Locals meet to raise concerns about Dungog pool’s operating hours

OVER 20 concerned pool users recently met at the Dungog Memorial Swimming Pool, calling for it to remain open for longer periods. 

Currently, the pool is open six months of the year.

This year it closed just before Easter and the school holidays, when the weather was perfect for swimming.

School groups, Learn to Swim, Swimming Club, exercise groups, social and recreational groups, lap swimmers and families all use the pool.

It is important for physical therapy, mental health benefits, social connection, exercise and entertainment.

Donna van Rooyen learned to swim as a senior at the Dungog pool.

She said longer hours would give people of all ages “more opportunities to stay healthy and fit, and give them a purpose to achieve dreams, learn to swim and stay safe in the water”.

Numerous solutions have been raised: from opening half days, to adding several weeks at the beginning and/or end of the season.

Opening year-round is seen as the ideal, especially for people who rely on the pool for relief from serious conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or arthritis.

The problem is that the heating system is not working and Dungog Shire Council is still waiting on parts.

Michelle Dado-Millyn has been involved with the proposal for quite some years.

She presented a community petition to Council last year and has followed-up with a survey that attracted 100 respondents unanimously in favour of keeping the pool open longer.

Michelle will be raising the issue again at an upcoming Council meeting.

The pool is owned by Council, but is operated by a contractor.

Council previously considered extending hours, but decided against it, presumably due to costs.

Pool users suggest these could be offset by government grants or community fundraising.

Anyone wanting the pool to remain open longer can lend their support by contacting Council.

By Lisa WISEMAN