of JD’s Pool Hall in Frankston for 30 years and plays four to five times a week. He earned his place after competing at a tournament in Queensland earlier this year involving more than 400 players.

What makes the selection even more remarkable is that Gary had travelled to the area for work and entered the tournament with a mate. Their team reached the preliminary final, which was enough for Gary to qualify for the Australian side.

💙 Why it matters

After three decades playing locally in Frankston, Gary will now wear Australian colours on the world stage for the first time.

Events & What’s Happening

Sean Dooley returns to his Seaford roots

Writer, comedian and birdwatcher Sean Dooley returned to familiar territory at Frankston Library on Saturday 12 September.

Sean grew up exploring the Seaford wetlands, developing the lifelong fascination with birds and the natural environment that would shape his writing and conservation work.

His Frankston Library appearance gave local readers and nature lovers an opportunity to hear about those early Seaford experiences and where they have taken him.

💙 Why it matters

Sean’s story shows how Frankston’s natural places can shape a young person’s interests and inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and conservation.

Veterans and Families Expo returns to Frankston

Veterans and their families came together at Frankston RSL on Saturday 12 September for the first local Veterans and Families Expo since 2024.

The free event brought together organisations providing support across finance, education, employment, housing, health and social connection.

The afternoon also included live entertainment, children’s activities and raffle prizes. Frankston Mayor Sue Baker joined an RSL Victoria question-and-answer session about support for veterans within the Frankston community.

💙 Why it matters

Finding the right support can be difficult for veterans and their families. Bringing services together in one local place makes assistance easier to access while strengthening connections across Frankston’s veteran community.

Final Garage Sale Trail after 16 years

Frankston residents are being encouraged to take part in the final Garage Sale Trail, bringing the nationwide event to an end after 16 years of turning unwanted belongings into new opportunities.

This year’s sales will be held across Frankston City on 7–8 and 14–15 November, with registrations now open for households, community groups and charities wanting to host a sale or stall.

Last year, around 5,000 Frankston City residents participated as sellers or shoppers. The local trail included 126 sales and stalls, generating approximately $88,000 for households, community groups and charities.

💙 Why it matters

Garage Sale Trail has helped Frankston residents reduce waste, reuse household items and support the local economy. After 16 years, November will be the community’s final opportunity to take part.

Environment & Sustainability

Biodiversity Month at Frankston Library

Frankston Library is celebrating Biodiversity Month throughout September with a display highlighting the plants, animals and natural environments found around us.

A selection of books for different ages gives families and individual readers an opportunity to learn more about wildlife, conservation and the importance of protecting natural habitats.

💙 Why it matters

Making biodiversity information accessible encourages people of all ages to better understand and care for Frankston’s natural environment.

Fruit Net Swap launches in Frankston

Frankston City Council’s Fruit Tree Net Swap is helping residents replace illegal netting with wildlife-safe alternatives.

Residents can surrender old fruit-tree netting and receive compliant netting free while supplies last. The surrendered material will be recycled.

Loose or wide-mesh netting can trap and seriously injure birds, bats and other wildlife. Legal netting must have a mesh size of no more than five millimetres when fully stretched.

The program began on 1 September, with residents asked to register with Council before arranging their swap.

💙 Why it matters

Replacing unsafe netting is a simple action households can take to prevent local birds, bats and other wildlife from becoming trapped or injured.

Roving Repair Program returns to Seaford

The Roving Repair Program returns to Seaford Community Centre on Saturday 19 September, offering residents free help to repair household items.

Local repairers will work with participants to investigate whether broken or damaged belongings can be fixed rather than thrown away.

The session runs from 1pm to 4pm. Bookings are essential, and residents should provide details about the item requiring attention when registering.

💙 Why it matters

Repairing items saves residents money, reduces waste and helps useful household belongings stay out of landfill.

Looking Ahead

Final Garage Sale Trail after 16 years

Australia’s Garage Sale Trail will be held for the final time in November after 16 years of community sales, second-hand discoveries and local reuse.

Frankston residents can register household garage sales, neighbourhood events and group stalls for the weekends of 7–8 November and 14–15 November.

Around 5,000 Frankston residents took part last year, holding 126 sales and stalls and generating approximately $88,000.

Registrations are now open for anyone wanting to clear out unused belongings, earn some extra money or help give pre-loved items another home.

💙 Why it matters

The final Garage Sale Trail gives Frankston households one last opportunity to reduce waste, reuse unwanted goods and keep money circulating through the local community.

Today’s news becomes tomorrow’s history.