Uni’s plan to train Frankston educators
Picture: Gary Sissons
Council’s survey says satisfaction is up A RECENT survey of Frankston residents has revealed that opinions of Frankston Council are improving. The survey of more than 800 people found that around 71 per cent of residents are satisfied overall with the performance of Frankston Council. That statistic is an increase on last year’s figure of 67 per cent. The survey report read that the average satisfaction rate for metropolitan Victorian councils is 66 per cent. The Metropolis Research report read that satisfaction with Frankston Council’s community decisions, advocacy, consultation, and overall leadership had each risen by at least 10 per cent. Satisfaction with council’s customer service dropped by 4 per cent. Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy said that the results are “positive”
for council. “It is good to see we are continuing to meet, and outstrip, the expectations of our community. Council has put a concerted effort into our lobbying and advocacy this year and the positive results are clear,” he said. Local Government Victoria conducts a community satisfaction survey each year. However, Frankston Council has not taken part in that survey in the last two years. The Local Government Victoria survey was undertaken by JWS Research. 67 of 79 Victorian councils took part. In 2021 and 2022, Frankston Council instead engaged Metropolis Research to undertake a community satisfaction survey on behalf of council. Conroy told The Times that council engages its own contractor to run the survey to give it “greater flexibility
to include additional questions, in addition to those required by Local Government Victoria, and to have an increased sample size of 800 responses.” “The community satisfaction survey undertaken by council is the same as the Local Government Victoria’s annual community satisfaction survey – the only point of difference is that Frankston appoints our own contractor to carry out the survey,” he said. “All councils, including Frankston, are required to submit their results to the state government by the end of September for comparison. Local Government Victoria then releases the results publicly on the Know your Council website. Frankston City Council complies with this requirement each year.” Brodie Cowburn
FEDERATION University is planning to deliver its early childhood education degree from the Frankston Chisholm TAFE campus. The university will offer classes for its Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) at the Frankston TAFE from 2023. The classes will be offered to students who have completed Chisholm’s Diploma of Early Childhood and Care. Federation University Berwick head of campus Kathy Racunica said that the move would help people work and study closer to home. “We know how critical the early childhood sector is. Through flexible learning arrangements, this initiative will support students to maintain ties to their local community and continue to work in the sector as they study,” she said. “Federation has a key role to play in the prosperity of our communi-
ties and as Melbourne’s south-east corridor continues to grow, we’re teaming up with local workplaces to address workforce shortages.” Chisholm Institute higher education college dean Ben Allitt welcomed the partnership. “Chisholm Institute is proud to be working in collaboration with Federation University to deliver the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education through a pathway model,” he said. “This model allows for flexible learning arrangements for students to work and study in Melbourne’s south-east in the high demand, and growing area of early childhood education. We look forward to students being able to progress in their careers and become future leaders in the sector through this cost-effective model of education in collaboration between Chisholm and Federation University.”
CHISHOLM Institute higher education college dean Ben Allitt, Chisholm Institute early childhood education regional education manager Sue Wyatt, Federation University’s Berwick head of campus Kathy Racunica, and program coordinator Susan Emmett. Picture: Supplied
WHAT’S NEW... The latest from The Gateway Shopping Centre WITH Coles, Liquorland, Discount Chemist Warehouse and brand new retailer Brancatisano Fresh opening soon, together with 39 specialty shops and services, the centre is a one-stop shop for your everyday needs in a relaxed, friendly and convenient atmosphere. All on one level, The Gateway Shopping Centre is easily accessible and has ample free parking. Brancatisano Fresh An exciting new store from a local greengrocer family with four generations of industry expertise and passion. The Brancatisano family is committed to bringing Langwarrin a new standard of ‘fresh’ with an exciting inclusion of partner stores all under the one roof. With seasonal produce sourced from neighbouring suburbs, their signature fruit lines include unwaxed apple varieties where you will taste the crunch and flavour difference Your store journey begins with organic coffee, cold press juices and bubble teas, followed by a range of freshly made fruit platters and grazing boxes. Moving along to Nature’s Corner, the fresh flowers and indoor plants will colour your day. The gourmet grocery section
features food around the globe, and the authentic continental delicatessen will leave you in awe of the variety of smallgoods, cheeses and countless delicacies on offer. The fresh poultry section covers free range to pre-prepared meals ready to cook. Next, the artisan bakery serves freshly made sourdough and a delicious range of continental cakes. If you’re still feeling peckish, Gradi Pronto is ready to serve you a world acclaimed pizza, straight from the oven! Finally, don’t forget on your way out to stop by Rebel Donuts and grab yourself a treat, cooked on site every day. The Brancatisano family and team are so excited to meet and serve you on your visit to Brancatisano Fresh Grocer at The Gateway Shopping Centre. Other exciting changes in the centre include: Harcourts Langwarrin have opened their new Langwarrin store and have a full range of property services. Langwarrin Home and Party have expanded their store and it’s fresh, new and inviting. Same staff, same great service, just bigger and better. OBrien Real Estate have undergone a recent refurbishment and their new fit out looks amazing.
Opening soon: Brancatisano Fresh Grocer Photo: Gary Sissons
Frankston Times
13 September 2022
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