FRANKSTON Council’s mayor and CEO will swap their beds for cardboard this month, taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise awareness of homelessness and call for urgent state government investment.
Cr Sue Baker and CEO Tennille Bradley are seeking $2.5 million in state funding over four years to employ additional outreach workers in Frankston City, strengthening the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Zero Project. The funding is a key priority under council’s 2026 “Frankston City First” advocacy campaign ahead of November’s state election.
“Rough sleeping in Frankston City is at a four-year high, with more than 59 people identified as sleeping rough each night in May this year,” Cr Baker said.
“Behind that number are real people just like you and me – individuals, families and young people – who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances, often out of sight.
“For one night, I’ll be sleeping outside. While this can’t replicate the reality of homelessness, it’s an opportunity to stand in solidarity and raise awareness of what people in our community are going through.
“But awareness alone isn’t enough. With the state election coming up, there’s a real opportunity to invest in solutions that work, and outreach is one of the most effective ways to help people move off the streets and into stable housing.”
CEO Tennille Bradley said homelessness in Frankston City was not always visible but was increasingly complex.
“Many people are experiencing hidden homelessness. They’re staying on couches, living in cars, or in overcrowded housing,” said Bradley. “We’re seeing increasing demand and complexity, which is why strengthening our local response is critical.”
Since its launch in 2021, 361 people experiencing rough sleeping in Frankston have been added to the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Zero Project’s By-Name List, a real-time tool that helps outreach workers understand individual needs and connect people with housing, health care and support services. As at May 2026, 92 people were actively listed, including 59 sleeping rough, which is the highest number on record.
“We know outreach works – it’s how we build trust with people who are often disconnected from services and support them into safer, more stable pathways,” said Bradley. “Additional outreach resources would significantly strengthen our capacity to respond to demand and accelerate progress toward ending rough sleeping in Frankston City.”
Funds raised by the pair will be directed back into the local area via Vinnies-approved providers at the end of the campaign on 31 July. More than 260 leaders across Victoria are taking part in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout, with a statewide fundraising goal of $1.75 million.
For more information, visit ceosleepout.org.au
First published in the Frankston Times – 9 June 2026