Keeping cool in the pool

Wee Waa Memorial Swimming Pool has been the place to be this summer following Narrabri Shire Council’s decision to waive entry fees over the school holiday period.

“It’s been fantabulous,” exclaimed Anita Wright who has been taking children to the pool as part of the Wee Waa Nurruby Out of School Hours, school holiday program.

“We considered the impact of the drought on families and we’ve tried to stay local and run a lowest cost or no-cost program.”

Wee Waa News visited the pool last Wednesday and photographed children from the WWOOSH holiday program who were clearly thrilled to have a place to cool down in the hot weather, and couldn’t wait to jump into the water and splash about.

The pool has been so busy that all the WWOOSH children were dressed in green t-shirts to ensure no one got lost in the crowd.

“Ideally we would come in the morning if they were open then,” added WWOOSH educator Anita Wright.

Wee Waa pool is currently closed between 8am and 1pm following a reduction in hours this season but there is ongoing consultation between the community and Council about extending the hours.

Wee Waa pool is currently open on Monday to Friday from 6am to 8am and 1pm to 7pm.

And on Saturday and Sunday it’s open 1pm to 7pm.

“Since the implementation of the free pool entry across the Shires late December last year, we have seen consistent numbers in the patronage of the pools across all the venues,” said Evan Harris, Narrabri Shire Council parks and open spaces manager.

“It has been encouraging to see the community back this initiative put forward by the Council with the community in mind,” added Mr Harris.

Children and educators from the Wee Waa Nurruby Out of School Hours, school holiday program enjoying a day out at the pool last Wednesday. Pictured, back row Billy Shearin, Byron Tully, WWOOSH coordinator Mary Ann Eason, Jett Palmer, Abby Noble and Lukah Bass, middle, Franxii Frichot, WWOOSH employee Abby Downes, Aziah Stevens, Zali Bass, Celia Galagher, WWOOSH educator Anita Wright, Loela Palmer, WWOOSH employee Madison Doring, front, Wylie Cruickshank, Lincoln Smolders, Tyler Simmonds, Emily Noble, Maecee Smith, Tatum Tout and Demi-Renee Cruickshank. Children and educators from the Wee Waa Nurruby Out of School Hours, school holiday program enjoying a day out at the pool last Wednesday. Pictured, back row Billy Shearin, Byron Tully, WWOOSH coordinator Mary Ann Eason, Jett Palmer, Abby Noble and Lukah Bass, middle, Franxii Frichot, WWOOSH employee Abby Downes, Aziah Stevens, Zali Bass, Celia Galagher, WWOOSH educator Anita Wright, Loela Palmer, WWOOSH employee Madison Doring, front, Wylie Cruickshank, Lincoln Smolders, Tyler Simmonds, Emily Noble, Maecee Smith, Tatum Tout and Demi-Renee Cruickshank.

Emily Noble Emily Noble

Celia Galagher, Lukah Bass, Tyler Simmonds, Lincoln Smolders and Wylie Cruickshank eager to jump in the Wee Waa Memorial Swimming Pool last Wednesday. Celia Galagher, Lukah Bass, Tyler Simmonds, Lincoln Smolders and Wylie Cruickshank eager to jump in the Wee Waa Memorial Swimming Pool last Wednesday.

Maecee Smith. Maecee Smith.

Byron Tully and Billy Shearin jumping off the blocks. Byron Tully and Billy Shearin jumping off the blocks.