Walgett Pool Progress: NSW Premier Takes Tour

Published on 18 December 2023

Last week, the Walgett Shire Council welcomed a visit to the Walgett Memorial Swimming Pool by the NSW Premier Chris Minns, Member for Barwon Roy Butler, and the Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty. The visit was aimed at seeing the progress made in the remediation works.

The pool, with a history spanning over 50 years, was taken out of service in July 2023 due to multiple issues, including filter malfunctions, ongoing leaks, and safety concerns. Acknowledging the essential role the pool plays in the community, the NSW Government took swift action by awarding a one-time grant of $375,000 to the Walgett Shire Council in October 2023. This funding was allocated for urgent and temporary repairs of the expansion joints, chemical dosing and sand filtration systems.

Walgett Shire Council Mayor, Jasen Ramien stated, “The pool is at the heart of our community and it is an important piece of infrastructure that helps to bring people together and ensure wellbeing for our residents and visitors during the heat.”

Expressing gratitude to the NSW Premier for the funding that enabled these temporary repairs and to Public Works NSW for their assistance in carrying out repairs, Mayor Ramien also announced the Council's decision to operate the pool for 14 weeks.

As the pool undergoes the final stages of preparation and minor adjustments for its reopening, the Council is actively recruiting pool attendants to contribute to the operation of the facility. Applications are open for individuals available between December 20th and Easter next year. Those interested are encouraged to fill out an expression of interest form available on our website or reach out to admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au.

All applicants must undergo and successfully pass a Working With Children Check (WWCC). Eligible candidates will also receive complimentary training in lifesaving and first aid if they do not already possess the relevant qualifications.

The Expression of Interest will remain open until the end of the swimming season.

Pending successful recruitment of pool attendants, the Council anticipates reopening the pool before Christmas.

For further information or to submit an expression of interest please visit www.walgett.nsw.gov.au

Media Enquiries: Sherisse Fensom
68286116 | 0429003133 | gm@walgett.nsw.gov.au