FRANKSTON Council is considering entering a partnership with a capital city in the United States.
Frankston mayor Kris Bolam travelled to Maryland in February to meet with the Annapolis City Council and its mayor Gavin Buckley. The two discussed potential partnerships and exchanged ideas. Annapolis City Council has voted to enter a “friendship city” agreement with Frankston Council, which differs from the “sister city” arrangement Frankston Council maintains with Susono in Japan. Frankston Council is set to consider the agreement at a meeting in May.
Bolam, who paid for the trip at his own expense, said “it was a privilege to meet with mayor Buckley and explore opportunities for collaboration, from environmental initiatives to urban revitalisation. Strengthening our ties through a potential ‘friendship city’ agreement will allow us to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices for the benefit of both our communities.”
While tensions between the United States and the rest of the world are growing, Bolam said “Australia and the United States have shared, and will continue to share, a deep and enduring bond.”
Annapolis mayor Gavin Buckley said “the ties between Australia and the United States are long and enduring. I truly believe that fostering international cooperation and understanding is key to navigating our globally complex world.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 1 April 2025