Welcome

Autumn is now here with some crisp sunny mornings and cooler days, making it a great time to venture out and explore Bayside.

Discover practical tips and tricks to embed sustainability into your life by attending Council’s Sustainable Living Series and Sandy Eco Expo. Relax and enjoy some popcorn, tea and coffee whilst watching a movie at Sandringham Library or participate in a free First aid information session. We’re excited to announce the popular Bayside Community Nursery reopens for 2025 with an abundance of Bayside indigenous plants.

The 2024-2025 daylight saving period concludes on Sunday 6 April at 3am, when clocks need to turn back one hour. This is a timely reminder to change your smoke alarm battery too in preparation for winter when house fires occur more frequently. 

Check out our Bayside Healthy Ageing Guide to see what else is on offer or call the Healthy Ageing team on 9599 4373.

We hope you enjoy this edition of the Healthy Ageing newsletter. Don’t forget to share it with friends. They can sign up here.

Funding boost for aged care services💙

Great news, we have received significant grant funding from the Australian Government to help support ongoing quality aged care services for the Bayside community.We advocated for the funding to help ensure we can continue to provide the range of aged care services our community needs. Bayside Care and Support now provides aged care services from entry level to higher needs homecare packages to more than 5,000 Bayside and Glen Eira residents.

2025 Bayside Community Award winners announced 🏆

Congratulations to the Bayside Community Awards winners who received their annual awards on 20 March at the Sandringham Yacht Club. Nominations for these awards came from the community and we thank everyone who nominated. 

Bayside Healthy Ageing Reference Group 

Bayside City Council is committed to creating a community that values and includes the views of older people. One of the ways Council supports and empowers older residents is through the Bayside Healthy Ageing Reference Group (BHARG). This group is one way Council provides older residents with an opportunity to connect with council and provide feedback on strategies and issues that impact them.

Carolyn Brown (OAM) has been elected as Chair for the next three years. It is planned for the group to meet a minimum of five times in 2025.

Flu season is upon us again!

Getting your flu shot is the most effective way to stay protected from the flu this winter. Influenza is a common viral infection that affects people of all ages. While it may be a mild disease for some, it can also cause serious illness and even lead to hospitalisation in otherwise healthy people. Being vaccinated is the safest means of protection from influenza. All adults aged 65 and over are eligible for a free influenza vaccine that is specifically developed to boost the immune response for better protection.

Recycle your empty blister packs💊

Ever wondered how to dispose of your old medicinal blister packs? Participate in the circular economy and recycle them with Pharmacycle. Through Pharmacycle’s recycling process, your empty blister packs will be mechanically recycled to separate the metal and plastic components, before being turned into new products.

Bayside Community Nursery reopens 🌱

The ever-popular Bayside Community Nursery has reopened its doors for public sales. The nursery sells a wide range of beautiful indigenous plant species. Staff and volunteers are also available to provide tips and advice for your indigenous garden including how to attract native wildlife.

When: Thursdays and Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: 315–317 Reserve Road, Cheltenham
Cost: FREE

2025 National Volunteer Week – Connecting Communities

National Volunteer Week,19 to 5 May, is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, highlighting the important role of volunteers in our community. The theme ‘Connecting Communities’ celebrates the power of volunteering bringing people together, fostering community connection, and recognising the impact volunteers have in their communities. Bayside City Council recognises the incredible contribution volunteers have on enriching lives and strengthening the Bayside Community.

Annual Community Grants 25/26 are now open 🌟

Council’s Annual Community Grants are now open. Funds from this grants program assist local not-for-profit groups and clubs that contribute to making Bayside a better place. Grants of up to $7500 are considered for initiatives that strengthen and enrich community groups.

If you or your club have an idea but not sure if it meets the necessary grants criteria, please contact Healthy Ageing on 9599 4373 to discuss or to receive assistance with submitting your application.

The grants close Wednesday 8 May at 5:00 pm.

🌟 Spotlight on local groups 🌟

Probus 

Social clubs like Probus offer a vibrant community of like-minded people who come together for fun and friendship in retirement or semi-retirement. Probus promotes social and emotional well-being by fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. The shared experiences and mutual support within the clubs help retirees navigate the significant life transition with confidence and enthusiasm. 

For further information, call 1300 630 488 or email membershipsupport@ probussouthpacific.org

Bayside Carers Corner Term 2 💫

All unpaid carers who live in the City of Bayside are welcome to join us at Bayside Carers Corner. Come along to hear our interesting guest speakers, enjoy a cuppa and meet others with similar experiences.

Sessions are held fortnightly from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Peterson Youth Centre, Corner Peterson Street and Highett Road, Highett unless otherwise stated.

Wednesday 23 April – Music and the Brain, button harp demonstration

Monica Cashin from Music and the Brain will join us again to showcase the button harps built by volunteers for use by primary care givers.

While attendance is flexible, we ask that you book in advance to assist us with catering.  Bookings or enquiries: 9599 4387 or carers@bayside.vic.gov.au

What's on in Bayside 💙💃

Get inspired with Council’s Sustainable Living Series

Ready to learn practical tips and tricks to embed sustainability into your own life? 

The Sustainable Living Series covers a wide range of topics, including:

• low waste living
• improving energy efficiency
• growing your own produce
• sustainable transport
• water saving
• solar and electrification.

Registrations are essential for all sessions as spots are limited.

Young At Heart 💚

Young at Heart is a friendly and supportive social group that meets weekly to connect through reminiscence, discussion and stimulating activities. Morning tea is included and transport may be available.

When: Tuesdays 15 April to 1 July, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Sandybeach Centre, 2 Sims Street, Sandringham
Cost: $140 per term, $100 conc

Call 9598 2155 and ask reception about their free introductory session or email reception@sandybeach.org.au

Falls prevention information session 💟

April is Falls Month which is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of falls and to promote the latest best advice on fall prevention strategies. Join Council’s Healthy Ageing team and Bolton Clark where you will learn how to reduce the risk of falls.

When: Tuesday 15 April, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Where: Council Offices, 76 Royal Avenue, Sandringham
Cost: FREE

Second Sunday Cinema Session at Sandy 🍿

Sandringham Library’s popular monthly movie matinee series continue in April and May.

Tracks, Sunday 13 April

13 Going on 30, Sunday 11 May

Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Where: Sandringham Library, 2 Waltham Street, Sandringham
Cost: FREE

Tea, coffee, and popcorn will be provided.

Log in to your library account to reserve your place, call 9261 7125 or drop in to your library.

Sandy Eco Expo (SEE) 

Whether you’re an eco-expert or just starting your sustainability journey, Sandy Eco Expo has something for everyone. Discover practical tips for everyday actions to reduce waste with an electric vehicle display, panel discussions and presentations, bike and roving repairs, a garden produce share & swap area, second hand clothes market, information stands, workshops for adults and kids and more.

When: Saturday 3 May, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Sandybeach Centre, 2 Sims Street, Sandringham
Cost: FREE

More information: Call 9598 2155 or email reception@sandybeach.org.au

CPR and First Aid information session ♥️

Join Community First Responders Australia for a practical first aid* session focusing on how to recognise and act in the critical first few minutes of a medical emergency, how to perform CPR and how to use a defibrillator. *This is an information session only and no first aid certificates will be issued.

When: Wednesday 14 May, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Brighton Town Hall, Cnr of Carpenter and Wilson Sts, Brighton
Cost:  FREE

FREE Computer Literacy Program 💻

Castlefield Community Centre offer a free computer literacy and support program known as Building Blocks. This flexible, personalised program is beginner friendly and perfect for anyone new to computer and devices.

When: Fridays, 22 April to 4 July, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Castlefield Community Centre, 505 Bluff Road, Hampton
Cost: FREE

More information: Call 9068 3882

Nourish Biggest Morning Tea 🫖

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is an annual event that raises vital funds to make a big difference for those impacted by cancer. Hampton Community Centre invite you to join them for morning tea and glass of bubbles whilst listening to classic songs from Bill Dove and friends. Bill’s team consists of musicians and singers from theatre shows, cabaret and television.

When: Wednesday 28 May, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Hampton Community Centre, 14 Willis Street, Hampton
Cost: $10 

More infromation call 0492 800 592.

Image credit: Installation view Bayside Painting Prize 2024. Photo: Mark Ashkanasy.

Bayside Painting Prize 2025🎨

Immerse yourself in contemporary Australian painting at this year’s Bayside Painting Prize and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award. This is the only annual painting prize held in Melbourne.

When: Friday 9 May to Sunday 22 June
Time: Wednesday to Fridays, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and
Saturday & Sundays, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Bayside Gallery, Corner Wilson and Carpenter Streets, Brighton
Cost: FREE 

Library Author Talks

Author talks are a great way to hear from writers about their latest novel, what inspired them to write their book and provide opportunities for the audience to ask questions. Bayside libraries are offering some wonderful author talks over the coming months.

This newsletter is produced by Council’s Healthy Ageing Team

Email: healthyageing@bayside.vic.gov.au
Phone: 9599 4373
Mail: Bayside City Council, Healthy Ageing, PO Box 27, Sandringham, 3191