City of Frankston Proclamation Ceremony and Civic Centre Opening

The City of Frankston was proclaimed on 24 August 1966 by His Excellency Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe, Governor of Victoria.  More than 5,000 people attended the ceremony, marking an important milestone in Frankston's history.

Sir Rohan Delacombe read the Proclamation at the entrance to the Civic Centre. The ceremony included the presentation of the mayoral robes and chain of office to the first mayor of the City of Frankston, Mayor Cr. P.G. Hosking; the presentation of the Town Clerk's gown to George Pentland; the presentation of the City flag; and the official opening of the building.

At the time of proclamation, the City of Frankston covered an area of approximately 71 square kilometres and was administered through four municipal wards with each ward represented by three councillors: North Ward (including Seaford and Frankston North); East Ward (including Karingal and the rural hinterland towards the east); Centre Ward (Frankston and the immediate commercial area); and South Ward (Frankston South, Mt. Eliza and parts of Baxter). 

In 1966, the population of the City of Frankston was approaching 40,000, with 11,673 dwellings, and 21 schools, including a Teachers' Training College.  There were 325 local organisations, including sporting clubs, service clubs, cultural groups, youth organisations, religious bodies, citizens’ associations and charitable auxiliaries.  

The proclamation of the City of Frankston in 1966 marked the culmination of more than a century of municipal development.

Municipal History