The new look Wyndham Memorial Swimming Pool was officially opened on 22 January 2010, with about 60 people attending a ceremony led by Shire of Wyndham/East Kimberley CEO Gary Gaffney and attended by councillors and community workers who have been involved with the project.
29 January 2010
Rain failed to dampen spirits at the opening – once the ribbon was cut Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia Gary Gray and Federal MP Barry Haase simultaneously dived into the pool to officially open the new facility.
They were joined shortly after by other community members who jumped at the chance to enjoy the new pool for the first time.
Both Mr Gray and Mr Haase made special mentions of the contribution and partnerships across state and Federal agencies that have resulted in the upgrade, which included funding through the Department of Sport and Recreation’s Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF).
Department of Sport and Recreation Manager Kimberley Dean Holder said the value of a modern pool in a community like Wyndham should not be underestimated with daytime temperatures sitting on around 35 degrees for nine months of the year. He said the pool was vital in enabling the community to cool off and exercise in comfort.
“The Wyndham Memorial Swimming Pool was commissioned in 1965/66 and has played an extremely important role in the community, in terms of providing a sport and recreation venue. However, over the years the pool had deteriorated and fallen below the standards required today,” Mr Holder said.
“Funding through DSR’s CSRFF and other partners has provided the Wyndham community with a new, upgraded and modern swimming pool, which has been fitted out, landscaped and provides inclusive access to all ages.”
The shire will now focus on providing quality sport and recreation activities for the community at the upgraded venue.
