Knowing Frankston – Week 42

12 October to 18 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.

THIS WEEK IN FOCUS

Volunteer shortage forces Ballam Park Homestead closure

Ballam Park Homestead was closed on Sunday 18 October because of a shortage of volunteers.

The Frankston Historical Society’s volunteers run the homestead’s tours and tearooms, but declining volunteer numbers have already forced the society to reduce its offerings.

The society hopes to reopen on Sunday 25 October and is asking anyone with an interest in history, community or volunteering to get in touch through its Facebook page. Sharing its appeal is another way to help.

💙 Why it matters: Keeping our local history accessible takes people, time and ongoing support. This closure shows how much our community relies on volunteers, and what happens when too few people are available to keep things running.

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EDUCATION & OPPORTUNITY

Designs revealed for Chisholm’s $30 million technology centre

Designs have been released for the Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence at Chisholm Institute’s Frankston campus.

The project, jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments, will include simulation laboratories for cybersecurity and emerging technologies, alongside robotics, hardware and server spaces.

Designed by Tectura Architects, the facilities will give students practical experience with technology being used across a growing range of industries. The design announcement marks another step towards establishing the centre.

💙 Why it matters: Training close to home can open doors for school leavers, people changing careers and local businesses adapting to new technology.

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Overport students lead smoke-free and vape-free campaign

Overport Primary School’s Student Health Ambassadors have been using their creativity to promote a smoke-free and vape-free school environment.

The students organised a poster competition encouraging classmates to explore the effects of smoking and vaping on people and the environment.

Their work forms part of the school’s broader approach, which includes updated policies, new signage and classroom activities for Grade 5 and 6 students. Bayside Health Peninsula recently highlighted the initiative.

💙 Why it matters: Involving students in health education gives them opportunities to ask questions, contribute ideas and share messages that connect with their classmates.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Free overdose-reversal medication available in Frankston

Peninsula University Hospital in Frankston is among the latest locations providing free naloxone through a Victorian dispensing-machine trial.

Naloxone temporarily reverses an opioid overdose, including overdoses involving prescription opioid medicines, heroin and synthetic opioids.

The machines provide free take-home packs containing two nasal spray doses, with instructions included. The Department of Health says anyone can administer the medication.

If an overdose is suspected, call Triple Zero. Naloxone does not replace emergency medical care.

💙 Why it matters: Access to naloxone gives families, friends and community members another way to respond to an overdose while emergency help is on its way.

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CRIME & POLICING

Trial begins over Frankston Pier death

The trial of the man accused of murdering fisherman Andres Pancha at Frankston Pier began in the Victorian Supreme Court on Tuesday 13 October.

Mr Pancha, 45, from Cranbourne North, died at the pier on 29 June 2024.

Forrest Stevenson, 38, has pleaded not guilty to murder. Prosecutors outlined CCTV and forensic evidence they allege links him to the attack. His defence disputes that he was the person responsible.

Reports published during the week described the trial as continuing, with no verdict reached.

💙 Why it matters: The trial is a significant development in a case that deeply affected the Frankston community. Allegations heard in court remain subject to the jury’s consideration.

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COMMUNITY & ADVOCACY

Firefighters rally outside Frankston electorate office

Firefighters rallied outside Frankston MP and Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke’s electorate office on Monday 12 October.

The United Firefighters Union reported that Beach Street was blocked during the protest, as firefighters raised concerns about equipment, safety protections and their ongoing industrial dispute. The union says these issues affect firefighter and community safety.

In an ABC interview on Wednesday, Mr Edbrooke defended the Government’s investment in fire services while acknowledging that further work was needed.

💙 Why it matters: Firefighters’ equipment and working conditions affect their ability to respond when our community needs them. Residents deserve clear information about the concerns being raised and how they will be addressed.

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ROADS, PATHS & WILDLIFE

Ride2Work highlights the need for connected paths

Ride2Work Day on Wednesday 14 October provided another opportunity to highlight walking and cycling connections across Frankston City.

Council says it has committed $5.85 million towards five shared-user-path projects and is seeking a matching Victorian Government contribution.

The proposed connections aim to make it easier to travel between neighbourhoods, schools, activity centres and other destinations.

Locally, Dion Woodward has also invited state election candidates to experience the missing Fletcher Road connection and the difficulties faced by people travelling through the area.

💙 Why it matters: Filling gaps between existing paths can make everyday trips safer and more practical for pedestrians, cyclists and people using mobility aids.

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New wildlife warning sign on McClelland Drive

A solar-powered wildlife warning sign has been installed on McClelland Drive beside Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, in an area Council identifies as a wildlife-collision hotspot.

The sign displays approaching drivers’ speeds, alerts them to wildlife and collects traffic data to help inform future improvements. Drivers travelling within the speed limit receive a smiling koala display.

Council is asking motorists to watch their speed and help protect wildlife moving through the area.

💙 Why it matters: Roads beside bushland are shared with wildlife. Watching carefully and allowing more time to react can help protect animals and everyone travelling through the area.

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ENVIRONMENT & RECYCLING

Frankston waste services reach national awards finals

Two Frankston City Council waste services have been named finalists in the 2026 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards.

The food organics and garden organics service, known as FOGO, is shortlisted for Community Engagement Success of the Year. The Frankston Regional Recycling Recovery Centre is a finalist for Operational Excellence.

Council reports that food waste in red household bins has fallen by 20% since FOGO was introduced, with contamination in FOGO bins below 1%.

The recycling centre welcomes more than 150,000 visits annually and recycles more than half of the items disposed of there. Winners will be announced on Thursday 29 October.

💙 Why it matters: The everyday effort residents put into sorting waste helps keep useful materials out of landfill. These results show what household actions and well-run services can achieve together.

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ARTS & INCLUSION

BAM Arts joins Special Olympics opening celebrations

BAM Arts performers and DJ Cooper Smith were announced as part of the entertainment for the Special Olympics Australia National Games opening ceremony on Monday 19 October.

Scheduled at Margaret Court Arena from 3pm to 5pm, the ceremony brings athletes, families and supporters together to mark the start of the Games.

The event celebrates athletes with intellectual disability and autism and coincides with Special Olympics Australia’s 50th anniversary.

💙 Why it matters: National events provide opportunities to recognise the talent of performers and athletes with disability, while celebrating participation, achievement and belonging.

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Young artists turn creativity into community support

An exhibition at Mornington Library is bringing together children’s art and two causes close to home.

Students aged seven to 16 from This Artful Life have explored the idea that everyone needs a home, considering homelessness alongside the loss of koala habitat.

Sales of their artwork will support Southern Peninsula Community Support’s work with women experiencing homelessness and the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation Group’s tree planting.

The free exhibition is in the library foyer on Vancouver Street until 23 November. Visitors should check library opening hours before attending.

💙 Why it matters: These young artists are using their work to help people and wildlife, showing how creativity can become practical community support.

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LOOKING AHEAD

Bring Your Bills Day offers free support on Tuesday

Residents struggling with bills, debt, housing or legal concerns can access free, confidential help at Frankston Arts Centre on Tuesday 20 October.

South East Community Links’ Bring Your Bills Day runs from 10.30am to 3pm at 27–37 Davey Street.

Financial counsellors, lawyers, tenancy workers and service representatives will be available, with interpreters also provided. No appointment or referral is required.

Bring along relevant bills, letters or paperwork. The event provides advice and referrals; it does not pay attendees’ bills.

💙 Why it matters: Speaking with several services in one place can make it easier to find a starting point when financial problems feel overwhelming.

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Frankston High celebrates solar project milestone

Frankston High School will celebrate completion of the first phase of its Solar School Initiative on Tuesday 20 October, from 9am to 10am.

The celebration will take place in the school’s Performing Arts Theatre, following its fundraising efforts during 2025. Event information and bookings are available through TryBooking.

💙 Why it matters: The milestone recognises the work of students and their school community in turning a sustainability goal into a completed project.

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Banyan Reserve opening celebration on Friday

Carrum Downs’ upgraded Banyan Reserve play space and pump track will officially open with a free community celebration on Friday 23 October.

The event runs from 3pm to 5pm at 47R Luscombe Avenue, with family activities, refreshments, skate lessons and BMX demonstrations.

The reserve includes climbing equipment, water play, swings, an accessible carousel and beginner and intermediate pump-track areas.

💙 Why it matters: The upgraded reserve gives local families and people of different abilities more opportunities to play, ride and spend time together.

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Meet local police at Jubilee Park

Frankston Police will join the community at Jubilee Park Stadium on Saturday 24 October for the annual Community Engagement Round.

Activities advertised include a Police versus FDNA netball game, giveaways and Community Spirit Medallions awarded during the day’s games.

The event is being held as part of the Saturday Spring Season. Check the stadium’s event listing for further information.

💙 Why it matters: Meeting police through local sport gives families and young people an opportunity to build connections in a familiar community setting.

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Trading-card festival comes to Frankston

Peninsula TCG Fest is coming to Jubilee Park on Sunday 25 October, bringing together trading-card collectors, players, vendors and fans.

The event is advertised from 9am to 4pm. Check the organiser’s Eventbrite listing for ticket options and entry details before attending.

💙 Why it matters: Shared interests create opportunities for people to meet, learn from one another and enjoy activities close to home.

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Next Council meeting on Monday 26 October

Frankston City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday 26 October. Residents can check Council’s website for the agenda and meeting arrangements.

💙 Why it matters: Following Council meetings helps residents understand the decisions affecting their neighbourhoods and the wider city.

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Two Bays Snapper Challenge returns

The Two Bays Snapper Challenge will run from Friday 30 October to Saturday 7 November across Port Phillip Bay and Western Port.

Hosted by Reedy’s Rigs and the Frankston Bombers Football Club, the competition includes individual, junior, team and club categories and raises funds for the club.

A free presentation day and fishing and boating expo will follow at Frankston Bombers Football Club on Sunday 8 November, from 11am to 5pm.

Competition registration and rules are available on the Reedy’s Rigs website.

💙 Why it matters: The event brings anglers, families and local businesses together while supporting a Frankston sporting club.

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Strong Voice art workshops continue in November

Free Strong Voice art workshops will be held at Orwil Street Community House on Sundays 1 and 8 November, from 1pm to 3pm.

The workshops celebrate the creativity and stories of people with disability, with participants creating artwork for the Strong Voice exhibition at Cube 37, Frankston Arts Centre.

The venue is at 16 Orwil Street, Frankston. To book, email info@orwilst.org.au or contact the community house on 9783 5073.

💙 Why it matters: Accessible creative opportunities give people a place to connect, express themselves and share their work with the wider community.

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