THE Australian Sand Sculpting Championships and the Frankston Beach Club are set to return to Frankston next year.
Frankston Council allocated $250,000 towards its 2026-2027 Destination Event Attraction Program in its annual budget. At their most recent public meeting Frankston Council approved spending $165,000 of that budget, with a further $85,000 set to be awarded soon.
The $165,000 will be spent to secure the returns of the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, and the Frankston Beach Club. Both major events have been funded through the DEAP grant stream in the past.
The Frankston Beach Club will return from late December until March 2027. The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships will run throughout April 2027. Frankston mayor Cr Sue Baker said “the Beach Club and Sand Sculpting Championships have become significant highlights in our summer calendar. Tens of thousands of people come to these events, spend time in our city, and leave with incredible memories.”
Frankston Council officers estimate that future events funded through the program will bring more than 50,000 people into Frankston. Cr Nathan Butler said “one of the great things about this program as well is when it brings an event that is free.
“The sand sculpting was a national championship – I think we had to buy tickets to that one, but it was well worth the admission price. But often when we can bring events in for free as well, that is an absolute win for the community. So well done to this program and good work.”
Cr Cherie Wanat said “I think the money that we invest in this is invested quite wisely and brings a lot of reward and success. So, I’m very supportive of this program and the monies put forward to it.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 16 June 2026