Mayor Kris Bolam’s tribute to Kathleen Hassell

Published on 04 January 2021

We mourn the passing of long-serving member of the Frankston Beach Association (FBA) and passionate Frankston environmentalist, Kathleen Hassell. 

Kath was a remarkable woman who worked tirelessly with FBA over four decades to ensure the preservation of her beloved Frankston Beach and Olivers Hill. 

Aside from receiving the Order of Australia Medal in the 2017 Queens Birthday Honours List, Kath was also honoured locally when in 2000 she was recognised as Frankston City’s Citizen of the Year Award. 

Kath, who was in her 90s when she passed, was once described as a “Lioness of the Environment” – which is fitting for a woman with such passion and determination. 

Always caring, Kath devoted much of her life to volunteering, and often motivated others to get involved. Indeed, Kath was pivotal in connecting like-minded members of the Frankston City community, and supporting them to improve their local area.  

Through her time working with the FBA Kath oversaw the planting of countless indigenous plants, and secured Government grants in excess of $200,000. 

Kath believed in the power of community and working together, having formed lasting relationships with our local indigenous community, Historical Society and other environmental friends groups. 

Kath was the epitome of community, and her legacy will forever be remembered through the work she did transforming our local environment.  

Rest in peace, Kath. We will miss you. 

Throughout her life Kath was honoured with the following awards:  

  • Outstanding Individual Achievement Award (Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence) 2013.

  • Dame Phyllis Frost Award (Keep Australia Beautiful Awards) 2011.

  • Frankston City’s Citizen of the Year 2000.

  • Frankston City’s Environmental Pioneers Award 2000.

  • Order of Australia Medal in the 2017 Queens Birthday Honours List

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