Mayor's Message

By Cr Brett Tessari

Wednesday October 7 marks a pretty special milestone for not just Wonthaggi but also Bass Coast and surrounds.

The Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre turns 50 years old, and everyone is invited to celebrate with a free open day from 10am to 12pm.

For half a century, the pool has been much more than a place to swim. It's where generations of locals have learned a life-saving skill, improved their health, stayed connected and met lifelong friends.

A big thank you to Aligned Leisure for organising the celebrations and helping mark an occasion that means so much to so many people across Bass Coast.

The original outdoor pool was built in 1976, followed by the indoor facility and the official opening of the Wonthaggi Leisure Centre in 1986. Since then, it has become one of our community's most loved and well-used facilities.

That's why there is so much community support for its future.

The reality is that after 50 years of service, the centre is reaching the end of its life. While Aligned Leisure and staff do an incredible job keeping the facility operating, the building is ageing and no longer meets the expectations of a modern aquatic and leisure centre.

Over recent weeks we've also heard some wonderful stories from pool users about what the centre means to them. I've found those stories incredibly powerful. They've been a reminder that this project isn't just about bricks, mortar ... and water.

People love this pool.

The stories shared by community members, clubs, schools, Aligned Leisure and local organisations have helped amplify the message that the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre is a vital piece of community infrastructure and one worth fighting for.

That's exactly why a new aquatic centre remains Council's number one advocacy priority.

We'll continue working with other levels of government to secure the investment needed to make this project a reality.

But first, let's celebrate 50 years of memories.

I hope to see you at the pool tomorrow.