Knowing Frankston – Week 38
14-20 September 2026
Cr Nathan Butler with accessibility advocate Shane Hryhorec at the Frankston Waterfront, where construction is underway on the new Changing Places facility.
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.
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THIS WEEK IN FOCUS
Changing Places facility takes shape at Frankston Waterfront
Construction is now underway on a new Changing Places facility at the Frankston Waterfront, adding another important piece to Frankston’s push to make its beach accessible to everyone. The specialised facility is being built as part of an upgrade to the existing public toilet block in the waterfront car park near the pier and boat ramp.
Unlike a standard accessible toilet, Changing Places facilities are designed for people with complex disabilities and high support needs. They include an adult-sized height-adjustable change table, a ceiling hoist and additional space for carers.
The facility is expected to be ready for summer, coinciding with the second year of Frankston’s Australia’s Most Accessible Beach program.
Shane Hryhorec, whose advocacy helped inspire Frankston’s accessible beach initiative, recently visited the site to see the construction progress.
The project builds on accessibility improvements already introduced at Frankston Beach, helping more people with disability, along with their families and carers, enjoy the waterfront.
💙 Why it matters:
A trip to the beach can still be difficult or impossible for people who need more than a standard accessible toilet. The new Changing Places facility fills an important gap in Frankston’s accessible beach program and means more people will be able to spend time at the foreshore with the facilities and support they need.
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BUSINESS & LOCAL ECONOMY
YO-BAR opens in Wells Street
There’s a new place to cool down in Frankston, with YO-BAR now open at 44 Wells Street. The self-serve frozen yoghurt bar lets you build your own creation, choosing your yoghurt and loading it up with fruit, lollies and other toppings.
It’s another new business opening in the heart of Frankston, and judging by that bowl, they’re certainly not being shy with the toppings.
💙 Why it matters:
Every new shopfront adds a little more life to the city centre. It’s good to see another business choosing Wells Street and giving people another reason to stop, wander and spend locally.
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COUNCIL & COMMUNITY
Frankston Winter Shelter supports more than 65 people
With winter now over, the Frankston Winter Shelter is recognising the extraordinary contribution of the 168 volunteers who supported people experiencing homelessness through the coldest months of the year. Operating five nights a week for 13 weeks, the Shelter provided crisis accommodation to more than 65 people. But its support extended well beyond providing a bed.
Guests were welcomed into a safe, caring and non-judgemental environment. They received transport from Frankston, a warm meal shared with volunteers, access to a shower, a bed for the night, a cooked breakfast and a lunch pack for the day ahead. Clothing, toiletries, bedding and rolling bags were also available, while the Shelter worked closely with local agencies to connect guests with services and longer-term support.
The program was made possible by 168 volunteers, including Monash University occupational therapy students completing placements.
Frankston City Council supports the Frankston Winter Shelter through multi-year funding covering 2025 to 2028. The Shelter is operated by Peninsula City Church with the support of local churches, agencies, volunteers and community partners.
💙 Why it matters:
The Winter Shelter provides immediate safety and dignity during the coldest part of the year, while helping people connect with services that may lead to more stable accommodation. Its work shows what can be achieved when volunteers, churches, agencies, students and local government work together.
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More than 70 new citizens welcomed in Frankston
More than 70 people officially became Australian citizens in Frankston on Thursday 17 September, marking Australian Citizenship Day with a ceremony at Frankston RSL. The new citizens were welcomed into the Frankston community at a ceremony attended by Frankston Mayor Sue Baker and councillors.
💙 Why it matters:
Citizenship ceremonies are among those local events that can easily pass unnoticed, but for the people taking the pledge, it is a day they and their families are unlikely to forget. More than 70 new chapters in Australian life began right here in Frankston.
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From the Council Chamber
Frankston City Council held its September meeting on Monday 14 September.
Councillor Appreciation Awards were presented to Andrea Dunkley and the Frankston Red Cross Trauma Teddy Team, recognising their contributions to the community.
Andrea Dunkley was recognised for her work in environmental sustainability, community education and volunteering through Roving Refills Frankston and other local initiatives.
The Frankston Red Cross Trauma Teddy Team was recognised for the comfort and care its volunteers provide to children and other people experiencing distress.
Council also received an update on its 10 advocacy priorities ahead of the Victorian State Election in November.
Nominations for the 2026 Annual Volunteering Frankston Awards were presented, recognising local people who contribute their time and skills across the municipality.
Councillors also approved a Notice of Motion for a Trader and Community Training and Support Pilot Program.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Monday 5 October.
💙 Why it matters:
Council meetings determine local priorities, programs and advocacy positions. They also provide an opportunity to recognise people whose work contributes to the community, including volunteers whose efforts may otherwise go unnoticed.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Frankston Stadium redevelopment reaches 60 per cent
The redevelopment of Frankston Stadium at Kananook has reached a major milestone, with construction now around 60 per cent complete. The $60 million project is the largest infrastructure project undertaken by Frankston City Council. It will deliver 10 basketball courts, including six new courts and four refurbished courts, a 1,000-seat show court and Frankston’s first dedicated community gymnastics facility.
The upgraded stadium will also include broadcast-ready facilities, providing greater opportunities for Frankston to host major competitions and events.
Work is continuing as the new stadium takes shape, forming an important part of the broader transformation of the Kananook sporting precinct. The redevelopment is forecast to be completed in mid-2027.
💙 Why it matters:
The stadium is a major investment in Frankston’s sporting future. It will provide improved facilities for local basketball and gymnastics participants while strengthening the city’s ability to attract competitions, events and visitors.
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CRIME & SAFETY
Three arrested after pursuit and crash in Seaford
Three people were arrested following an early-morning police pursuit that ended with a car crashing into a pole and catching fire in Seaford on Saturday 19 September. Victoria Police said officers spotted a grey Audi A4 allegedly being driven erratically along Carrington Avenue about 3am. Police allege the vehicle then attempted to ram a police car, forcing officers to take evasive action.
The Audi, which police say was displaying cloned number plates, was pursued for a short time before crashing into a pole on Austin Road and catching fire. All three occupants were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A 25-year-old Frankston North woman, who police allege was driving the vehicle, remained in hospital under police guard. Two passengers, a 31-year-old Frankston North man and a 32-year-old Carrum Downs man, were later released pending further enquiries.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
💙 Why it matters:
An alleged attempt to ram a police vehicle, followed by a pursuit and fiery crash, makes this a serious local safety incident. Fortunately, no life-threatening injuries were reported, but police enquiries are continuing.
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Fire damages former Visitor Information Centre
A fire occurred at the former Frankston Visitor Information Centre on Pier Promenade on Sunday 13 September. Emergency services attended and brought the fire under control. No one was injured. The building, which was disused and not operating as a visitor centre, has since been secured and an investigation is underway.
Community members were asked to avoid the immediate area and follow directional signage. Public toilets near the affected building were temporarily closed, with the closest available facilities located elsewhere along Pier Promenade.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators has been encouraged to contact Victoria Police.
Frankston City Council thanked Victoria Police, Frankston Fire Brigade and Fire Rescue Victoria for their response.
💙 Why it matters:
Although the building was no longer operating, it occupies a prominent waterfront location. The fire affected access to part of the area while authorities investigated how it started.
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Frankston man charged after tracking devices allegedly found on vehicles
A 65-year-old Frankston man has been charged after electronic tracking devices were allegedly located on several vehicles. Police allege the devices were placed on vehicles in Frankston between June and September. A search warrant was executed at a property in Tantani Street, Frankston, and the man was arrested.
He was charged with four counts of stalking, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and being a prohibited person in possession of a weapon. The man appeared in court and the allegations remain before the courts.
💙 Why it matters:
The alleged use of tracking devices raises serious concerns about privacy and personal safety. As the case is before the courts, it is important that reporting remains factual and does not presume guilt.
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Carrum Downs man charged following police raids
A 35-year-old Carrum Downs man was among nine people arrested as part of a police investigation into an alleged assault at a licensed premises in Sale. Police executed search warrants at several properties across Victoria on Wednesday 9 September, including a property in Carrum Downs.
The Carrum Downs man was charged with intentionally causing injury and affray. He was bailed to appear at Sale Magistrates’ Court on 9 February 2027. Four other men were charged, while another four people were released pending further inquiries. Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
💙 Why it matters:
The Carrum Downs raid formed part of a wider police operation across Victoria, with a local resident among those charged as the investigation continues. The allegations remain before the courts.
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ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
Frankston takes an early lead in Biodiversity Blitz
Frankston City was leading Melbourne’s 2026 Biodiversity Blitz midway through September, with Yarra Ranges Council close behind and Mornington Peninsula Shire also among the strongest competitors.
The annual challenge runs from 1 to 30 September and encourages residents to photograph local plants, animals and fungi and upload their observations to iNaturalist. Observations recorded within the municipality are automatically added to Frankston’s project tally.
The photographs also contribute to citizen science, helping researchers and conservation groups better understand the species living in local parks, reserves, streets and backyards.
Residents can also visit the Living with Wildlife display at Frankston Library or participate in local events being held during Biodiversity Month.
💙 Why it matters:
The competition encourages people to explore the natural environment while producing useful records of local biodiversity. Even a photograph taken in a backyard can contribute information that supports scientific research and conservation.
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New recycling exchange baskets roll out across Frankston
Frankston City Council is adding exchange baskets to public litter bins across local reserves, shopping strips and the Frankston and Seaford foreshores as part of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme. The baskets provide a separate place for people to leave eligible drink containers rather than putting them into general rubbish bins. Others can then collect the containers and take them to a CDS Vic refund point to receive the 10-cent refund.
Council says the initiative is designed to reduce litter, increase recycling and provide another way for schools, clubs and community groups to raise money through container refunds.
Residents will start seeing the new baskets appearing on public bins around Frankston.
💙 Why it matters:
It is a small addition to a rubbish bin, but one that could make a noticeable difference. Containers that might otherwise end up in landfill can be recycled, while their 10-cent value can be passed on to someone else or collected for a local cause.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Spencer Sparkles author recognised in People’s Choice Awards
Readers of Gotta Love Frankston may remember Spencer Sparkles, the young adult novel we featured in our Autumn edition, and its message about belonging, acceptance and being proud of who you are. This week brought some lovely news.
Local author Dan Stroede has been nominated in the 2027 Euphoria Foundation People’s Choice Awards, which celebrate members and supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community.
For Dan, the nomination is less about winning an award and more about knowing that his little book is reaching people. At the heart of Spencer Sparkles is a simple message: you are enough and you are beautiful, no matter how different the world may tell you that you are.
The book was created to help people feel seen, appreciated and represented. Dan says the nomination has reinforced just how important it is to keep telling LGBTQIA+ stories.
Sometimes the nicest part of telling someone’s story is getting to see what happens next.
💙 Why it matters:
Representation can be powerful, particularly for young people looking for characters and stories in which they can recognise themselves. The nomination is also a lovely next chapter for a story we were fortunate enough to share earlier this year.
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Local comedy finds a regular home in Frankston
Local comedian Kaileb Hyland has spent the past six months building a regular comedy night at The Cheeky Squire in Frankston. Cheeky Comedy Club features a rotating lineup of local and touring comedians in an intimate lounge setting. Several performances have sold out, with the club now running fortnightly and welcoming more local audiences and performers.
The latest Best of the Fest show was held on Wednesday 16 September, with free entry, dinner available before the performance and a lineup of visiting and local acts.
Kaileb hopes the regular shows will continue to grow Frankston’s comedy community and introduce more local people to live comedy.
💙 Why it matters:
Regular entertainment gives people another reason to spend an evening in central Frankston. It supports a local venue, provides opportunities for performers and contributes to a more active after-dark culture.
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SPORT
Frankston Bombers Under-19s are premiers
The Frankston Bombers Under-19s have finished their season as premiers after a dominant performance in the MPFNL Division 2 Grand Final. The young Bombers defeated Somerville 21.27 (153) to 3.4 (22), winning by an extraordinary 131 points.
The victory capped off the season with a commanding grand final performance and provided an exciting glimpse of the next generation of players coming through the Frankston Bombers system.
💙 Why it matters:
Under-19 football provides an important pathway into senior local sport. A premiership of this scale points to a strong group of young players developing together at the club.
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Frankston captain shares J.J. Liston Trophy
Frankston Dolphins captain Trent Mynott has shared the 2026 J.J. Liston Trophy with Geelong’s George Stevens. The award recognises the best and fairest player in the VFL home-and-away season. Mynott and Stevens finished level on 22 votes, making them joint winners of the league’s highest individual honour. Mynott becomes Frankston’s first J.J. Liston Trophy winner since Aaron Edwards claimed the award in 2006.
Despite missing the final four games through injury, Mynott averaged 26.8 disposals and 5.6 clearances across 16 appearances and kicked 17 goals.
💙 Why it matters:
The result is a significant individual achievement for Mynott and an important moment for the Frankston Dolphins. It brings the J.J. Liston Trophy back to Frankston for the first time in 20 years.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Spend the long weekend at McClelland
The Friday 25 September public holiday provides an opportunity to explore one of Frankston’s best-known cultural attractions.
McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery offers visitors the chance to walk through its outdoor sculpture collection, see the current exhibitions, browse the Design Store and stop for something to eat at Harry’s Café.
Its combination of art, bushland and open space makes it an easy local option for families and visitors during the school holidays and long weekend.
💙 Why it matters:
Long weekends do not always require travelling far from home. McClelland offers a nationally recognised art and cultural experience right here in the Frankston area.
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