Community invited to swim for free at the Thorpdale Pool this summer

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.  

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. 

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.  

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.  

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 Council’s website.  

Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney 

“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 benefitting 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."

Quotes attributable to Thorpdale Pool Committee Chair Natasha Hammond 

“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."