A new chapter for Australian sauna culture: as the Australian Sweat Bathing Association passes the flame to the Australian Sauna Association, the mission to spread the good heat begins again with new purpose.
In 2016, I was proud to be part of the group that launched the Australian Sweat Bathing Association (ASBA). Our mission was to create "A New Australian Sauna Culture", guided by the inclusive vision of "Promoting Happy and Healthy Communities."
ASBA's vision was to convince Australia of the benefits of sauna and to promote the construction of high-quality sauna facilities across the country.
Although small, ASBA achieved several important milestones. We became Australia's first-ever member of the International Sauna Association (ISA), hosted multiple successful events for the Finnish Embassy in Canberra, and helped establish thriving sauna communities in both Sydney and Melbourne that began running organic local events.
Sadly, these promising beginnings were put on ice by COVID-19, and ASBA entered a long period of hibernation.
Passing the Flame
In 2025, I am equally proud as the flame is passed to the Australian Sauna Association (ASA).
The ASA is not only Australia's new representative in the ISA, but also the new national organisation that will continue the mission first started by ASBA: #SpreadTheGoodHeat.
The timing couldn't be better. Sauna has never been more popular. The momentum is here. Australia needs more sauna!
I feel far more hopeful today than I did in 2016. People are ready. Governments are ready.
Most importantly, unlike ASBA, the ASA has been established as a serious and professional organisation. It is not simply built on a vision. It has been created with the structure and governance needed to work alongside communities, industry, and government to advance sauna across Australia.
A strong national infrastructure is now being established, supporting not only individual membership but also meaningful involvement from businesses and industry.
The potential is enormous.
Why the Australian Sauna Association Matters
A Peak Body for Australia's Growing Sauna Community
Public interest in sauna has never been stronger. The ASA will serve as Australia's peak body, supporting and promoting this growing movement while helping educate the wider community.
Advocating for Health, Wellness & Public Infrastructure
Governments at every level are searching for ways to improve health, wellbeing, and social connection.
Sauna contributes meaningfully to all three.
The ASA will advocate for:
- Expansion of public sauna facilities
- Government recognition of sauna's health benefits
- Funding opportunities that help small sauna businesses bring the heat to more communities
Supporting New Sauna Businesses
New sauna operators are emerging across Australia every year.
The ASA will provide practical guidance, administrative support, and an industry network that allows operators to learn from one another and build stronger businesses.
Raising Industry Standards
Builders, importers, retailers, and manufacturers all benefit from consistent national standards.
The ASA will work alongside industry to develop:
- National sauna standards
- Accreditation programs
- Safety standards that discourage unsafe, low-quality equipment
- Greater confidence for consumers
Helping More Saunas Get Built
Planning approvals and regulatory requirements remain significant barriers to new public saunas.
The ASA will work to reduce these obstacles by engaging with regulators and helping create clearer pathways for sauna development throughout Australia.
Building Stronger Communities
Sauna is much more than heat. It creates community.
The ASA will connect sauna enthusiasts through a national membership network while supporting the growth of local sauna communities around Australia.
A Bigger Vision
Even modest progress in these areas will allow more Australians to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of sauna. But if we achieve meaningful progress across all of them, the result could be transformative.
Australia could embrace an entirely new culture of bathing, one that helps people become healthier, happier, and more connected. It would mean public and private saunas becoming commonplace throughout Australia. It would mean people understanding how sauna can be used for both personal wellbeing and community connection. It would mean we've achieved the original vision:
A New Australian Sauna Culture
I believe this is possible.
The ASA makes it possible.
This is an exciting moment.
Everyone who cares about promoting sauna should get involved.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the launch of the Australian Sauna Association.
Special congratulations and thanks go to Nikita Miltiadou (President), whose energy and leadership have driven this new generation of sauna advocacy in Australia.
Now, Let the Steam Rise!
Long live Australian sauna.
Long live the Australian Sauna Association.
