Frankston’s Community Connector outreach team will remain a fixture in the city centre for at least another year, with new funding extending the program and expanding its reach beyond the train station precinct.
The initiative — a partnership between Frankston City Council, South East Community Links and Metro Trains — will continue operating at Frankston Station and Young Street until September 2026. Two additional social workers will now be based in Station Street Mall and Shannon Mall, supported by a new partnership with Vicinity Centres, which manages the Bayside Shopping Centre.
Expanding a Proven Model
Launched in late 2024, the pilot program was created to tackle recurring social issues in the Frankston CBD such as mental health crises, substance abuse and visible homelessness. Instead of relying on enforcement, trained social workers in purple vests engage directly with people in need, providing immediate assistance, advice, and links to local services.
Since January, the outreach team has recorded 1,450 community engagements, 185 service referrals, 124 de-escalations of confrontations, and 340 harm-prevention interactions.
Focus on Collaboration Over Enforcement
Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy said the extension represents a shift toward addressing the underlying causes of social harm rather than simply relocating problems.
“The pilot has shown that it’s possible to target the root causes of social harm while creating a greater sense of safety in the city centre,” Cr Conroy said.
She said the new funding would help reach more people and strengthen ties with local traders and services.
South East Community Links CEO Peter McNamara said the expansion demonstrates “the power of partnerships and the impact of being on the ground,” while Metro Trains and Vicinity Centres both expressed their support for embedding the initiative more deeply in the Frankston community.
Support for Local Traders
As part of the rollout, Council has also introduced a Trader Support Directory to assist local businesses in managing safety and wellbeing issues. The guide outlines emergency contacts, enforcement roles and available support services, aiming to build confidence among retailers dealing with issues such as antisocial behaviour or graffiti.
Deputy Mayor Conroy said the directory was about giving traders practical tools and reassurance.
“Our CBD traders play a vital role in shaping the city centre experience. This directory connects them to the support they need to help make Frankston safer, cleaner and more welcoming.”
Printed and online versions of the directory will be distributed across Young Street, Station Street Mall and Shannon Mall.
For more information, visit frankston.vic.gov.au/Community-Connectors.
