Frankston City Council has been recognised as an Established Welcoming City, following a national assessment that reviewed how inclusion and community participation are built into the way the city operates day to day.
The recognition comes through the Welcoming Cities program, a national framework used by councils across Australia to assess how welcoming and accessible their services, policies and community engagement are for people from all backgrounds.
What the accreditation means
Council joined the Welcoming Cities network in late 2023, with the accreditation process involving a review of existing policies, programs and practices rather than the introduction of a single new initiative. According to Council, the assessment returned a score of 4.4 out of 5, placing Frankston at the Established level.
Rather than focusing on symbolic gestures, the accreditation looks at how councils engage with residents in practical ways, including how information is shared, how feedback is gathered, and how people are supported to participate in community life.
What was highlighted in the assessment
Frankston City Council said the assessment highlighted strengths in areas such as reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, inclusive engagement practices, and programs that support social connection and participation.
Council also pointed to its status as a Refugee Welcome Zone, which reflects a commitment to welcoming people from refugee backgrounds and supporting cultural and religious diversity across the municipality.
Mayor’s comments
Frankston City Mayor Sue Baker said the recognition reflected both the diversity of the local community and the work being done to support inclusion.
“Frankston City is home to people from many cultures, backgrounds and life experiences, and this accreditation recognises the work being done to ensure everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.”
Mayor Baker said the outcome reinforced the importance of ensuring council services, public spaces and decision-making processes reflect the community they serve.
“This is about making sure our services, spaces and decision-making reflect the people who live here, and that our community continues to grow stronger through inclusion.”
What happens next
The assessment also identified areas where Council can continue to improve, with Welcoming Cities encouraging Frankston to consider applying for Advanced Welcoming City status in the future.
The Welcoming Cities program is used by councils across Victoria and nationally as a way to benchmark progress, share learning and strengthen local approaches to inclusion and social cohesion.
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