Good morning Sandbelters,

Looking mild and mostly dry for the weekend ☀️ a small chance of a shower Saturday, clear by Sunday. Today is 12° / 7° · Mostly sunny · Sunset 5:31 PM.

Today we’re covering:

Have a wonderful weekend!

- Merrin, Editor

Postal voting closes today at 6pm for the Kingston City Council by-election in Melaleuca Ward, covering Mentone, Moorabbin, Mordialloc, Cheltenham, Dingley Village, Chelsea and Patterson Lakes.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Councillor Tess Law, with 13 candidates on the ballot and around 11,000 voters enrolled.

Voting is compulsory for everyone enrolled in the ward. The Victorian Electoral Commission says anyone who hasn't returned their ballot pack should act now to avoid a fine.

Completed ballots can be posted or hand delivered to the election office at 1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham, before voting closes.

🔗 Read the full story here

Chelsea and Baxter face off in a State 4 derby at Baxter Park on Saturday, with both clubs' seasons hanging in the balance.

Chelsea has lost its last five games and is being dragged into a relegation fight, making this weekend's clash close to must win.

Elsewhere in local football, Aspendale kept its promotion push alive with a win over Endeavour Hills, while Mentone lost away to Old Melburnians.

It's a big weekend for Sandbelt football, with plenty on the line across the grades.

🔗 Read the full story here

The Victorian Government has confirmed structure plans for a new underground Suburban Rail Loop East station at Cheltenham, part of a project spanning six stations from Cheltenham to Box Hill.

The plan will support 70,000 additional homes across the six SRL East precincts, with the changes to be built into the planning schemes of Bayside, Kingston, Monash and Whitehorse.

More than 10,000 community responses and submissions helped shape the structure planning process, including input gathered through pop-up events, information sessions and a dedicated Cheltenham community panel.

Construction on SRL East is already underway, with Cheltenham's new station expected to bring significantly better public transport, jobs and services to the area over the coming years.

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🔗 Read the full story here

🎬 Movie Club Preview: Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma | 6:30pm
Location: Palace Brighton Bay, 294 Bay St, Brighton
Description: Early preview screening of the horror comedy ahead of its general release

🎹 Beyond the Beehive: Amy Winehouse's Musical Mastery | 7:30pm
Location: Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin
Description: A tribute concert celebrating the music and legacy of Amy Winehouse

📱 Smartphones Tips & Tricks | 10:30am to 12pm
Location: Chelsea Library
Description: Free hands on session for getting more out of your smartphone. Bring your own device.

💃 Ballroom Dancing with Janette | Various sessions
Location: Chelsea Heights Community Centre, 160 Thames Promenade, Chelsea Heights
Description: A welcoming social dance class for all experience levels, no partner required.

🥬 Kingston Farmers' Market | 8am to 12:30pm
Location: Kingston Heath Reserve, Cheltenham
Description: Weekly market with natural shade, paths, toilets and seating. Entry is a $2 donation to the Rotary Club of Chelsea.

🎬 Sam Neill Tribute Screening: Jurassic Park | 1:30pm
Location: Palace Brighton Bay
Description: Special screening celebrating Sam Neill's career, featuring the iconic 1993 blockbuster.

🥂 Mercedes-Benz Brighton Woman of the Year Lunch | 12:30pm
Location: Sandringham Yacht Club
Description: Annual charity lunch celebrating outstanding women in the Bayside community.

🎤 The Bruno Mars Experience | 7 to 10pm
Location: Kingston City Hall
Description: A live tribute show recreating the hits and stage energy of Bruno Mars.

🎬 2026 Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival: Closing Night — Persona | 6:00pm
Location: Palace Brighton Bay
Description: Closing night screening and reception for the Nordic Film Festival, featuring Ingmar Bergman's classic Persona.

🚣 Come, Try & Learn to Row | 7:00am–10:00am
Location: National Water Sports Centre, Bangholme
Description: Discover rowing with a free beginner session designed for adults of all abilities. A great way to get active and try something new.

Kingston calls on State to rethink Aspendale crossing design
Kingston Council is urging the Victorian Government to reconsider the proposed Aspendale Level Crossing Removal Project, advocating for a rail-over-road design that better reflects community feedback.

Exciting progress at Hampton Foreshore
Major upgrades at Hampton Foreshore are nearing completion, with key areas reopening as work continues to improve accessibility, landscaping and visitor facilities.

Victorian Government extends Municipal Monitors at Kingston
The State Government has extended Kingston's Municipal Monitors until 14 August while the council continues implementing governance improvements.

How a Kingston household went from small steps to full electrification
Kingston residents Rex and Ella share how a council home energy assessment helped them fully electrify their home, with real costs, savings and practical advice for others.

Hidden Tennis Court, Sandringham

A hidden 1,400m² tennis complex tucked behind Sandringham's prestigious homes has hit the market with a guide of $1.2–1.3 million. Home to the century-old All Souls Tennis Club, the site has attracted interest from both local residents hoping to preserve the courts and developers eyeing a future housing opportunity.

🔗 Read the full story

Love Athletica

Location: 123 Church Street, Brighton
Brighton locals will soon have access to Love Athletica's signature hot mat workouts, wellness classes and relaxing tea rituals in a brand-new two-storey studio. Opening Spring 2026.

This Week: Royal Melbourne Golf Club

⛳ Since opening in 1891, Royal Melbourne Golf Club has become one of Australia's most celebrated sporting venues, regularly hosting international tournaments and attracting golfers from around the world.

🔗 Learn more

New to ChatGPT? Here's the easiest way to get started.

ChatGPT can help you plan holidays, write emails, explain technology, suggest recipes, answer health questions in plain English and much more.

If you've been curious about AI but weren't sure where to begin, our free beginner's guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

This week's challenge: Ask ChatGPT to plan your next weekend outing or recommend a new dinner recipe.

Add Protein First

Before planning the rest of your meal, ask yourself one simple question:

“Where’s the protein”

Protein is especially important as we get older because it helps preserve muscle, supports recovery after exercise and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

Good options include fish, chicken, eggs, Greek yoghurt, tofu, beans and lentils.

This week's challenge: Aim for 20–30g of protein with each main meal.

Give your brain a workout! Challenge yourself with today's Mini Crossword, Word Wheel, Sudoku and Trivia. Can you complete all four?

🔗 Play here

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