Michelle Slater
Mirboo North swimming pool community fundraising efforts have been kicked into overdrive with a whopping $950,000 raised towards a target of $1 million for the project.
The latest buy-a-tile campaign provided an extra $32,000 into the kitty as locals gear up for a fully-revamped pool to be opened in December.
Friends of the Mirboo North Swimming Pool secretary Jodie Pincini said the group was “overwhelmed” by the response to the buy-a-tile campaign, originally hoping to raise $10,000.
Ms Pincini said they had sold 325 tiles, which will bear the benefactor’s family name, with each tile to be used in a colourful mural near the pool entrance.
She said they would now consult with the community on a final design for the tiles.
“I think this strongly reflects the community we have here and the community’s strong connection to the pool. They were happy to donate so much money, it’s quite incredible,” Ms Pincini said.
“The pool is 100 years-old and a lot of people have stories about it and have a lifelong connection with it, these tiles will lock in that connection.”
The new complex will include a nine-lane 25-metre swimming pool, a toddler pool and a splash park as well as changerooms and a kiosk.
Ms Pincini said one of the pool’s drawcards was its bushland setting along a creek among the ferns, with space for a barbecue and social catch-up.
The $5.5 million pool upgrade is being partly funded by South Gippsland Shire Council with $1m in community co-funding.
As part of this, the Mirboo North and District Community Foundation has been matching community funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
Ms Pincini said they were only $50,000 off the million-dollar target and were hoping to raise the balance from business sponsors.
“Given the pool was at risk of closing forever 10 years ago, they community can’t wait, they will have a brand new pool,” Ms Pincini said.
“It will be incredible at the launch to have the whole community there to enjoy the new facilities.”
To donate to the Mirboo North swimming pool fundraiser, email info@mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au or visit mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au/mirboo-north-swimming-pool-fund/.
