• Pool party: back, from left, SGSC recreation officer Ian Murphy, SGSC building coordinator Peter Cook, Friends of Toora Pool president Rachel Brown and Considine & Johnston’s Russell Kenny; front, from left, Cr Ray Argento, Mayor Cr Lorraine Brunt, pool manager Carol Bennett and Considine & Johnston’s Luke Bowman.
THE Toora Swimming Pool will receive Stage 2 Development funding of $250,000 from the State Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. The news came via Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing late last week.
This grant will facilitate development of an interactive children’s water play, car park upgrades, an upgrade to the barbecue facilities and hard landscaping of the Toora Swimming Pool.
Ms Shing acknowledged South Gippsland Shire Council for its commitment and financial contribution to the project.
“Congratulations to the residents of Toora – this boost will go a long way to supporting the growing number of people in Gippsland keen to get involved in local sport and recreation,” she said.
Council applied for State Government funding after the recommended as part of a motion that came out of May 30 general meeting.
But according to Friends of Toora Pool president Rachel Brown the battle to secure the funds goes back many years.
“I presented to the Council years ago. It got put in the master plan 10 years ago. It’s been going on a long, long time. I keep badgering all new councillors about the pool,” she said.
“For many years it was Toora pool and Council fighting, but over the past six years it’s been a lot more collaborative.” Pool manager Carol Bennett gave much of the credit for the improved relations to Council’s recreation officer Ian Murphy.
Cr Ray Argento said the works were “another great achievement for the pool committee (Friends of Toora Pool)”. “Hats off to the committee for the hard work they do in regard to keeping the pool and the great facility going,” Cr Argento said.
“The patronage has increased to 23,000 visits last year and it’s estimated that will go up to 28,000 – and the upgraded facilities will only invite more to come along, from within the Shire and outside too.
“Hats off Council staff too, for helping to fulfil the dream.”
Mayor, Cr Lorraine Brunt said the pool has been well supported by the community, South Gippsland Shire Council, the State Government and the operators of the Toora Wind Farm, who also tipped in $25,000.
“That’s how the pool has received funding above and beyond many other pools,” she said.
The Toora Pool will reopen on Monday, October 8. School holiday hours: 7am to 4pm, Monday to Friday; 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday. Regular times: 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; 10am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Aqua aerobics begins on Monday, October 8 at 9am, Monday to Friday. Night session will be held at 6.15pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Swimming lessons will commence this term. For bookings call the pool on 5686 2296 or contact the pool through Facebook messenger.
- Family memberships: $310
- Adult memberships: $166
- Child: $120
- Casual entry: $6.50 (adult), $5.30 (concession)
The Friends of Toora Pool AGM will be held on Wednesday, October 17 at 7.30pm at the Royal Standard Hotel in Toora. New members are welcome. Enquiries to Rachel on 0488 686
172.
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