Frankston Business Chamber has welcomed Frankston City Council’s unanimous support for a Trader and Community Training and Support Pilot Program.
The Chamber said the proposal marks an important step for local traders and hospitality operators dealing with safety concerns, anti-social behaviour and pressure on staff.
Council backed the motion this week after Cr Nathan Butler called for a report by October 2026 on a possible pilot program for traders, businesses, volunteers and community-facing organisations.
Traders Seek Practical Support
The motion followed a meeting convened by the Chamber with local businesses, Victoria Police, council officers, Neighbourhood Watch and community support organisations.
Frankston Business Chamber CEO Bernadine Geary said traders were asking for clear support, not extra responsibility.
Local traders and hospitality operators have told us they are increasingly dealing with complex situations that impact staff wellbeing, customer confidence and business operations. They are not asking to become social workers – they are asking for practical support, clear referral pathways and a coordinated response.
The review will consider de-escalation training, improved referral pathways, expanded Community Connectors, stronger coordination between agencies and businesses, and advocacy for greater intelligence-led PSO visibility across the broader Frankston activity centre.
Balancing Safety And Support
Ms Geary said businesses also wanted responses that recognised vulnerable members of the community.
Importantly, the businesses we met with also expressed genuine compassion for vulnerable members of our community and want to be part of solutions that balance safety, support and dignity.
The Chamber said the existing Trader Support Directory had already given businesses a useful foundation for finding support services.
The Trader Support Directory has already provided a valuable foundation for businesses seeking support services and referral pathways. This motion builds on that work and explores practical ways to strengthen support for traders and community-facing organisations.
Frankston Business Chamber Thanks Council
The Chamber thanked Cr Butler for bringing the motion forward and acknowledged councillors for listening to local traders and hospitality operators.
The unanimous support for this motion sends a strong message that Council is committed to supporting local businesses while continuing to work towards positive outcomes for vulnerable members of our community.
The Frankston Business Chamber said it would continue working with council, Victoria Police, community organisations and local businesses as the proposal progresses.
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