Wednesday 29 January 2020

Australia Day 2020 in Frankston

Article contributed by David Cross

At the Frankston Arts Centre on Australia Day, our former Chairperson Peter Patterson was named the Frankston Citizen of the Year 2020 by our Mayor Sandra Mayer.  The ceremony was attended by Frankston’s new CEO Phil Cantillon (who acted as MC), our local Federal and State politicians, other award winners and more than 100 local residents who were duly sworn in as Australian citizens.

Mayor Sandra Mayer, Peter Patterson, Lauren Hornsby (2019 COTY) and Cr Colin Hampton

Peter was an excellent choice, as he’s made a significant contribution to the Frankston community over many years.  Apart from chairing the FSFA for 19 years (2001 to 2019), Peter’s undertakings have included:

·         Chair, Frankston Council’s Environmental Advisory Committee (2010 – 2013)
·      Deputy Chair, Frankston Council’s Economic Development Committee (2010 – 2012)
·         President, Greater Frankston Business Chamber (2011 – 2016)
·         Chair, Frankston Green Business Network (2010 – 2013)
·         Member, Committee for Greater Frankston (2013 – 2017)

Under Peter’s leadership, the FSFA was transformed into one of the most innovative and robust sister organisations in Australia. The Association has won a number of national awards from Sister Cities Australia (SCA) for its work.
Peter successfully organised and led a number of delegations of more than 30 people from Frankston on goodwill tours of Japan. These groups have included Frankston City Council representatives, students and local community members. In June 2005 Peter arranged through the Victorian Government for a 20-member student band from Frankston to perform at the World Expo in Nagoya as part of Victoria Week celebrations.

Back: Tai, Cheryl, Anita & David (Community Event); Peter Patterson (COTY)
Front: Gina Poulos (Senior COTY), Mayor Mayer, Michaela Goggin (Young COTY)

As part of his work with the Association, he has formed a strong alliance with Frankston High School, which houses the Frankston Susono Japanese Community Garden. Peter is involved in helping care for the garden, as well as negotiating the use of the school facilities to host the Japanese Festivals over recent years, which have attracted many hundreds of people.

Katherine, Peter and Margaret Patterson

Out of a population of more than 140,000 residents in Frankston, Peter is a worthy recipient of the Citizen of the Year for 2020.