Is Frankston "A Place for Everyone?"
- Maureen Rodgers
- Jun 11, 2024
- 3 min read
Is Frankston “A Place for Everyone”?
As an aspiring Local council candidate I have reflected on councils existing slogan, “Enjoy Every Moment.” I don’t think this rings true. I don’t think this is what makes us us. I submit an alternative: “A Place for Everyone. “
It’s not a secret that Frankston has a reputation for being “sketchy”. Like all communities, some people are struggling, but Frankston can be – should be – an accepting place for everyone. It’s a place that diverse people choose to call home. I know that City of Frankston is a place or everyone.
I am running for council in October 2024 because I am passionate about working with, and representing all, the voices in our community. At a glance, you might think that Frankston is monocultural, but you don’t have to scratch the surface too far to see that we have an abundance of potential in celebrating our diversity.
Having served as a Youth Worker in and around Frankston for decades, I have been privileged to meet and spend time with our most diverse residents, many of whom would say they are certainly not able to fulfil their desire to “Enjoy Every Moment.” There are many social and community issues here that are making life very difficult our residents.
In my experience, I can say that many of our residents are struggling with issues like the cost of living, affordable housing, accessing much needed mental health support and discrimination. The evidence for this is within Frankston’s current Health and Wellbeing plan 2021 – 2025. The report notes:
· There are people struggling in our community. There are pockets of significant socio- economic disadvantage in Frankston, with three local areas falling within the lowest 25% of most disadvantaged suburbs in Australia.
· In Frankston one in nine adults – one in nine - have experienced food insecurity, running out of food and not being able to afford to buy more.
· One in ten young people are not engaged in education or training.
· People here are doing it tough. The number of employed people in Frankston seeking homelessness assistance grew by 52 per cent in two years from 2020 – 2023 (Council to homeless Persons 2024). And were going to change that together.
I care about these things. Elect me to council – allow our voice to be heard – and the opinions of our residents will be at the forefront of my mind when taking decisions, particularly for those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. I will advocate for the council’s continued support and investment in youth and community services. I will also explore opportunities for families to access affordable recreation opportunities.
I care about this community. I am privileged to have met some of the most friendly, helpful, generous, and resilient people. Through my volunteer role as a Langwarrin Local administrator, I have been inspired by how many residents help each other, share their preloved goods, find each other’s pets, and provide each other with valuable advice.
Cast your vote. If this shared vision for our home resonates with you, then I guarantee you this - I will ensure council decisions are in the best interests of the whole community.
References
Frankston City Council (2024, May 24). “City Stats and Facts”.
Johnson, A. (2018, May 24). “It doesn’t need to be this way”: The promise of specialised early intervention in psychosis services. IEPA. https://iepa.org.au/network-news/it-doesnt-need-to-be-this-way-the-promise-of-specialised-early-intervention-in-psychosis-services/
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