Local Community News

Thunderstorm Asthma

Prepare for increased grass pollen levels to help keep students safe this thunderstorm asthma season

There is an increased risk of seasonal asthma, hay fever and thunderstorm asthma during seasons with increased grass pollen levels. In Victoria, this is typically from October to December.

Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by a combination of higher grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm.

Under these conditions, people with a history of asthma, or whose asthma or hay fever is poorly treated, are at higher risk of a sudden and serious asthma attack.

Thunderstorm asthma can occur even in people who have never had asthma before. If anyone has wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness, apply asthma first aid and get emergency help.

The best way to reduce and prevent symptoms of asthma or hay fever and reduce absences from school is to follow an up-to-date asthma action plan or hay fever treatment plan, provided by a GP or specialist.

How to prepare for grass pollen season

To prepare for higher grass pollen levels:

review our Asthma policy and your school’s asthma policy, and ensure appropriate staff are trained in asthma first aid
ensure all students diagnosed with asthma have an up-to-date asthma action plan, a student health support plan and student medication, including relievers (puffers)
encourage staff and students with a history of seasonal hay fever symptoms to see a GP if they don’t have a hay fever treatment plan
record preparations and response actions in your school Emergency Management Plan
download the VicEmergency app and create a ‘watch zone’ to receive thunderstorm asthma advice and warnings
ensure your school has an asthma emergency kit with in-date emergency reliever medication (available from a pharmacy without a prescription)
keep asthma medication readily accessible
communicate information about thunderstorm asthma and your preparations to your school community – template content is available to help you share this information.

Managing risk

If a thunderstorm is forecast or occurs this October to December:

avoid having anyone outside, especially during wind gusts that arrive before the storm
close all doors and windows
ensure air conditioners are set to recirculate air, and not to bring air in from outside.

At all other times, schools should ventilate rooms with fresh air as much as possible.

For more information about maximising ventilation in schools, including the appropriate use and placement of air purifiers, refer to our Ventilation and Air Purification policy and the How to use an air purifier fact sheet.

Policy, guidance and resources

Our Policy and Advisory Library includes all related policy information, guidance and resources under the relevant menu tabs:

Asthma, including guidance about asthma attacks, cleaning asthma puffers and key information
Anaphylaxis.

Find out more

For more information, refer to:

Asthma Australia for a free online learning course about asthma first aid
Better Health Channel for more about epidemic thunderstorm asthma.

For information on responding to epidemic thunderstorm asthma, contact the operations and emergency management manager or emergency management support officer in your region.

Bayside Farmers' Market

What a great way to kick-start the weekend, with a visit to the 60+ market stalls featuring seasonal fresh produce direct from the farm, gourmet and artisan foods and beverages, take-away food, drinks & coffees, and live music…all at a fabulous beachside location…..…so get your family and friends together and join in this fantastic community event!

HERE’S WHERE YOU’LL FIND US:

🗓When: Saturday, 25th Otober

📍Where: Trey Bit Reserve (Jetty Road), Sandringham*

⏰Time: 8am-1pm

🐶Dogs welcome on lead also

More details about the market are also available at:

Website: https://BaysideFarmersMarket.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaysideFM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baysidefarmersmarket_

Sport Star Academy

JAMES AN COLLEGE

Elwood City Soccer Club

Elwood City Soccer Club is holding Development Squad trials for our 2026 season, and we’re inviting young players from the local community to come along and give it a go.

Our Development Squads focus on developing confident, skilful, and creative players in a fun and supportive environment. The program is led by experienced, qualified coaches who prioritise growth, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the game.

Teams generally compete in Kangaroo and Community A divisions, offering a great level of competition for players ready to take that next step — or those simply looking for a fresh challenge and a chance to reach their full potential.

Even if a player hasn’t yet found the right team fit, our trials are a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, learn, and enjoy playing alongside others who share the same passion.

Trial Details: commencing week of 13 OctoberMore details & registration: https://www.elwoodcityjuniors.org/devsquadtrials2026

Brighton Union Cricket Club

AFLW Free Tickets

Discount adult tickets and under-18s are free.

Bayside City Council Garage Sale Trail 2025

Australia’s biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns to Bayside this November. The Garage Sale Trail is a feel-good community event that gets people buying, selling and reusing over two big weekends of garage sales and markets.

Garage Sale Trail is an opportunity for your school to:

Raise funds – Schools typically make more than $1,000 in one day.
Inspire real-world learning – Teach students about the circular economy, sustainability and reducing waste.
Build community – Bring together families, students and locals.

This year, garage sales will be held around Bayside and the country on 8-9 and 15-16 November 2025.

It’s free to take part, and Garage Sale Trail provides schools with everything you need – including tips, tools and free promotional materials.

Registrations go live 10 September, so get in early and register now at www.garagesaletrail.com.au

eptember with code SCHOOL10 receive 10% off

Junior Cellists

2-Day Sports Camp

Drama Classes - Elwood

Learn to Sail

Learn to sail these school holidays with Tackers at Albert Park lake!

Tackers is a fun introductory, games-based sailing program designed for kids aged 7-12 yrs. Participants learn how to sail small boats with the guidance and expertise of our Australian Sailing qualified instructors.

Tackers focuses on teaching sailing in a fun and engaging way where participants can sail with friends and make new friendships along the way.

Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience or club membership to participate.

Visit https://www.theboatshed.net.au/tackers for more information and/or to book a place.

Recruiting Elwood Koalas Basketball Team

Do you have a Grade 5 or 6 girl who is interested in playing basketball?

The Elwood Koalas are seeking additional players to compete in the Bayside competition. Games are on Tuesdays after school, usually at MSAC. Training at Elwood Primary before school on Thursdays. Koalas are a friendly bunch of girls who focus on the fun of playing!

If you're interested we'd love to hear from you. Please contact team manager Leah at blochleah@gmail.com.