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Swim for free at Thorpdale Pool in Baw Baw Shire this summer

Thorpdale Swimming Pool Committee has worked with Baw Baw Shire Council to provide a donation that will allow the community to swim for free.

By news@gippsland - 30th November 2021 - Back to News

For the second year in a row, the Thorpdale Swimming Pool Committee has worked with Baw Baw Shire Council to provide a donation that will allow the community to swim for free this summer.

Outdoor pools open when the temperature is forecast for 25 degrees or more, pools may close prior to or during thunderstorm activity or in extreme weather conditions

Receiving overwhelming support

The generous donation will cover the entry costs for community members using the Thorpdale Outdoor Pool, as well as funding the Thorpdale Primary School's swimming program and annual swimming carnival.

Prior to Council taking over the operations of the pool in 2006, the community-led committee has held funds generated by community volunteers. Last year, the committee donated a portion of the unspent funds back into the facility allowing the community to use the pool at no charge.

After receiving overwhelming support and praise from the community last year, the committee decided to sponsor another season of free swimming at the pool. This initiative seeks to encourage social connectedness amongst the Thorpdale and surrounding communities after another year impacted by lockdowns.

Pool to reopen

The pool is scheduled to reopen from Wednesday 1 December 2021 on days where the temperature is forecast to reach or exceed 25 degrees Celsius. Open days will be determined at 5.00pm for the following day using the Warragul forecast data provided by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Opening times:

• Monday to Friday: 3.00pm - 7.00pm
• Weekends, school and public holidays: 1.00pm - 7.00pm

A range of COVID Safe measures will be in place for all visitors in line with the current health advice as directed by DHHS.

Take advantage and stay cool

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "I would like to thank the Thorpdale Swimming Pool Committee for their generous donation and their ongoing contribution to the community. This donation will support another year of free swimming for the summer season as well as benefiting the primary school throughout their swimming program. We look forward to welcoming the community back to this fantastic facility and encourage everyone to take advantage and stay cool this summer season at our local pools."

Thorpdale Pool Committee Chair Natasha Hammond said, "The Committee is pleased to provide another season of free entry to the Thorpdale pool. Last summer we received lots of positive feedback on the free entry from the community and it was wonderful to see many new faces coming for a swim in the pool. We are pleased to also support our small school with free entry for their learn to swim program."

Pools may close prior to or during thunderstorm activity or in extreme weather conditions. All pools will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. For more information about Council's swimming pools, including full entry pricing, locations, operating hours and conditions of entry please visit leisure and recreation.

Pictures from Cr Michael Leaney Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
• Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• East Gippsland Council warns pets aren’t presents, urges thoughtful, responsible lifelong commitment this Christmas season
  East Gippsland Council urges residents to avoid gifting pets impulsively this Christmas, emphasizing lifelong commitment, care, and responsibility, suggesting adoption vouchers or sponsorships as thoughtful alternatives.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
  The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation.
• Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
  Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities.
• South Gippsland Council invites artists to create site-specific sculpture on Great Southern Rail Trail, submissions open 2 February 2026
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites artists or collectives to create a site-responsive sculpture on the Great Southern Rail Trail. Submissions for Expressions of Interest close 5 pm, Monday 2 February 2026.
• East Gippsland Council endorses Coastal and Marine Management Plan to protect treasured coastline sustainably
  East Gippsland Shire Council has endorsed the Coastal and Marine Management Plan, providing a coordinated framework to protect and sustainably manage coastal reserves with community, Traditional Owner, and stakeholder input.
• East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
  East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27.
• Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October.
• Nature positive farming field day, sustainable practices, carbon insights, and soil management at Malabar farm
  Join Jenny and Paul O'Sullivan at Malabar Farm on 20 November 2025 for a free Nature Positive Farming field day, exploring sustainable practices, greenhouse gas estimation, soil carbon, and carbon farming benefits.
• South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
  South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring.