A NEW cafe at Frankston RSL is providing employment training for people living with disabilities. The Welcome Post Cafe operating at Frankston RSL is run in conjunction with support service-provider Wallara Australia. The café operates at Frankston RSL every Wednesday and Friday from 10am to serve the RSL’s veteran coffee groups. Wallara Australia’s Ben Sutherland, who has been part of the hospitality pathways program at the cafe for six months, says “it’s good practice for the job market and will help me with pathways to future employment.” “I love learning about the veterans a bit more about their lives and…
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FRANKSTON Waterfront has been transformed into a magical wonderland for the 2026 Australian Sand Sculpting Championships. Open daily from 10.00am-5.00pm until Sunday, April 26, it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity, imagination, and family fun. Presented by Sandstorm Events, proudly sponsored by EastLink and supported by Frankston City Council’s Destination Event Attraction Program, this year’s championships showcase more than 400 tonnes of sand sculpted into 16 large-scale installations. From fairytale castles to majestic dragons and mythical creatures, this year’s theme, The Enchanted Realm, invites visitors to step into a world where fantasy and artistry collide. Fourteen solo sculptures have each been…
BELVOIR St Theatre, one of Australia’s most celebrated theatre companies, brings Mandela Mathia’s powerful autobiographical solo show Lose to Win to Frankston Arts Centre for one night only on Saturday 16 May, as part of the 2026 Season and the South Side Festival. Blending spoken word, song and humour, Mathia (known for The Cherry Orchard) shares his extraordinary journey from South Sudan to Egypt, and ultimately to Australia. Forced to flee his war-torn home as a child, he spent years searching for safety, identity and belonging—before discovering a passion for performance. The result is a deeply personal and uplifting work…
STREET artists transformed Frankston’s public spaces last week during the annual Frankston Street Art Festival. Spanning nine years and 100 murals, the Frankston Street Art Festival annually brings in internationally-renowned artists. Artists featured this year include Arina Apostolova, Buff Diss, Creature Creature, Father Marker, Jack Rowland, Juzpop, Kitsune Jolene, Mick Russell, Sam Absurd, and Shaun Devenney. Frankston Council public art officer Rebecca Gendron said the Frankston Street Art Festival “has completely transformed the look and feel of our CBD over the past nine years.” “100 artworks is a huge milestone and it’s a reflection of the talent we’ve attracted, the…
VICTORIA Police powers to search people for weapons without warrants within the Bayside Shopping Centre precinct have been extended for four months. At the beginning of the year, Victoria Police designated the Frankston’s Bayside Shopping Centre precinct as a “Designated Area under section 10D of the Control of Weapons Act 1990”. The declaration allows police to warrantless weapon searches, including electronic wand searches, vehicle and bag searches, and frisks (“Expanded police powers at shops” The Times, 12/1/2026). That designation was scheduled to expire on 28 February, but last week was extended until 30 June. The expanded police powers have proved…
A $30 MILLION TAFE centre focused on AI and other emerging technologies is set to be established in Frankston. The state and federal government has announced the Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence, which will be situated at the Chisholm Institute’s Frankston campus. A $20.6 million “Home and Community Care Centre of Excellence” will also be established at Holmesglen Institute’s Moorabbin campus. The Frankston centre will host TAFE simulation labs with artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other emerging fields with applied research and evaluation. The Moorabbin Home and Community Care Centre of Excellence will help meet the demand for home‑based…
MAJOR developments in Frankston are being fast-tracked under a new council scheme. The “Priority Development Program” launched last week. Under the initiative, Frankston Council will fast-track eligible major developments by offering priority case management, clear upfront guidance, and a commitment to decisions within 16 weeks. The passage of the FMAC Structure Plan in 2025 paved the way for more high-rise developments in Frankston. Late last year Frankston councillors unanimously approved plans for a 10 storey building at 347-349 Nepean Highway, a 14 storey building at 431 Nepean Highway, and ticked off amended 14-storey plans for 424-426 Nepean Highway. Construction on…
Healthcare workers gathered at Peninsula University Hospital on 20 January to call for better pay. The demonstration took place on the same day that the hospital’s new 12-storey building officially opened its doors. The Health Workers Union’s negotiations with the state government for a pay rise have reached an impasse. The Victorian Hospitals Industrial Association is locked in negotiations with the Health Workers Union, with assistance from the Fair Work Commission. On 12 January the HWU announced that workers would close one in every four hospital beds, cease cleaning of non-clinical areas, and suspend the training and onboarding of new…
THE redeveloped Peninsula University Hospital has officially opened its doors. The former Frankston Hospital has been undergoing $1.1 billion redevelopment works. The new 12-storey tower is now open and operational. Peninsula Health confirmed that it would be moving patients into the new tower on 20 January. In a statement it said “throughout the day, patients and consumers (except those in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, Westernport and our PAPU unit) will be transferred from our current building into the new inpatient wards. “During the move, visits are limited to essential support people only. Once patients and consumers are settled, families…
THE Chamber Philharmonia Cologne is set to travel from Germany to Frankston for a performance next week. The concert will feature works from Antonio Vivaldi, Mozart, Handel and Boccherini. The Chamber Philharmonia Cologne (pictured left) performs 200 concerts each year, regularly touring Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, and Germany. “Classical Music Around the World is the guiding idea of the ensemble. Whether performing in a small village church, an open-air venue, a cathedral, or a large concert hall, the musicians bring the same passion and dedication to every performance—be it in their hometown of Cologne or in cities…
Two men have been arrested as police continue to investigate a series of alleged ATM ram raids across Victoria over the last two months, including incidents in Frankston and Baxter. Police have linked nine alleged burglaries and attempted burglaries which targeted a variety of businesses across the state from November to January this year. It will be alleged stolen tow trucks were used to force entry into the businesses, including those with ATMs affixed on walls outside, causing more than $1 million in combined damage. The alleged incidents across Melbourne included a restaurant on Heatherhill Road in Frankston about 3am…
A SURVEY conducted by Peninsula Community Legal Centre has found that more than one-in-three people are facing hidden legal problems, including unpaid fines and debts. The Peninsula Community Legal Centre’s mobile legal office, the Street Law Coffee Van, made 136 visits across Melbourne’s south-east between February 2024 and August 2025. It conducted 3799 “legal health checks” during that time, finding that 36 percent of clients had a legal issue that needed addressing. PCLC CEO Jackie Galloway said that a majority of the identified issues related to housing insecurity and cost of living stress. She said “this data confirms what we…
UP to $10 million in ratepayer funding is set to be put towards a project to transform Nepean Highway and surrounding pedestrian areas. Frankston Council ticked off a “Nepean Boulevard Precinct Revitalisation” masterplan in early 2025, outlining a series of projects to improve the road and its surrounds. Proposed works include intersection upgrades at Overton Road; the redevelopment of the Kananook Creek Gateway; upgrades at Davey and Fletcher Streets prioritising pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport; Ring Road safety improvements; central median greening; use of the Comfort Station; construction of shared user paths linking Olivers Hill, the Bay Trail, and Frankston…
A SWATHE of accessibility measures were installed at Frankston Beach last week. Last Friday, 5 December, 70 metres of beach matting extending to the water’s edge was put into place. Complimentary beach wheelchairs and equipment, daybeds, and cabanas were also installed. Trained staff and volunteers have also been placed onsite for the summer. The pilot program, which is set to cost around $200,000, has been supported by multiple local donors. Accessible Beaches Australia has spearheaded the project – the proposal was inspired by a similar accessible beach in Nice, France. Accessible Beaches Australia founder Shane Hryhorec said if successful, the…
THE $2.1 million redeveloped Frankston Arts Centre forecourt was officially opened last week. The forecourt now features upgraded pathways and ramps, separate areas for cars and pedestrians with marked drop-off and pick-up zones, enhanced lighting, additional seating, a new water feature, and larger street-facing signage. Alongside the new forecourt, the mezzanine gallery of the dress circle was also renamed the “Gale Dudeck Lounge” last month. Gail Dudeck was among the leading voices in the campaign to build the Frankston Arts Centre – her granddaughter Amy Dudeck said “seeing the forecourt transformed alongside the dedication of the Gail Dudeck Lounge is…
THE Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula has announced that Phil Hayes-Brown and Ross Kilborn are the recipients of the committee’s first Annual Leadership Award. The awards were presented on 3 December at the committee’s Annual General Meeting. The head of disability support organisation Wallara, CEO Phil Hayes-Brown’s, recognition came during an important week for the disability community, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disability, which promotes awareness, understanding and acceptance. “I’m honoured by this recognition, but it belongs to the Wallara team and our partners across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula,” Hayes-Brown said. “It’s proof that inclusive…
Get ready to journey down the yellow brick road! PLOS Musical Productions is thrilled to announce preparations for our January 2026 season of The Wizard of Oz! The excitement is building as we prepare to bring this iconic tale to the stage, and we can’t wait to share it with you. We’re proud to introduce an incredible cast, featuring some PLOS favourites alongside a fresh face! Returning to the stage are the talented Courtney Smyth and Elise Stevens, joined by newcomer Lana Hutchinson, who will bring Dorothy to life. Courtney will embody the wickedly delightful Wicked Witch—a role she has…
FRANKSTON Council is actively working to resolve the ongoing issue of unapproved works being undertaken on Crown foreshore land, a council statement issued last week claims. The issue of residents undertaking alleged illegal works along the foreshore has reared its head multiple times this year – a seawall has been allegedly constructed without approval near Oliver’s Hill, and last month onlookers spotted an excavator operating a short distance from the seawall. (“More unapproved beach works investigated”, The Times 27/11/2025) Last week, Frankston mayor Kris Bolam asserted that council is actively pursuing the allegations. “Frankston City Council is aware of recent…
A MAN allegedly used a Frankston payphone to call in a hoax bomb threat to a train station on 31 October. Police say the man used a phone on Ashleigh Avenue to call Southern Cross Railway Station – he left a message saying that bombs were at the station and on trains heading towards Ballarat and Mildura. The call was allegedly made at 5.45am. In a statement, Victoria Police said they “quickly identified the call was a hoax.” “Trains were checked as a precaution and there was no disruption to services,” Victoria Police said. The man has not yet been…
MAJOR developments in Frankston will be “fast-tracked” within 16 weeks under a new council plan. From 31 January next year, Frankston Council is expected to implement guaranteed 16-week planning assessments for qualifying major developments. In a statement council says it will offer developers “enhanced pre-application guidance” and “dedicated post-permit concierge support” to expedite the approval process. Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said that the new planning initiative would encourage developers to build housing in Frankston. “The Priority Fasttrack Program sends a clear message: Frankston City is open for business. We’re giving investors confidence and bringing new development to market faster —…
THE annual Frankston Christmas Festival is set to take place this weekend. The event on 29 November will feature music, food, and entertainment across Frankston’s CBD. The Little Beauty Christmas Twilight Market will take place at Beauty Park, the Smurfs Winter Wonderland Live Show will take the stage at the Art Centre, and a Christmas Parade will run through Davey Street. The day will be concluded by the Norfolk Pine tree lighting ceremony, and finally a fireworks display at 9.15pm. Frankston deputy mayor Steffie Conroy said “for my two children, nothing says ‘Christmas is coming’ quite like the Frankston Christmas…
Police are investigating the death of a man in Frankston this morning (23 November). Emergency services were called to conduct a welfare check on a man behaving erratically on Warringa Rd about 12am. When officers arrived at the scene the man allegedly charged at police. The 35-year-old Frankston man was handcuffed. Medical treatment was provided to the man who had a number of lacerations. The male began to deteriorate, and officers released the handcuffs and continued to provide medical treatment. The man further deteriorated and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances of the man’s death…
ALLEGATIONS of more illegal works being undertaken along Frankston Beach are being investigated by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Outcry broke out earlier this year when alleged illegal works were undertaken along the beach near Oliver’s Hill – a homeowner constructed a seawall on coastal Crown land without approval. Earlier this week, onlookers spotted more works being undertaken a short distance from the seawall. The Times is not suggesting that the homeowner involved in the first incident is connected to the second, and understands the latest allegations are being investigated separately. In a statement, DEECA confirmed that…
THREE people are dead after a horrors few days on the water last week.Two men died in the water at Frankston Beach during a wild storm last Wednesday, 22 October.Emergency services were called to the beach after two people were spotted in trouble in the water. Police believe that one of the men was surfing when his board snapped, prompting the second man to jump into the water to help. At around 5pm, the police Air Wing helicopter located the two people unresponsive. The men were winched back to shore, but could not be resuscitated. They were declared dead.Frankston mayor…
SINGER Graham G Toole has hit the jackpot as Kenny Rogers. Graham has made a career out of singing the songs of the greats, performing tributes to Glen Campbell, John Denver, and Kenny Rogers over the past 38 years. Growing up in a musical household, Graham’s passion for music was evident from an early age. He joined an old-time dance band and, at 16, won a talent competition to be the curtain-raiser for a young John Williamson’s travelling out west TV show. Graham’s performances transcend generations, with grandparents eager to share the music. “They’re just such well-crafted songs,” he says.…
Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information after a man was found with serious injuries in Frankston last night. Emergency services were called to reports of a man in his 40s with head injuries on Cecil Street, near Victoria Parade, about 7.10pm. He was taken to hospital and remains in a critical condition. Police are working to establish the circumstances of the incident and where it occurred. At this stage, detectives do not believe the man was struck by a vehicle. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or any information that could assist police is urged…
South East Water has lifted the Boil Water Advisory for Frankston South – the water is safe to drink. Customers and community who are in the affected streets no longer need to boil their water as a precaution and can use tap water as normal. South East Water’s water quality sampling results have come back clear. This confirms the water in Frankston South is safe to drink. Approximately 1200 households in parts of Frankston South were impacted due to a faulty valve which has now been repaired. South East Water recommends affected customers to flush their taps for 5 minutes…
Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged three people after a car was allegedly stolen and a 3D printed firearm was located in Frankston this morning. It is alleged understood three people were loitering in a carpark near a grey Hyundai i30 with alleged cloned plates about 1.15am. Officers were told they got into a white Renault Koleos and drove along the Nepean Highway. Police located the Koleos a short time later parked outside a hotel. A man and a woman got back into the vehicle before Operation Trinity officers intercepted it. The Koleos was searched and the keys to…
South East Water has advised that as of 12:30am 4 August 2025, the tap water at Frankston South is not safe to drink without boiling first. The advisory is in place because the water pressure in the area has dropped on Sunday 3 August 2025. Low or no water pressure can let dirty water and/or sediment into the water pipes. When water pressure is low, it means the water isn’t flowing strongly through the pipes. Boiling the water kills any contaminants that might be there. Low water pressure and interruptions to water supply can lead to a build-up of bacteria that…
Victoria Police caught 835 drink and drug drivers in the Frankston area and along the Mornington Peninsula over the past year. Preliminary data from the 24/25 FY reveals more than half of all drug drivers were repeat offenders, while one in five drink drivers had been previously caught over the blood alcohol concentration limit. 471 drug drivers were detected, with Peninsula Link and the Mornington Peninsula Freeway hotspots for these offenders. 83 drivers – or 18% – tested positive to more than one illicit substance, with 359 – or 76% – testing positive for methylamphetamine. Alarmingly, more than 60% of…