The Golden Square pool is no longer just a pool. It is one of the best examples of community development I have seen in a long time - by the people for the people.
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At the start of the 2019/2020 season, the Golden Square pool committee was looking for volunteers. I thought it was a good idea for the younger members of my family to develop an awareness of the importance of volunteering.
At the volunteer meeting it became apparent that the young people would volunteer with a family member. This very strategic approach by the committee increased their volunteer base significantly as well as meeting child safe standards.
This was very creative community development.
Such a small organisation had incredible vision and clarity through the development of a strategic plan.
They have identified issues of business continuity, succession planning, business models, financial planning, asset management etc. I was most impressed with their concise direction.
The uncertainty of the continuous operations must be very challenging and frustrating for the Golden Square committee and community.
Volunteers, in particular, Golden Square volunteers get the work done and at a much cheaper rate then commercial arrangements.
The pool has had more challenges this season just gone than any other season, with code red day, major windstorms and dust from the Mallee finding its way into the pool as well as mud rain.
All of this was taken in their stride, even though this meant closure, lost revenue and much work to remedy the challenges which were all met in a very quick and timely manner. On top of mother nature, a building fire proved a significant challenge.
Through the amazing networks and connections of the Golden Square pool they were able to obtain a site hut and be operational in three days. An amazing feat for any club, but Golden Square community and beyond rallied to the call.
The council report indicated that the cost to repair the fire damage was approximately $70 to $80K and felt that the pool was not in a position to pay that amount. This is clearly an insurance issue and the tenant should not be required to pay.
It was requested that they pay the excess, which the committee indicated they would be prepared to do so on provision of security of tenure. It was staggering to hear the excess was $20k plus.
No small business could afford to have factored into their infrastructure insurance at such an inflated excess. It would cripple most, but the committee, so dedicated to their community stated that they will pay this amount.
It is understood that in 2018, the plan for the 2020 decision would be aligned with the council decision on the masterplan for the Golden Square recreational facilities as well as a review of the 2010 aquatic strategy.
I am perplexed that the masterplan is now to be conducted over the next four years. Was nothing done in the last two years on both plans as initially recommended?
I implore the Greater Bendigo City Council to provide a four year extension to the Golden Square Pool Committee of Management with the same terms and conditions as they are currently receiving, and that they have autonomy regarding their asset maintenance, and that every effort is made to ensure the long term commitment to the pool's future.
Rosalie Rogers is a long time Bendigo resident.