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East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities

East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.

By news@gippsland - 5th October 2026 - Back to News

East Gippsland, we've got the sunscreen at the ready as the weather warms up and our outdoor facilities are preparing to welcome you back. Maintenance and water preparation are well underway across Council's outdoor venues, and there's plenty happening this summer. Orbost Outdoor Pool will open a day early on Saturday 31 October.

Aqua Run returns during January school holidays, while Council recruits Aquatic Educators and offers training opportunities for aspiring swim teachers

Summer aquatic activities

Orbost Outdoor Pool usually opens on 1 November. As this year's date falls on a Sunday, Council will open the pool on Saturday 31 October, giving the community a full weekend of swimming. Opening hours change across the season, and the same temperature model as last year applies:

• All season: Monday to Friday, 6.00am to 8.30am
• Off-peak: weekdays 3.30pm to 7.00pm, and weekends 11.00am to 7.00pm (when the temperature is 24°C or above)
• Peak (20 December to 27 January): 11.00am to 7.00pm, daily

Full details are available at Lakes Entrance Aquadome website. Aqua Playgroup for babies and parents, Aqua Aerobics and Swimming Lessons will return this season, with schedules to be announced soon. The Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool will remain closed this season.

Metung Splash Park

Pack a picnic and make a day of it at Metung at the playground, barbecues and lawn area whilst we are still finishing some maintenance work on the Splash Park. We are looking forward to welcoming families to the area when these works are complete. We will be sharing this news on our website and socials.

Aqua Run Inflatable

Make a splash in the summer school holidays with the Aqua Run inflatable running at the Lakes Aquadome every Tuesday and Thursday throughout January, from 1pm to 3pm. It's $4.55 on top of your swim entry and a great way to keep the kids active and entertained.

Become a Swim Teacher this summer

Council is recruiting Aquatic Educators for its Recreation Centres, and there are two opportunities to gain the qualifications required to apply. Council is supporting the Orbost Education Centre, which is running a course from 12 to 16 October for people aged 16 and over. The course covers the Pool Lifeguard Certificate, First Aid and CPR, and the Swimming and Water Safety Teacher Certificate. Council staff will also be on hand to support participants with job applications.

Swim teacher opportunities

In Bairnsdale, Council supported an AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course held at the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre, helping local people take the next step towards becoming qualified swim teachers.

Aquatic Educators teach life-saving swimming skills and help build children's confidence in and around water. The role offers flexible hours, a supportive and passionate team, and an above-award pay rate. A vacancy is open now, and recruitment will continue into the warmer months. Find out more and who to contact.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
  Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• The Nationals criticise deteriorating Princes Highway as potholes raise safety concerns in Traralgon East
  The Nationals have criticised the deteriorating Princes Highway at Traralgon East, citing 85 potholes between Traralgon and Rosedale and road damage less than 18 months after duplication.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Darren Chester welcomes Mallacoota students to Parliament House during Canberra visit, discussing democracy and the role of elected representatives
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed Mallacoota P-12 College students to Parliament House during their Canberra visit, discussing Federal Parliament, democracy and the role of elected representatives.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
  Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Victoria funds hundreds of landcare projects with $3.58M environmental investment across communities and regions
  Victoria’s 2026 Landcare Grants provide $3.58 million statewide, including $337,250 for West Gippsland projects restoring habitat, waterways and landscapes while supporting volunteers, families and young people.