Welcome

As we approach the end of 2025, Bayside is still buzzing with opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate following this year’s hugely successful Seniors Festival. Reflecting on the year, it’s been wonderful to see how active and engaged the Bayside community is. 

We’ll be back in February 2026 with more interesting information to support your wellbeing and community connection. Until then, for those who celebrate, we wish you a joyful and safe festive season. Thank you for being part of our vibrant Healthy Ageing community. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.

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

A day in the life of a Home Maintenance Officer 🔨

Bayside Care and Support’s Home Maintenance Officers play a vital role in helping older residents live safely and independently in their own homes. From small repairs and safety modifications, their work makes everyday life easier and more secure. Rupen is one of the team’s long-serving Home Maintenance Officers. We spent a day with him to see what a typical day looks like on the job.

Seniors Festival 2025 – Thanks for the memories 🎉

October was a vibrant celebration of connection, creativity, and community as Bayside came together for the annual Healthy Ageing Seniors Festival. With a rich program of free and low-cost events, residents explored new interests, rekindled old passions, and celebrated the joys of being an older person living in Bayside.

Highlights included the striking black-and-white #OldIsBeautiful portrait exhibition honouring local residents, the heartfelt Centenarians’ Celebration lunch, the energetic musical throwback to the ’60s and ’70s and the unforgettable Works of Wonder Magic Show. From art and dancing to history and wellbeing workshops, the festival offered something for everyone.

We extend our sincere thanks to the many community groups, clubs, and volunteers whose contributions made this year’s festival truly special.

Connections for the ages 🤍

A pilot program connecting students with older community members is creating new friendships and learnings across generations. Council has partnered with Beaumaris Secondary College to deliver Classroom Connections. The program is designed to engage students with their curriculum in a practical way while building intergenerational connections that challenge ageism.

Meeting fortnightly, students and participants explored topics from the school’s vocational major curriculum by participating in activities including making music playlists, no contact boxing-style training and one-on-one interviews.

Joy, a participant, described the program as fantastic “I thought the young people would be on their phones and wouldn’t be interested in us, but I’ve made such great connections. “It’s lovely to know we’re all the same, no matter our age".

With its blend of learning, creativity and community spirit, Classroom Connections has demonstrated the beauty and value of bringing generations together.

If you are interested in future Intergenerational programs please contact Healthy Ageing on 9599 4373 or healthyageing@bayside.vic.gov.au

Volunteer with Hampton Neighbourly Ride 🚲  

Neighbourly Ride helps locals meet on fun, short, social bike rides, designed for beginners and riders of all abilities. They’re looking for friendly volunteers to help with the rides.

Whether you’d like to lead a ride or simply support from the pack, you’ll be helping others discover the joy of cycling and community.  Every Sunday at 10:00 am, the group meets at a designated spot in Hampton for a relaxed 40-minute ride. The morning always wraps up with coffee and a chat.

It’s about connection, confidence, and community, not competition. And the best part? You only need to commit once a month.

Bayside Community Awards 🏆

The Bayside Community Awards acknowledge outstanding contributions by people and groups who dedicate their time, passion and energy to our community. If you know someone whose fantastic contribution to our community deserves recognition, please nominate them.

There are six award categories: (*Individual nomination only – groups not eligible)

• Citizen of the Year *
• Senior Citizen of the Year *
• Young Citizen of the Year *
• Community Event of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Environmental Achievement Award for an organisation or individual

Nominations are now open and close end of January 2026.

Free counselling

Hampton Community Centre and Highett Neighbourhood Community House offer FREE one-on-one counselling by Monash Masters Counselling students. This is a wonderful opportunity to speak confidentially with a trained listener in a safe and supportive environment.

Whether you're facing challenges, have concerns about the upcoming festive season or simply need someone to talk to, the students are there to help.

When: Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (via appointment)
Where: Hampton Community Centre, 14 Willis Street, Hampton or 
Highett Neighbourhood Community House, 2 Livingston Street, Highett
Cost: FREE

Bookings essential 0492 800 592 or events@highett.org.au

Have Your Say 🗣️ 

Help shape the way Council delivers news and information

Council needs your help to shape the way we deliver news and information. We’re seeking community feedback on:

• How much information you receive and on what topics
• How you would like to access information – online, use of accessibility tools and more
• The effectiveness of our current communications channels i.e. Let’s Talk Bayside magazine, e-newsletters etc.

It’s easy to take part, simply:

• Complete the full survey on the Have Your Say page or pick up a hard copy at Bayside Libraries or the Corporate Centre
• Look for the shorter printed survey in the October edition of Let’s Talk Bayside magazine.

Consultation closes 30 November.

The future of recreation and aquatics in Bayside 

Council has drafted a new Recreation Strategy, Active Bayside, and we want to hear from you. Tell us where we’ve got it right, and where we can improve - your feedback will help to support a healthy, inclusive, and connected community for years to come. Share your views about:

• recreation and sport infrastructure priorities
• planning for equitable access and participation improvements
• multipurpose functionality of facilities
• partnerships and development
• funding and facilities
• barriers to recreation

We’re also drafting a new Aquatics Strategy. We’re looking to the future to identify what public pool facilities, programs, and services we need in Bayside, where they should be, and how to fund them. Whether you’re a regular swimmer, an occasional visitor, warm water pool user or have never used our pools, your views are important.

Find out more, read the draft Recreation Strategy, and provide your feedback by visiting our Have Your Say page. You can also attend one of our ‘Talk to Us’ pop-up events for more information.

Consultation closes 25 November 2025

🌟 Spotlight on local groups 🌟

Croquet Clubs in Bayside

Bayside is lucky to be home to two welcoming croquet clubs, both set on beautifully maintained lawns and in convenient locations in Brighton and Sandringham.

Whether you’re completely new to the game or a seasoned player, you’re warmly invited to come along and give croquet a try. 

Cr Hanna El Mouallem recently launched the 2025–2026 season at both clubs, which included the introduction of daylight-saving social play every Wednesday from 4:00 - 6:30 pm at Sandringham.

Brighton Croquet Club - 6 Bleazby Ave, Brighton. For further information visit Brightoncroquetclub.com.au or email brightoncroquetclub@gmail.com

Sandringham Croquet Club – Foreshore, 94B beach Road, Sandringham (opposite Abbott Street). For further information contact the Membership Secretary, Rose Inglis on 0414 457 910 or email rose.inglis@bigpond.com

What's on in Bayside 💙💃

Tackling textile waste with Fast Fashun 

Over the past few months, Bayside City Council has partnered with Fast Fashun, to host several workshops aimed at shedding light on textile waste, consumerism and the fast fashion industry, and the associated effects on the environment.

After months of dedicated work and creativity, our talented participants will showcase their stunning creations in a runway event like no other. Don’t miss this opportunity to support sustainable fashion and enjoy an afternoon of creativity, style, and community spirit.

When: Sunday 16 November 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: Billilla Gardens, 26 Halifax Street, Brighton
Cost: FREE, bookings essential 

Movement and Music 🎶

Discover the uplifting power of movement in a gentle dance therapy program designed for older adults living with memory or mobility challenges. In this welcoming, rhythm-based session, you’ll be guided to express yourself through music and motion, reconnecting with your body, your spirit, and others around you.

No dance experience? No problem! Just bring your curiosity, comfortable, enclosed shoes and a willingness to move at your own pace. Connection continues beyond the dance floor with a friendly social afternoon tea.

When: Wednesdays until 10 Dec (join any time),1:30 – 3:30 pm
Where: Sandybeach Centre, 2 Sims Street, Sandringham
Cost: Free trials available. Carers and support workers free.
Transport: Door to door bus transport maybe available

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

Prehistoric Bayside Museum – inaugural open day 🦴

Step back in time and explore some of Australia’s largest Megalodon teeth and giant prehistoric megafauna. For the first time, the public is invited to visit the Prehistoric Bayside Museum showcasing incredible fossil finds from Beaumaris and Black Rock, dating back over 5 million years.

When: Sunday 16 November 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron, 1 Pelican Quays, Beaumaris
Cost: FREE

Remembrance Day walk 🚶

On this walk, the Brighton Cemetorians will share the stories of brave, yet often forgotten, men and women who served their country in times of war. Among them is Corporal Robert Patrick Norton Robertson and Private Kevin John Rae. Corporal Robertson fought and died in the Boer War while Private Rae was captured in Malaya and endured captivity as a Prisoner of War in Changi. These are just a few of the remarkable individuals we will come to know during this walk.

When: Sunday 16 November, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: Brighton General Cemetery Office, corner North and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield South  
Cost: $15 per person 

Bookings essential – Call Lois on 9558 4248

Bayside Carers: Self-Care workshop 💙

Bayside’s unpaid carers are warmly invited to connect, recharge, and feel supported at our free and welcoming Carers Corner gatherings. Join us for a self-care workshop led by Family Life and Monash Health designed to support your wellbeing. This is a great chance to learn practical strategies for managing stress and building resilience. The session includes morning tea, and all participants will receive a self-care goodie bag.

When: Wednesday 19 November, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Where: 12 Keith St, Hampton East
Cost: $15 per person

Art for the Heart: Creative Paths to Healthy Ageing 🎨

Healthy ageing isn’t just about staying active, it’s about staying inspired. Creative activities like painting, drawing, and pottery nourish the mind, lift the spirit, and bring people together.

Art engages the brain, calms emotions, and supports coordination. It also creates space for connection, laughter, and new friendships.

Brighton Recreational Centre offers daytime and evening art and pottery classes for all skill levels. Whether you’re shaping clay or blending colours, you’re not just making art, you’re making moments that matter.

Come and discover your creative flow.

Step back in Time – Photographic exhibition launch

Come along to Beaumaris Library for the launch of a new local history exhibition, showcasing photographs of the fascinating history of our Bayside area. Bayside local, Pauline Reynolds, will be sharing the stories behind the photographs, which highlight the years 1967-1994. Includes morning tea. No bookings required. 

When: Wednesday 26 November, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Beaumaris Library, 96 Reserve Road, Beaumaris 
Cost: FREE

Bayside Carers: Propagating and planting 🪴

Bayside’s unpaid carers are invited to join us for a tour of the Bayside Community Nursery, a hands-on propagation session followed by morning tea.

When: Wednesday 26 November, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Where: Bayside Community Nursery, 315-317 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham
Cost: FREE 

Bookings: Call 9599 4819 or email carers@bayside.vic.gov.au

Community safety - Protect your vehicle number plate 

Did you know that stolen number plates are often used by offenders to avoid identification when committing serious crimes such as petrol theft, drug trafficking, and burglary? Protect your number plates and support police efforts to reduce crime by getting one way locking screws fitted to your vehicle. 

When: Sunday 30 November, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Bayside City Council car park, 76 Royal Avenue, Sandringham
Cost: FREE

Jingle and Mingle

Come along and enjoy a festive musical celebration performed by the talented local community choir, Singers Around the Bay (SATB).

Whether you’re there to listen or feel inspired to sing along, this evening promises joy, connection, and your favourite holiday tunes. Enjoy a heartwarming blend of Christmas carols and beloved classics, all performed by the community, for the community. Everyone is welcome. 

When: Wednesday 3 December, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Hampton Seniors Centre, 14 Service Street, Hampton
Cost: FREE
Bookings: 0417 216 187 or email programs@mbf.org.au

Festive flower arranging workshop 💐

With Christmas around the corner, join Angela from The Peony Atelier for a festive floral workshop. Create a beautiful ring arrangement with fresh flowers that will make a stunning table centrepiece. Whether you are feeling crafty or just want to try something new, this workshop is all about creativity and festive cheer. BYO Secateurs.

When: Saturday 6 December, 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Where: Highett Neighbourhood House, 2 Livingston Street, Highett
Cost: $95 includes all materials

Bookings essential. 

Rainbow Book Chat 🌈

Come along for an informal chat about the book/s you are reading each month with our friendly librarian and members of our LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. No prescribed reading, just an opportunity for you to share your love of queer books in a safe and rainbow friendly space.

When: Tuesday 9 December 6:00 – 7.00 pm
Where: Sandringham Library, 8 Waltham Street, Sandringham  
Cost: FREE

Bayside Carols in the Park 🎵

Join us at Dendy Park for an all-ages evening of your favourite festive tunes at Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park. Star of stage and screen Lucy Durack will share both performing and MC duties with Mark Wilson. The impressive line-up also features X Factor Australia’s Amalia Foy, acclaimed singer-songwriter Jordan Ravi, Richard Thomas and Bella Craig and local favourites Abbey Pop, Matt Little, Melinda Ash and Leah Stange.

When: Tuesday 9 December, Pre-event children’s activities from 5.30pm
Where: Dendy Park, Dendy Street, Brighton
Cost: FREE

Holiday season connections and support services 🫶

While many people are looking forward to holiday celebrations with family and friends, others can find the festive season a difficult time. Sometimes the simplest of gestures can make a big difference in how someone feels:

• Go to a local café and chat to someone sitting on their own
• Suggest a walk and talk around the local neighbourhood or nearby park
• Drop off a meal to someone who lives alone or is experiencing extra challenges
• Handmake a card or small gift for someone who may not receive many
• Extend an invitation to someone who will be alone on special celebration days such as Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or New Years Eve

If you or someone you know is experiencing stress related to the holiday season please contact, Council on 9599 4444 or email relief@bayside.vic.gov.au.

For 24 hours, 7 days a week help, call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. All calls are free and confidential.

Council, including the Corporate Office at 76 Royal Avenue, Sandringham, all 4 Library branches and Bayside Waste and Recycling Centre will be closed on weekends and public holidays throughout the holiday period.

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