Petition organised to urge Kingston council to stop Mordialloc’s Seasoul Sauna from being shut down
Furious locals have slammed a bayside council for leaving a popular beachside sauna in limbo — warning it would be a “devastating” blow to the community if it was closed
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A pioneering beachside sauna that’s become a wellbeing “lifeline” for locals is under threat, as a single mum fights to save the business she built from scratch.
Seasoul Sauna — founded by Kingston’s Woman of the Year Amy Salisbury — could face the axe, with its lease on council-controlled land expired and no guarantee of renewal.
Seasoul Sauna was granted a 12-month trial lease to operate on a small patch of land managed by the Mordialloc Sailing Club, which itself is a tenant of Kingston Council.
With the trial-lease now expired, Seasoul Sauna owner Amy Salisbury said there had been little communication or clarity from the council about whether the lease would be renewed.
Ms Salisbury said she’ was blindsided by Kingston Council’s silence over the future of the foreshore sauna — a community hub she built as a sole trader after quitting her job as a brand manager.
The 40-year-old single mum, who also started the popular Mordi Sea Dippers cold-water group, said the sauna was a natural extension of her passion for health and connection — and aligned “perfectly” with the council’s own wellbeing plan.
“It’s been very disappointing for me, especially from a council that I’ve given so much to,” she said.
Ms Salisbury said losing the sauna would be a devastating blow to her livelihood and also to the wider community.
“From a community perspective, it’s such a unique offering — bringing people together, supporting their physical and mental health, and also has a strong social element.
“It would be a huge loss for the City of Kingston if it’s taken away.”
Seasoul
Local Lisa Pettiffer said the beach sauna was “loved” and losing it would be devastating.
“It is massive in the community. There are no drugs, no alcohol, no loud music, no mess or rubbish like — it’s a very respectful operation,” she said.
“The sauna is really quiet and lovely. It’s all about well being.”
Ms Pettiffer said the council needed to “do the right thing” and give the sauna a “fair chance”.
Seasoul
An online petition urging the council to renew Seasoul Sauna’s lease has gained more than 1500 signatures in less than a week.
The petition argues that Seasoul Sauna was an “an invaluable local asset”.
“Seasoul is not a commercial franchise. It was lovingly designed, hand-built, and thoughtfully crafted by Amy and a small team. Operated by a dedicated sole trader and supported by young locals,” the petition states.
“The continuation of Seasoul is vital, not only for Amy, who has poured her heart and soul into this project, but for the countless community members who rely on it to support their mental, physical, and social wellbeing.”
Elwood local Melanie said it would be “an enormous loss for Kingston to turn its back on the value and achievements” of the sauna.
“Seasoul Sauna and its community including Mordi Sea Dippers has played a singular role in welcoming my family and I into Kingston,” she said.
Romy said Seasoul Sauna was “more than just a sauna” and had been a place of “genuine healing, mentally and physically”.
“In one of the hardest periods of our lives, Seasoul gave us something to hold onto,” he said.
“We know there are practicalities, but this space matters. It’s not just steam and cold water. It’s a lifeline.”
A Kingston spokesman said the review of the one-year trial for Seasoul Sauna was underway.
“Council officers previously approved a trial sublease agreement with Seasoul Sauna at the Mordialloc Sailing Club. This trial period concluded last month,” he said.
“The review will take into account community feedback and include briefings with councillors, as well as discussions with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, given the foreshore location.
“Our officers have maintained regular contact with the tenant (the sailing club) in line with their lease, and a decision on the future of the sublease will be made in the coming months.”
