Bendigo councillors are expected to make a decision about the fate Golden Square pool on Wednesday, with council recommending the pool be decommissioned at the end of the 2022-23 season.
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One risk independent consultants identified in forming their recommendation to close the pool was about the viability of its volunteer-run committee.
Bronwyn Soko was born in Golden Square and after spending 20 years working in water safety and lifesaving swim training overseas, was welcomed back to her local pool with open arms in 2018.
Having been a volunteer for two seasons, Ms Soko said the pool brings together people of diverse skill sets.
"The thing about our volunteers is they come from such an array of skilled jobs and use those skills to assist the community," Ms Soko said.
"Volunteers have been running this pool for years and can do it bigger and better when encouraged to do so.
"If you devalue someone's time, effort, passion and advocacy, what does that achieve?"
Pool president Sam Kane said the return of the blue ribbons tied to Golden Square fences and gates is an homage to the successful 2013 ribbon campaign.
"People putting ribbons on their fences symbolises support and helps spread word throughout the suburb," Mr Kane said.
The ribbons are about triggering a conversation, Ms Soko said.
"The blue ribbons are a way for the community and neighbourhood to share ideas and have a conversation about what the ribbons are for."
This year:
- City of Greater Bendigo calls for input on Golden Square Recreation Reserve's future
- Proposal to push Golden Square Pool decision back to July
- Your Say: Statues should stay, so too Golden Square Pool
- Your Say: Golden Square pool and rural rates
- Golden Square Swimming Pool decision delayed until June
- It's more than just a pool
- Golden Square swimming pool debate | Letters to the Editor
- Call to delay Golden Square Swimming Pool decision until April
- Pool's long-term strategy unveiled as decision on future looms
- Four-year reprieve floated for Golden Square Swimming Pool
- Golden Square Football Netball Club frustrated by delay deciding on fate of community pool
- Pool plans for the future as it celebrates 100,000th patron
- Heathcote Swimming Pool temporarily closed as Golden Square Pool reopens after fire
- Electrical fire damages Golden Square Pool storage building
Pool volunteers spiked in number last summer, with the junior volunteer program the reason, according to Mr Kane.
"We created an opportunity for entire families to come together and volunteer and it was very popular," Mr Kane said.
"New families offered their time and parents and grandparents were able do to things together with their children."
Golden Square pool has faced the threat of closure multiple times in the past decade.
Bendigo council is expected to make a decision on the pool's fate during Wednesday night's July council meeting.