Ending the season with a splash

FOLLOWING a late start to the season, Heathcote Swimming Pool celebrated its final day of the summer opening period with a pool party last weekend.

The pool was closed for almost 12 months after reports of electrical shocks to some patrons.

It was finally opened on 24 January with free entry and a variety of special events followed, including a pizza party and a lap swimming challenge.

Pool manager Briony Halliday said the last day of the season was a fantastic day and thanked everyone who helped make the day special.

“Thank you to the community for showing up and having fun,” said Ms Halliday.

“A big thank you to the talented Indi Gilmore for entertaining the crowd. I hope to have you back next season.

Riley thought it was a perfect day to end the swimming pool season.

“Thanks to Segafredo Bakery, Heathcote Lions Club and volunteers, we couldn’t have done this without you.

“And to Community Bank Heathcote and District, we definitely couldn’t have done this without you.

“We really appreciate you for coming on board and sponsoring the day. Supporting local businesses is so important, and our community bank is committed to returning profits to local communities.

“I hope everyone will support them. If we don’t support them, they can’t support our beautiful community.

“Lastly, I would like to thank the Heathcote pool reference group, for taking time out of their lives to turn up and give their support and hearts to bettering our local pool.

“Without a doubt Heathcote wouldn’t have received all the attention and community events that popped up throughout the reduced season without you.

Indi Gilmore played and sang a selection of chilled, laid-back tunes while patrons celebrated the final day of the Heathcote Swimming Pool season.

“Your efforts haven’t gone unnoticed and I am grateful to have gotten to know you all.

“Hopefully we will see everyone back at the end of the year, for a bigger and better full season.”

Reference group member Karla Douglas praised Ms Halliday for all she did to ensure the reduced season was an outstanding success.

“The pool party and all the events were due to Briony’s hard work and dedication,” said Ms Douglas.

“She has gone above and beyond to make it all happen and we are all very grateful.”

Ms Douglas said that going forward the reference group would continue to monitor any issues that arise.

“We are so glad the safety issues were rectified, and the community was able to enjoy the pool again,” she said.

Cy Chin (right) travelled from Bendigo to attend the pool party with her friend Azie Laudin from Heathcote.

“We look forward to a successful 2026/27 season and will be investigating any ideas and suggestions that could see the pool area used during the off-season.”

Dorothy Skerry attended the pool party with daughter Sharnie and grandson Koa.

“We have really enjoyed the day,” she said. “It was great to have the pool open again.

“It has been a family tradition to visit the pool each summer.

“I used to bring my children here when they were young and it’s wonderful to be able to do the same with Koa.

“The community has really supported the pool, and I hope they will continue to do so next season.”

Lucy McKenzie has been a lifeguard at the pool for three years.

“It was really good to see everyone enjoying themselves,” she said. “I am already looking forward to next season.”