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Even with works underway and cranes in the sky, our city thrives with fantastic shopping, dining and visitor experiences. This is thanks to the tens of thousands of people who live work and study here.

We are delighted to bring you Faces of Frankston - photographs and stories of many of the people you may pass on the street every day.

Scroll down to get to know some friendly faces, many of whom feature in the following Faces of Frankston video:

To get to know many of our city’s local traders and to download a 'Rediscover Frankston' booklet, please visit the Business as Usual page.

Cate

Meet Cate, she grew up in the area and now lives just outside of Frankston City. She still visits Frankston to watch her friend’s band, or go out. She says that she’s never had any bad experiences.

Mikayla-and-Jackson

Mikayla and Jackson both live in Frankston and go to school here. Jackson really likes the sports programs in his school. Mikayla loves being in a community with her friends all around the corner and so accessible to visit.

Rachel

Rachel grew up in Seaford and stayed on to work and has her own family here. As a former Real Estate Agent, she certainly who knows how to talk-up Frankston!

She loves living somewhere with great schools and shopping, which is only a quick drive to wineries in the Mornington Peninsula.

Jason

Jason is an arts lover who works at the Frankston Arts Centre. He is proud that Frankston is home to the second largest stage in Victoria, and can accommodate any type of performance, from the Sydney Dance Company to local calaesthetics groups. He also loves Cube 37, which he calls the people’s space which is ‘the fringe of the Arts Centre’.

Andrew-and-Marian

Meet Andrew and Marian. He has been living in Seaford for 53 years, and she has been here for 25 years. The couple, who both enjoy having a laugh, have seen a lot of changes to Frankston City over the years and love the waterfront. (In fact, Andrew is a keen Instagrammer, and enjoys using it to test his skills at capturing Frankston’s beauty). Marion is annoyed with the ‘rotton media attention’ that Frankston receives, and wishes that newsrooms would focus more on our terrific athletes.

Rhianna

Rhianna is a student of the arts, who loves acting and studies in the city. But Frankston is her home and she loves how close knit the community is here, especially the local shopkeepers, like the Metal Mosh and the Comic Place. She’s also a fan of the Frankston Library, and couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

Nancy-and-Ethan

Nancy and her son Ethan live in Skye . They both head into Frankston almost every weekend to cruise the shopping centre and meet up with other mums. She really likes how much the city centre has changed, particularly around the train station.

James

Originally from New Zealand, James has lived in Frankston for 15 years. He met his wife here and ‘loves it to bits’. He enjoys bringing his family over to show them around.

Divija-and-Mishika

Divija and Mishika came into Frankston with their parents to visit the area. Whe n we spoke they loved the beach and the shops and were looking forward to check out some local parks.

John-Higgs All-Aboard

John is a former science teacher at Frankston High School (1968 – 1992).

“I have run into many ex-students, and even crossed paths with one in Cooper Pedy. One bloke always greets me with ‘Hello Mr Higgs’. We then have a chat and I mention that he really should call me John. He always replies with ‘No, it will always be Mr Higgs.’John featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition which showed at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Take-a-selfie-promotion-with-Maree---28-Sept-2017-FCC-mark-calleja-5

Meet Maree. She works for Headspace and runs a VCAL program out of Chisholm which offers a second chance for young parents to complete high school and is proud to see her students go on to contribute to our city.

Kylie All-Aboard

Kylie works at Wholefoods Melbourne on Wells Street.
“We sell specialty organic and wholefoods. People who want specific food will seek us out. There is a real demand for the food we offer in Frankston," said Kylie.

Gail All-Aboard

Gail has travelled the world and lived in Germany for seven years, where she wrote for Woman’s Day Magazine. She returned in 1976 to live in Frankston City and considers her involvement in building the Frankston Arts Centre, being a member of its Board of Management and Chairperson for the Friends of the Frankston Arts Centre, among her greatest life achievements. Gail featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition.

Joan-Goodman All-Aboard

After living on a little farm on the Mornington Peninsula and working in the medical area for a few years, Joan decided Frankston would be the ideal place to retire. "It’s been our home since 1998 and we have witnessed a great many improvements and changes during that time."
Joan featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition.

-Guirguis All-Abouard

A pharmacist on Wells Street in Frankston, Beshoi looks forward to the extra visitors who will be visiting the City after the completion of the redevelopment works.
His business, Nova Pharmacy is located at 3 Wells Street Frankston.

Irene-Grishin-Selzer All-Aboard

Irene grew up in Seaford and studied ceramics and jewellery at Monash University in Frankston. Irene is an artist and Creative Director of Iggy and Lou Lou, which she started with partner Peter Selzer in 2003. Iggy and Lou Lou has a dedicated following has been featured in many international magazines and blogs. Their pieces have been worn by Emily Blunt and Nicole Richie.

Irene featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Bev-Wilkinson All-Aboard

Bev is a journalism graduate who discovered the stories of seniors and turned them into an exhibition. This sparked the seed for ‘Celebrate Living History’, an organisation focused on bridging the gap between seniors and young people.

Bev featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition.

Kylie-and-Parry All-Aboard

Kylie and Parry are always happy to welcome customers into their store.
Their business, Peter Oram Shoes at 30 Wells Street Frankston.

Tina All-Aboard

Tina is a passionate artist who runs her own business, ARTATAK. When she needs to get grounded she hugs trees, visits McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery to meet friends, The Frankston Arts Centre for a memorable experience and the foreshore for summer yoga.

“I do love Frankston and recommend falling in love with what YOU do best.”

Tina featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition.

John-McKenzie All-Aboard

John’s two boys grew up here and had the rich experience of living in a great community by the bay, creek and wetlands. He is passionate about community education, housing, homelessness and environmental issues and has been heavily involved with long term plans for Downs Estate on Old Wells Road.

John featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition.

Yonja-and-Jordan All-Aboard

Jac n Jean first opened its doors and started trading in June 1970. It was the first jean store in Melbourne. Today, Yonja (pictured) and her mother run the business at 34B Wells Street Frankston, which has grown into a destination for young fashion conscious consumers by introducing national and international clothing labels. Jordan, also pictured, also works at the business.

Damien All-Aboard

Born and raised in Frankston, Damien was inspired during his school years to get involved in many social justice programs. He has worked in social policy issues from homelessness, to domestic violence and issues related to playing the pokies.

Damien featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition.

Kristine All-Aboard

Kristine’s family of seven migrated from the Philippines to Parramatta when she was a teenager. They were a very close family and all shared the household chores. Whenever they had a chance they all enjoyed going out to a karaoke venue for a sign-a-long. Kristine went through high school and university in NSW and eventually moved down to Melbourne. She fell in love with the Frankston area and moved to Seaford a few years ago. She also opened a specialty grocery store in Frankston, called MicMacs Oriental Grocer.

“I think Frankston is a great spot: there are great specialty shops and a gorgeous beach just down the road.”

Andrea-and-Valenga All-Aboard

Born in South Africa, Valenga was exiled at 16 and spent many years as a refugee, travelling from country to country. Finally in 2000, he became an Australian Citizen and gained some stability. Valenga and Andrea met through music in 1996. Now with three children, they have made their home in Frankston, and continue to connect with the community through music. The duo have taken many Australians to Africa with them on cultural tours. They also direct One World Choir and Drumming.

Andrea grew up on the Peninsula and was heavily involved in the arts. She went on to study voice at the Victorian College of the Arts. She specialised in jazz and has gone on to work around Australia and the Pacific in a number of musical line-ups, and has recorded several albums. She also works with Valenga and is involved with many mass choirs and musical projects, including the Massive Hip Hop Choir.

Andrea and Valanga featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition.

Brian All-Aboard

Among his many awards, Brian was named Frankston’s Citizen of the Year in 2008 and was awarded the Emergency Services Medal by the Governor General for distinguished service by a member of Australian emergency service. Brian also has a street named in honour of him, McMannis Way in Seaford.

Brian moved to Frankston in 1975 and joined the Frankston SES in 1978. He has raised his two boys in Frankston and worked as a Funeral Director for John Allison Monkhouse, for two decades.

Brian featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition.

Dulcie All-Aboard

The late Dulcie Richards was one of Frankston’s most prominent citizens for more than 50 years. She passed away at aged 91 in 2015. She was best known as co-owner with her husband, of the Alan of the Bounty Shop, one of the region’s leading clothing retailers. Dulcie regularly dressed Graham Kennedy for GTV 9’s In Melbourne Tonight. The Bounty Shop boomed, employing 50 people at its peak. Dulcie retired at age 60 and contributed to 25 charities every year.

With the consent of her family, Dulcie featured in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition.

Michael-and-Dianne-Fuller

Michael, stood for and spent 8 years as a councillor, 1987 - 1994, for the City of Frankston, serving as Mayor in 1991/92. One of the highlights in this role was being invited to participate at the opening of the Major Provincial Cultural Centre in Susono Japan and to be first Mayor to take  the Robes and Chains of Office out of the Country.

Dianne, his wife, was also a Councillor and the first female elected as Mayor in Frankston City. She was photographed with Michael by Richard Simpkin, for the Locals of Frankston Exhibition.
Matthew Pace - Face of Frankston
Youth Services puts Matthew on the road to his best life 

When Mathew connected with Council’s Youth Services in 2016 at just 16 years of age, he had dealt with family trauma, unstable accommodation and faced homelessness. 

With support from Council youth workers, Matthew has since turned his life around.

"Things were a bit hard a few years ago, I was being bullied at school, I didn't have a permanent home and I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere,” Matthew said.

Regular visits to Youth Central and the Frankston South Hangout provided Matthew a chance to play video games, make friends and access support services.

“I started going to the holiday programs too, which were really good. I felt like it was a place where I belonged. I was able to socialise in a safe environment, with safe friends."

The youth team helped Matthew navigate life out of home, including building his confidence so he could join employment agencies and look for work. As Matthew had been unable to clock up any learner driver hours, he was encouraged to sign up to the L2P driver training program. He was matched with a volunteer mentor who prepared him to sit his driving test last August, which he passed with flying colours.

After getting his licence Matthew also got a job at Bay City Holden.

"This is the first job I have really felt comfortable in. It gets me out of the house and I am now productive with my days. I am learning new things and the extra income means I have some opportunities when it comes to where I live."

He encouraged struggling young people to keep persisting.

"You will find something and there's lots of support out there, you just have to ask for help."

Frankston City Council Mayor Michael O’Reilly congratulated Matthew on his outstanding efforts.

“Incredible people like Matthew are the reason we offer these services which help those aged between 12 and 24 reach their full potential,” Cr O’Reilly said.

For further information about Frankston City Council Youth Services visit, frankston.vic.gov.au.

6 Dandenong Road West by Mark - resized

Painting a purpose: Youth Street Art Program

(Pictured: Sheldon (far right) with Council Youth Workers and project participants)

Street artist and former local business owner Sheldon Headspeath grew up in Frankston and understands the struggles facing our local youth. Bullying, homelessness, volatile family environments and a lack of stability can make daily life tough for young people in Frankston City and beyond.

Inspired to make a difference, Sheldon joined forces with Council youth workers to devise a Street Art Program which sees local youth take part in creative street art projects.

Recently, Sheldon worked with local young people to produce a “Frankston” mural on the outside wall of Brake Care, near the entry ramp to Bayside Shopping Centre. Over 12 weeks, the group transformed the barren wall into a stunning work of art, which now welcomes commuters travelling into the city centre.

We sat down with Sheldon to learn a little more about his involvement in the program. 

Tell us about the project and how you became involved.

The concept was an idea by Frankston City Council Youth Workers. It aimed to give young people a platform to express themselves through art, while developing skills to help them transition through challenging times. I was asked to get involved while working the counter at the Frankston street art supply business my wife and I opened in 2015, State of the Art.

Why are projects like this important?

They keep young people engaged with their community and help them develop life skills such as team work, scheduling, communication and completing a project under instruction. Participants also get to install artwork they can be proud of, in streets frequented by them and their friends.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your work?

Seeing the young people build confidence as the project comes together is really rewarding, as is seeing the pride they feel when they realise what they have achieved.

Challenges usually arise during initial introductions when confidence is lower – generally due to lack of experience in the art form. This quickly changes as the program is designed to suit all skill levels.

As a young person growing up in Frankston City, how did you spend your time?

Much of my youth was spent on the same path as many young people who join this program. I would have jumped at the opportunity to be involved in something like this and I feel it plays a huge role in changing their direction for the better.

Projects like these create self-worth, belonging and purpose in young people. Why is this so important?

I think the program boosts these attributes while adding confidence and a sense of achievement young people might find hard to gain through other channels. They also develop passion and develop a skill they may not have known they had.

Beyond the youth involved, how do projects like these benefit local businesses and the wider community?

A project like this makes the community proud of where they live and gives people another reason to visit. Locals and the business community have been overwhelmingly supportive and generally get as much of a kick out of the artwork, as the participants. Public feedback while on site is also unbelievably positive and adds to the confidence of those involved.

Are you involved in any other projects aimed at making Frankston a better place for young people?

A few of our projects are in their early stages and we are keen to create as many art spaces as possible. This will ensure we continue engaging as many young people as we can in positive community relations. 

I would like to thank Ilya, Taela, Ryan, Ken and all the staff at Frankston Youth Central for their involvement in the program, and of course, all the incredible young people.

Youth Services puts Matthew on the road to his best life