The Bendigo East Swimming Pool will become a summer season only, heated facility and Faith Leech Aquatic Centre will be open and heated all year round following a decision by the Greater Bendigo City Council at last night's Council meeting.
The service changes will mean the community continues to have access to a year-round, heated, outdoor 50 metre pool.
Faith Leech Aquatic Centre currently operates for eight months of the year and this will now increase to all year round. The community will also still have year-round access to the City's two indoor heated aquatic facilities, Gurri Waanyarra Wellbeing Centre and Peter Krenz Centre.
The City will work with the voluntary Bendigo East Swimming Pool Committee of Management regarding its interest in continuing to operate the facility over the summer. However, should the Committee decide that they do not wish to do so, the City will appoint a suitably skilled and qualified operator prior to the commencement of the 2026/27 summer season.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said managing an aquatic facility is a significant undertaking and Council acknowledges the Bendigo East Swimming Pool Committee of Management's commitment and many contributions to running the facility over many years.
"It is challenging to operate aquatic facilities due to a range of factors, including significant safety requirements, risk management and increased capital and operating costs," Cr Prince said.
"These factors are placing growing pressure on all aquatic services, particularly those managed by volunteers. This is not just a Greater Bendigo problem, nationwide service providers are facing similar challenges with ageing infrastructure, increasing running costs and changing community needs for aquatic facilities.
"The City will also work on refreshing its Community Aquatic Facilities Strategy to ensure the community's diverse needs can be supported into the future.
"A community desire to have access to a year-round outdoor swimming facility was identified through community engagement for the Strategy and Faith Leech Aquatic Centre, as Greater Bendigo's premier, heated outdoor aquatic facility, is the most suitable facility to provide this service into the future.
"The City will also continue to work with Swimming Bendigo to support a collaborative approach to lane availability and management for Greater Bendigo's three swimming clubs over the winter season.
"Faith Leech Aquatic Centre and the indoor heated facilities will be available, and the City has provided lane availability assurances to the Bendigo East Amateur Swimming Club.
"Faith Leech Aquatic Centre is centrally located, with more contemporary change rooms and a suitable first aid space. It also features a pool hoist and wet deck area to provide greater accessibility.
"Council acknowledges the popularity of Bendigo East Swimming Pool, particularly in the summer months, and is pleased to be able to support its ongoing operation in summer."
