Frankston’s new ‘benchmark’ for community wellbeing

Published on 22 April 2021

A grassroots initiative to establish an open air bench as a community meeting space has received the tick of approval thanks to cooperation between Frankston City Council and residents.

Councillors recently voted to support a permit under the Local Law, which will be reviewed annually. The decision came after Council officers worked with Yarram Court residents and outlined both the benefits and risks. Residents also sent a petition in support of the bench, which is situated on the nature strip, to Council.

North West Ward Cr Steven Hughes said residents loved catching up and socialising at the spot – dubbed the ‘work bench’ by locals – with children also doing their homework at the popular meeting site.

“It’s a wonderful grassroots initiative and a great place for the community to get together. The bench also provides a fantastic community connection for locals,” Cr Hughes said.

North West Ward Cr Sue Baker said the community and Council had worked together to achieve a great outcome.

Cr Baker also noted Council officers had worked hard behind the scenes, including letter boxing residents, to assess views and assist with the permit process.

“This is a great example of Council being agile, flexible and supportive,” Cr Baker said.

Local residents Luke and Bjarne said the community had come together to build the bench earlier this year.

Luke said: “It’s a great community gathering place. We socialise at the bench and it’s what Yarram Court stands for.”

Bjarne added that the bench provided the ideal spot for family and friends to get together.