Frankston City Mayor Cr Sue Baker and council CEO Tennille Bradley will spend a winter night outdoors this month as Frankston City Council pushes for more State Government funding to tackle rough sleeping.
The pair will take part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on the Frankston foreshore, with council calling for $2.5 million over four years for additional outreach workers in Frankston City.
Council wants the funding to strengthen the Frankston and Mornington Zero Project, which supports people sleeping rough through coordinated outreach, housing referrals and support services.
The funding request forms part of council’s 2026 Frankston City First advocacy campaign ahead of the November state election.
Rough sleeping reaches four-year high
Council says rough sleeping in Frankston City has reached a four-year high, with more than 59 people identified as sleeping rough each night in May.
Cr Baker, who will take part in the sleepout for the first time, said the event could not replicate homelessness but could help draw attention to the issue.
“Behind that number are real people just like you and me — individuals, families and young people — who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances, often out of sight.”
Cr Baker said awareness needed to lead to funding for programs that move people off the street and into stable housing.
“But awareness alone isn’t enough. With the State Election coming up, there’s a real opportunity to invest in solutions that work, and outreach is one of the most effective ways to help people move off the streets and into stable housing.”
Council seeks more outreach workers
The Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Zero Project launched in 2021.
Since then, 361 people experiencing rough sleeping in Frankston have been added to the project’s By-Name List, which helps outreach workers track people’s needs and connect them with housing, health care and support.
Council says demand continues to rise.
As of May 2026, 92 people were actively listed with the project, including the 59 people sleeping rough. Council says that is the highest number recorded.
Ms Bradley said homelessness in Frankston was often less visible than people realised, with some residents sleeping in cars, staying on couches, or living in overcrowded homes.
“We’re seeing increasing demand and complexity, which is why strengthening our local response is critical.”
Council says the requested State Government funding would create two dedicated outreach teams to support rough sleepers until safe and stable housing can be found.
“We know outreach works, it’s how we build trust with people who are often disconnected from services and support them into safer, more stable pathways.”
Vinnies funds to stay local
More than 260 leaders across Victoria are taking part in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout, which has a statewide fundraising target of $1.75 million.
The money will support accommodation and homelessness services, including help for people escaping violence.
Cr Baker and Ms Bradley will also ask local business and community leaders across Frankston City to join this year’s sleepout.
Vinnies has confirmed funds raised by the mayor and CEO will go back into the local area through Vinnies-approved providers after the campaign ends on 31 July.
Cr Baker said the issue required both compassion and investment.
“Every contribution helps, and so does raising awareness — but we also need sustained investment to tackle the root causes of homelessness.”
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