Frankston councillor and former mayor Cr Kris Bolam has received international recognition for his work in local government transparency, public administration and community-focused reform.
Cambridge IFA named Cr Bolam the 2026 3G Most Promising Politician of the Year as part of the Global Good Governance Awards.
The organisation said the award recognised his work in ethical public service, transparent policy and modernising local governance.
Cr Bolam represents Ballam Ward and has served four terms on Frankston City Council, including three terms as mayor. Council awarded him Mayor Emeritus status in 2025.
Recognition For Transparency Work
The award follows several governance and transparency reforms at Frankston City Council.
Council’s Transparency Hub gives residents access to information on decision making, budgets, projects and council data.
Council developed the hub through its Accountability and Transparency Reform project, which began in 2018.
The Victorian Parliamentary Accounts and Estimates Committee cited Frankston City Council’s Transparency Hub as an example of best practice in a 2025 report, noting it gave residents easier access to key council information.
Cr Bolam said the recognition reflected work undertaken in Frankston.
“I am truly honoured by this recognition. It’s a wonderful validation of our work in Frankston and a great reminder of the difference we can make when we focus on delivering real results for our community.”
AI And Public Sector Governance
Cr Bolam also joined an international panel at the Global Good Governance Summit to discuss artificial intelligence in the public sector.
The panel considered how governments and businesses could respond to rapid technological change while maintaining public trust and accountability.
Cr Bolam said public agencies needed to approach AI carefully.
“The integration of AI into public administration must be a stroll, not a sprint.”
“While we must embrace the transformative potential of these technologies to serve our communities better, we have a fundamental duty to ensure that robust governance frameworks and rigorous processes are firmly in place. Innovation without accountability is a risk we cannot afford.”
Push For Philanthropy Role
Cr Bolam has also renewed his call for Frankston City Council to consider a more formal approach to philanthropy and community fundraising.
He said Frankston had untapped community generosity that could support local causes alongside council, state and federal funding.
“There is depthless, untapped generosity throughout Frankston. Vital causes do not need to rely solely on ratepayers or taxpayers; there is an amazing collective spirit out there that can also help.”
According to material provided to STPL News, Cr Bolam raised about $220,000 for local causes last year, including the Accessible Beach Pilot and the Frankston Charitable Trust.
He also reported to council in March that he had raised a further $26,000 for local causes after finishing his mayoral term in December.
Cr Bolam said those results showed what council could achieve by giving philanthropy a more formal role.
Community Fundraising Continues
Cr Bolam’s recent fundraising work also included the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bail Out” event at the former Pentridge Prison.
The event sees participants “locked up” to raise money and awareness for youth mentoring programs.
According to material supplied to STPL News, Cr Bolam took part in the event alongside Merri-bek councillor Cr Oscar Yildiz.
Cr Bolam said the event reflected his broader view that local causes could draw stronger support from community philanthropy, not only government funding.
“I have always been guided by the principle that if you want to see change, you need to be that change. For the time I have remaining in politics, I am committed to continuing to be a change agent.”
It is understood that Cr Bolam is due to receive a Local Government Leadership and Civic Excellence Award at the Global Leadership and Excellence Awards Summit in Cape Town this month.
Information provided to STPL News attributes that recognition to his work in civic leadership, philanthropy, environmental programs and Frankston’s broader urban development.
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