Frankston Council Expands Community Services Package, Targeting Social Impact

Frankston Council has announced a significant expansion of its community services this week, committing $3.4 million in new funding for local programs through the 2026-27 budget. The policy update, revealed at Monday’s ordinary council meeting, affects a range of services used by thousands of residents each month, including the redeployment of social workers, more funding for homelessness outreach, and upgrades to key community centres.

Stronger Safety Net at a Time of Demand

This policy comes amid sharp rises in demand for crisis support and social assistance across Frankston, according to data tabled in the last budget review. Demand for emergency food parcels, for example, has nearly doubled since mid-2024 at support sites such as Frankston Community Support. Social and youth workers report increases in referrals from families struggling with rent or isolation, as well as more seniors needing digital literacy or transport help. Local advocates say the safety net is under pressure from rising living costs and renewed health concerns among vulnerable groups.

Council's new package includes immediate boosts for the Peninsula Community Legal Centre and extra resources for Frankston Library’s Home Library Service, with more frequent delivery runs targeting mobility-impaired residents. At the Frankston North Community Centre, a pilot program will embed a mental health worker on site for two days a week, while the Council has also earmarked $250,000 to expand after school youth sessions in Carrum Downs and Seaford. According to the 2026-27 Frankston Budget Paper, new allocations for homelessness prevention and outreach are projected to provide intervention for up to 180 additional households before winter ends.

Evidence Points to Local Needs

The Council’s background report references census data showing that nearly 1 in 7 Frankston households received some form of social assistance in the previous quarter. The 2025 Multicultural Community Survey also identified language support as a barrier for many, leading to a trial program based in Karingal. More support is planned for volunteer-run neighbourhood houses, with $120,000 in upgrade grants available, and expanded free digital skills sessions set to reach over 800 older residents by December.

Policy analysts say the broad approach aims to reduce bottlenecks in access, especially for those without cars or reliable internet. The council’s costings, published in the public budget summary, note that total community services spending will rise by 17 percent in the upcoming year, reaching over $16 million. Council officers have told the public session that spending will be partly offset through state contributions and local partnerships, limiting direct increases in rates. The legislation states all new posts must be filled by September to ensure service continuity through the next financial year.

With program recruitment due to begin this month, all new and expanded services are scheduled to roll out by October. Residents can expect more information through council mailouts and local online forums. Community centres are taking expressions of interest from potential volunteers, and service feedback will be collected each quarter to inform ongoing improvements.