Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam’s multi-country sister cities trip has generated confirmed economic, cultural and educational outcomes for the city, according to a detailed report tabled at the 17 November Council meeting. STPL News has had the opportunity to review the full report, which outlines 32 official meetings and engagements across Japan, China, Fiji and the United States.
Major economic and partnership outcomes
A Chinese construction materials company, Wuxi Wangxing Curtain Wall Decorative Engineering Co. Ltd, has formally expressed interest in establishing a 20 million dollar manufacturing facility in Frankston. According to the company, the project would create around 30 local jobs.
“FRANKSTON is a beautiful city and also one with great market potential.”
“Our company plans to invest AUD 20 million to set up a factory of approximately 10,000 square meters, with an organisation of about 30 people.”
International business interest also emerged through the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“It was a pleasure meeting with you recently and having you connect with our Mayor and other elected officials during your visit to Wichita, Kansas.”
“We are interested in exploring the possibility of establishing a sister chamber relationship with the Frankston Business Collective.”
“We look forward to continuing our conversation and exploring how our communities might collaborate for mutual benefit.”
The Frankston Business Chamber (formerly Frankston Business Collective) CE0 Bernadine Geary said the delegation demonstrated the advantages of outward engagement.
“The partnerships established by the Mayor on this goodwill tour shows what is possible through proactive global outreach. Between Ambassador Xiao Qian’s visit to Frankston City in August and this latest series of international discussions, Frankston City is emerging as a confident, regionally anchored city with a growing global outlook.”
Other confirmed outcomes in the delegation report include:
- A psychology practice proposal creating up to seven local jobs
- A potential Sino cultural exhibition for Frankston
- A 15,000 dollar contribution from Wuxi partners towards the Accessible Beach pilot
- Renewal of the Susono Sister City Memorandum of Understanding
- A new Friendship City agreement with Annapolis, Maryland
- Expanded education cooperation involving Monash University Peninsula Campus, Chisholm, Jiangnan University and Wuxi University of Technology
Delegation undertaken at reduced cost
The report confirms Mayor Bolam self-funded his own airfares, meals, transport and incidental expenses totalling more than 8,700 dollars. Council’s contribution of 8,026.99 dollars for accommodation and ceremonial items was approximately 30 percent below the approved budget.
In the report, Bolam said the outcomes highlight the value of maintaining active international relationships.
“The results of this tour speak for themselves – new partnerships, investment pathways, and opportunities that will continue to unfold in the months and years ahead.”
He also emphasised the importance of global engagement.
“Our strength lies in engagement, not isolation.”
Context: earlier criticism about value for money
The outcomes detailed in the delegation report follow earlier public criticism from Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh. His comments were central to STPL News’ previous coverage of the issue and focused on concerns about value for money during economic pressures.
As reported by the Herald Sun, Marsh said:
“I’d never dream of going on a round-the-world trip funded by ratepayers. Any money spent by a council on ratepayers’ behalf has to be able to show tangible outcomes.”
“Spending that sort of money on something that is really just a nicety during a cost-of-living crisis doesn’t pass the pub test.”
The documents released by Frankston City Council outline multiple economic proposals, partnerships and cultural agreements that are now progressing.
Program to be strengthened with outcome-based criteria
Council will increase funding for Sister and Friendship Cities relationships from 15,000 to 20,000 dollars from 2026 to 2027. Funding will be tied to measurable results and strategic purpose, with work underway on a new framework to guide future partnerships.
Bolam said the next step is to progress the opportunities identified across the trip.
“Our task now is to turn goodwill into results – building on this momentum to secure new investment, strengthen cultural ties, and deliver opportunities for Frankston City’s future.”
FACT CHECK… PLEASE EXPLAIN
Mayor Bolam self-funded his airfares and incidentals for the 2025 overseas trip ✅ Yes — documented in council motion and media reporting Bayside News+1
The amount of those self-funded expenses ✅ Documented: $7,240.56 Bayside News+1
Claim that the amount was “more than $8,700” ❌ Not supported by public records