Knowing Frankston – Week 40

28 September to 4 October 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.

KNOWING FRANKSTON

WEEK 40 | 28 SEPTEMBER TO 4 OCTOBER 2026

THIS WEEK IN FOCUS

Week 40 was a week of contrasts. New crime figures showed a 10.8 per cent annual fall across Frankston, yet several high-profile incidents kept community concern firmly in view. Frankston’s accessible beach won statewide recognition, local open spaces drew industry attention, two hospitality venues opened, and more than 5,000 people and pets filled Ballam Park. It was a week that showed both the pressures facing our city and the energy that continues to carry it forward.

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CRIME & POLICING

CRIME FALLS, BUT COMMUNITY CONCERN REMAINS

Crime Statistics Agency figures released during Week 40 showed 12,241 offences were recorded across Frankston City in the year to 30 June 2026. That was down 10.8 per cent from 13,725 the previous year. Stealing from a motor vehicle remained the most common offence, with 1,673 incidents recorded. The annual fall was welcome, but overall crime levels remain high and highly visible incidents continue to shape how safe people feel.

💙 Why it matters: The figures explain why two things can be true at once. Crime fell over the past year, but residents can still feel uneasy when serious incidents remain so visible.

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TWO MEN ARRESTED AFTER STOLEN RAV4 FOUND IN FRANKSTON

Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested two men on Tuesday 29 September after locating an allegedly stolen Toyota RAV4 in an Evelyn Street car park at about 2.50pm. A 26-year-old Narre Warren man was charged with several offences and bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 11 December. A 23-year-old Frankston man was interviewed and released pending summons.

The arrests formed part of Operation ACTIVATE, which has increased daily police presence at Bayside Shopping Centre, Frankston Railway Station and Karingal Hub.

💙 Why it matters: This was a clear example of the additional local police presence leading directly to arrests in a busy part of Frankston.

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TWO TEENAGERS FROM FRANKSTON AREA CHARGED AFTER BOLTE BRIDGE CRASH

Two 14-year-old girls from the Frankston area were arrested in greater Frankston on Thursday 1 October after an allegedly stolen Mitsubishi Eclipse clipped a truck and overturned on the Bolte Bridge the previous morning. Both were charged with aggravated burglary, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and theft, and were granted bail on Friday 2 October. Police were still searching for a male seen fleeing the crash.

💙 Why it matters: The Frankston connection brought a major metropolitan crime story directly home and added to growing community concern about young offenders and repeat offending.

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EXPERIENCED POLICE RETURN IN SUPPORT ROLES

Victoria Police highlighted its new police reservist program during Week 40. Former officers are returning in paid Frontline Support Officer roles to answer phones, assist with paperwork, take crime reports, sign statutory declarations and help at station counters. The first squad was sworn in during July, with the broader program designed to recruit 200 reservists and release serving officers for patrols and frontline duties.

💙 Why it matters: Experienced former officers can support the public at police stations while freeing serving police to spend more time responding to crime in the community.

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COUNCIL & COMMUNITY

FRANKSTON’S ACCESSIBLE BEACH WINS STATE AWARD

Australia’s Most Accessible Beach won the Social Wellbeing Award at the 2026 Victorian Tidy Towns and Cities Awards in Melbourne on Wednesday 30 September. The Frankston Beach pilot provided 70 metres of beach matting, complimentary beach wheelchairs and walkers, and trained staff. More than 450 people took part, with 91.8 per cent saying the program was their main reason for visiting Frankston. Frankston also finished second overall in the statewide awards.

💙 Why it matters: This was recognition for a program that did more than improve access. It gave people and families the confidence to enjoy Frankston Beach together.

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FRANKSTON OPEN SPACES RECEIVE INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

Council highlighted two recognised open-space projects on Friday 2 October. The Sandfield Reserve Precinct Revitalisation in Carrum Downs and the Nepean Boulevard Masterplan were both nominated in the 2026 AILA Landscape Architecture Awards. The Nepean Boulevard Masterplan was also shortlisted for the 2026 Landscape Australia Awards, with winners to be announced in October.

💙 Why it matters: Good public spaces shape how a city feels and functions. These projects focus on stronger community spaces, greener streets and better connections through Frankston.

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NEW FORESHORE PARKING PERMITS TAKE EFFECT

Frankston City’s old foreshore parking permits expired on Wednesday 30 September, with the new permits taking effect from Thursday 1 October. Council introduced a courtesy period from 1 to 18 October to give eligible residents time to display the new permit before parking infringements begin. The current ratepayer permits will remain valid until 30 September 2029.

💙 Why it matters: It is a small change that could easily be missed. Residents should check the windscreen before their next visit to the foreshore.

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PEOPLE

ONE MASSIVE STEP UP FOR DEAF CHILDREN

Natasha Dreger set out from her Mt Martha home on Thursday 1 October for a 60-kilometre walk to Deaf Children Australia on St Kilda Road. The challenge was inspired by her 14-year-old son Hamish, who was born deaf. Rotary Peninsula 2.0 joined Natasha for the local leg from Humphries Road in Frankston to Keast Park in Seaford, as she raised funds and awareness for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

💙 Why it matters: A deeply personal challenge became a powerful community effort to help deaf children receive the support, opportunity and confidence they deserve.

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EVENTS & WHAT’S HAPPENING

MORE THAN 5,000 JOIN THE MAYOR’S GREAT PET-TOGETHER

More than 5,000 pet lovers and their furry friends turned Ballam Park into a giant pet playground on Sunday 4 October. The Mayor’s Great Pet-Together brought the community together for dachshund races, pup-cup eating contests, costumes, market stalls and non-stop entertainment. The free event ran from 10am to 2pm and once again showed just how loved this annual celebration has become.

💙 Why it matters: Few events bring together such a broad cross-section of the community, with pets providing the perfect excuse for people to stop, talk and enjoy Frankston together.

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DAYLIGHT SAVING BEGINS

Daylight saving began at 2am on Sunday 4 October, when clocks moved forward by one hour to 3am. Phones and other connected devices changed automatically, but manual clocks still needed adjusting. The lost hour of sleep came with the return of longer spring and summer evenings across Frankston.

💙 Why it matters: It is one of those small seasonal changes that quietly alters the rhythm of local life, bringing more daylight for beaches, parks, sport and time outdoors.

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SPORT

YAMALA PARK GREEN TAKING SHAPE

An update shared on Saturday 3 October showed remediation works progressing well at Yamala Park Bowls Club in Frankston South. The green was looking strong following the work carried out by the club, Council officers and others involved in the project. The timing was welcome, with Barefoot Bowls due to return on Friday night, 9 October.

💙 Why it matters: Local sporting clubs are important community meeting places, and a healthy green helps keep Yamala Park active, social and ready for the season ahead.

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LOOKING AHEAD

FRANKSTON CITY NATIONAL CARERS WEEK EVENT

Frankston’s free National Carers Week celebration will be held at Orwil Street Community House, 16 Orwil Street, on Thursday 8 October from 11am to 1.30pm. The mini expo will connect unpaid carers with support services, other local carers and a free lunch. Frankston City is home to 15,342 carers, many of whom quietly support a family member, friend or neighbour every day. Bookings are essential.

💙 Why it matters: Carers carry an enormous share of our community’s care, often without recognition. This event gives them practical help, connection and a moment to be supported themselves.

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DRUG BABY COMES HOME TO FRANKSTON

Frankston-raised performer Troy Rogers will bring his one-man show Drug Baby to Cube 37 at Frankston Arts Centre on Sunday 11 October at 7pm. Troy attended Overport Primary School and Frankston High School, and has transformed a childhood shaped by addiction, fear and violence into an honest work of theatre. The show has earned five-star reviews on tour and a Best Solo nomination at Newcastle Fringe 2026.

💙 Why it matters: This is a Frankston story returning home, told by the person who lived it and found a way to turn trauma into art.

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WELCOME TO FRANKSTON LAUNCHES AT MOON DOG

The locally made feature film Welcome to Frankston will officially launch at Moon Dog Beach Club on Friday 16 October from 7pm. Directed by Frankston-raised filmmaker Matt Mirams, the comedy-drama follows a filmmaker returning to his hometown and will be set and shot in Frankston. The launch will include live entertainment, music, food, drinks and the first details about local casting and opportunities to become involved.

💙 Why it matters: A film made in Frankston, about Frankston and with local talent has the potential to show the city through a fresh creative lens.

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GOODBYE & HELLO: WHAT CHANGED THIS WEEK

ROCCELLA LIDO OPENS ON THE WATERFRONT

Roccella Lido officially opened on Thursday 1 October on the upper level of the Frankston Yacht Club building. The new seaside Italian restaurant serves wood-fired sourdough pizza, handmade pasta and southern Italian dishes overlooking Frankston Beach. Around 40 people, primarily locals, were employed at opening, with the workforce expected to grow to as many as 90 during peak periods.

💙 Why it matters: After years of uncertainty around the upper level of the Yacht Club building, Frankston finally has a major new waterfront dining destination bringing jobs, visitors and life to the foreshore.

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SEMLA THE BAKERY OPENS IN SEAFORD

Semla the Bakery opened its new shop at 10 McCulloch Avenue, Seaford, on Sunday 4 October. Baker and owner Robin transformed a converted garage into a home for the small-batch sourdough, cardamom buns and Scandinavian treats that have built Semla’s loyal following. The opening ran from 8am to 2pm and marked the next chapter for the local microbakery.

💙 Why it matters: A small local business has grown from a home-based idea into a shopfront, adding another distinctive food destination to Seaford.

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Another week recorded.

Knowing Frankston. Notice it before it becomes a memory.