Frankston City Council’s Accessible Beach program has received statewide recognition, taking out the Social Wellbeing Award at the 2026 Victorian Tidy Towns and Cities Awards.
The award was presented in Melbourne on Wednesday, 30 September, recognising the Australia’s Most Accessible Beach project at Frankston Beach.
The Australian-first pilot was designed to make the beach more accessible for people with disabilities and mobility challenges.
More Than 450 People Used Frankston Accessible Beach
Delivered in partnership with Accessible Beaches Australia, with support from Life Saving Victoria and Accessibility Australia, the program operated across 30.5 days last summer.
The project included 70 metres of beach matting, complimentary beach wheelchairs and walkers, and trained staff to assist visitors.
Frankston City Council said more than 450 people participated in the program, with 91.8 per cent of surveyed participants saying the initiative was their primary reason for visiting Frankston.
Frankston City Mayor Sue Baker congratulated those involved in delivering the project.
“On behalf of Frankston City Council I’d like to congratulate the entire project team involved in winning the Social Wellbeing award,” Mayor Baker said.
“It’s a proud moment for Frankston City and a credit to our staff, volunteers, partners and residents who share in these successes.”
“These accolades reflect our City’s pride, passion and innovation – hallmarks of a City confidently evolving from a seaside town into a leading regional destination.”
Frankston Finishes Second Overall
The Accessible Beach project was one of three Frankston City Council or council-supported finalists recognised at this year’s awards.
The Seaford Banksia Arboretum Project was a finalist in the Environmental category, while the Creative Circularity program was a finalist in the Behaviour Change and Education category.
Frankston also finished second in the overall 2026 Tidy Town award, having won the statewide title in 2025.
Last year, the city also received the Environment Award for its Growing Our Urban Forest initiative.
Accessible Beach Program Returning This Summer
Australia’s Most Accessible Beach will return to Frankston this summer, with the program scheduled to operate every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from December through February during set hours.
The returning program will also be supported by a new Changing Places facility to be located at the Frankston Foreshore.
