Frankston City Council will investigate a new training and support program for traders, businesses, volunteers and community groups dealing with complex social issues across the city.
Council unanimously supported a Notice of Motion from Cr Nathan Butler at Monday night’s meeting, calling for a report by October 2026 on a proposed Trader and Community Training and Support Pilot Program.
The motion says many traders and community-facing organisations, particularly in the CBD, regularly deal with rough sleeping, mental health challenges and anti-social behaviour.
Cr Butler said the proposal aims to give people practical tools, clearer referral pathways and more confidence when difficult situations arise.
Not About Making Traders Support Workers
Cr Butler said most people want to help, but many do not know how to respond safely.
Most people genuinely want to help. But many feel underprepared, unsupported, or unsure how to safely respond when difficult situations arise.
He said the program would focus on training and referral pathways, while keeping clear boundaries in place.
The motion says any training must not place traders, businesses or community members in the role of support workers. It must also protect personal and professional boundaries, prioritise safety and ensure participants do not put themselves in unsafe or high-risk situations.
Traders should not be left feeling like they are on their own when dealing with complex social issues on the frontline.
This motion is about exploring practical training, clear referral pathways and better support so businesses and community groups can respond safely, confidently and appropriately.
I also want to acknowledge the Frankston Business Collective for their strong advocacy and for continuing to represent the real concerns and experiences of businesses across our city.
Training Options To Be Explored
Council will consider training in Mental Health First Aid, de-escalation and conflict awareness, crisis-aware communication, understanding vulnerability and clear referral pathways.
The report will also look at in-person workshops, partnerships with service providers, links with local business networks and integration with existing programs such as the Trader Support Directory and outreach services.
The motion also notes the work of the Community Connectors Program, which aims to strengthen community relationships, improve engagement and support vulnerable community members.
Council has committed $200,000 in its endorsed 2026/27 Budget to continue the Community Connectors Program for a fourth year.
The program will also form part of Council’s advocacy priorities for the 2026 State Election.
Concerns Outside Current Service Areas
The motion also raises concerns from traders and businesses outside the current Community Connectors and Operation Pulse service areas.
Council will use a scheduled June 2026 meeting with South East Community Links and Vicinity Centres to review current operations, outcomes and broader impacts of the Community Connectors Program and Operation Pulse.
Cr Butler said the review would help Council better understand concerns from businesses outside current service areas and consider future improvements, service coverage and advocacy.
Chamber Welcomes Move
Frankston Business Chamber welcomed the unanimous vote, saying local businesses had raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, staff safety, customer confidence and business impacts in parts of the city.
CEO Bernadine Geary said traders wanted practical support and a coordinated response.
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.
Council has asked for the report to return by October 2026.
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