Getting ready for another season of free swmming at Thorpdale Outdoor Pool are (from left) Baw Baw YMCA Leisure Facilities operations coordinator Noah Pallot, manager Daniel Chu, Thorpdale Pool Committee member Natasha Hammond and Baw Baw YMCA Leisure Facilities duty manager Bonnie Price.
Thorpdale district residents are set to benefit from another season of free swimming on offer at Thorpdale outdoor pool.
For the third consecutive year, Thorpdale Swimming Pool Committee has worked with Baw Baw Shire to provide a generous sponsorship to cover the entry cost for everyone using the pool from December 1 through to March 31.
To encourage social connectedness amongst the Thorpdale and surrounding communities following the disruptions of COVID lockdowns, the community-led committee decided in 2020 to donate a portion of the unspent volunteer funds back into the facility. This allowed the community to use the pool at no charge for the 2020/21 summer season.
After receiving an overwhelming amount of support and praise for the generous sponsorship, the popular initiative has continued each year since.
Thorpdale pool committee member Natasha Hammond said offering free entry had been a welcomed benefit to the local town and community members of all ages.
"We've seen this initiative bring people from all over the shire to our town to use the pool as well as explore the local businesses we have on offer such as the famous bakery and local pub, the Travellers Rest," said Natasha.
"We are so passionate about our local assets here in Thorpdale and look for opportunities to maximise their use for the benefit of the whole community. We look forward to welcoming more people to our pool this season."
Baw Baw Shire mayor Annemarie McCabe thanked the pool committee for the generous donation and acknowledged the exceptional work they do in support of the local facility.
"This is a fantastic example of the proud community spirit shown here in Baw Baw Shire, and I hope many of our community members visit the pool and make the most of this program this summer," Cr McCabe said.
The pool is scheduled to reopen from this Thursday (December 1) on days when temperatures are forecast for 25 degrees or more - except early morning swims, which are not weather dependent.
The pools may close prior to, or during, thunderstorm activity or in extreme weather conditions.
Opening times are 3pm to 7pm on weekdays, and 1pm to 7pm on weekends, school and public holidays.
All pools will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
