Hi, I’m Jessie.

For the past year and a half, I’ve been working tirelessly to bring a mobile sauna to the St Kilda / Port Melbourne foreshore — a simple, wellness-focused offering called Saints Saunas designed to support mental health, connection, and community.

This journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced countless setbacks — unanswered emails, mixed messages, long delays — but I’ve continued to push forward because I truly believe in what this can bring to our local area.

On January 15th, 2025, I finally got a green light from the City of Port Phillip — they identified a location within a foreshore club in Port Melbourne, advising that if the club was open to subleasing, I could proceed. The sauna is mobile, no larger than a car, and we had agreed to trial it for 12 months.

However, just this week — three months later — I received an email from council stating they no longer support the proposal. No explanation as to why the decision changed so drastically, just this response:

“We acknowledge your disappointment, however, that is Council’s position.”

Their reasons are:

• The project is “not considered to provide an educational benefit”

• It involves “heavy infrastructure” (again, it’s a movable sauna)

• And it’s “not foreshore dependent”

This is not just about a sauna.

It’s about supporting community wellness. It’s about creating safe, inclusive spaces. It’s about connection, healing, and preventative mental health — through something as simple and effective as sauna, breathwork, cold therapy, and conversation.

Sadly, this isn’t the first time wellness-based initiatives have been shut down — including my community beach ice baths, yoga in 2023 . Even small community events are now heavily restricted, capped at 4 per year and charged over $500 each.

Despite everything, the club I’ve been in touch with has been incredibly supportive and open to collaboration. We’ve even offered to pay weekly fees which they are super grateful for which will contribute towards a local life saving club — yet, for reasons that don’t add up, Council has done a full backflip.

This petition is not just about Saints Saunas — it represents everyone striving to bring saunas to the foreshore across Victoria.
I stand for all of us who believe in the profound value saunas offer — not only for personal wellbeing, but as a space for community, connection, and education. It’s time we recognise saunas as more than leisure — they are a meaningful and beneficial practice that deserves a place on our shores.

I’m now asking for your help.

To show the council that Saints Saunas does offer educational and health benefits. That this project is needed. That our community deserves better.

Please sign and share this petition if you believe in:

 • Accessible wellness for all

 • Supporting mental health initiatives

 • A thriving, connected community on our beaches

Help a passionate Irish girl make this vision a reality. Let’s show Council that this matters. That we matter.

With love & gratitude,

Jessie