Kimberley Green Constructions has started work on a swimming pool complex for the remote Aboriginal community of Kalumburu - delivering an important election commitment of the McGowan Government.
The pool complex, the eighth constructed in remote communities in Western Australia, is expected to deliver significant health outcomes for the local children.
Besides positive health outcomes, swimming pools provide a range of benefits for communities like Kalumburu, including improved education and social outcomes and training and employment opportunities.
They also contribute to a community's sense of place and provide a meeting area which encourages connection, inclusiveness and togetherness.
Remote Aboriginal communities have embraced a 'no school, no pool' policy and school principals have reported a marked increase in school attendance, as well as an overall improvement in student behaviour.
Managed by the Department of Communities, the Kalumburu pool contract will see the construction of a 25 metre (six lane) swimming pool, as well as a toddler pool with beach entry for disabled access. The contract includes administration and ablution buildings; a three-bedroom home for the swimming pool manager and landscaping works.
Under the Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pools Project, the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) provides swimming pool managers who live in the communities and maintain the swimming pools. They also deliver programs such as swimming lessons, swimming carnivals, lifesaving training and other community activities.
The $6.6 million project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.
As stated by Housing Minister Peter Tinley:
"The McGowan Government has rightly identified that getting Kalumburu a swimming pool is an important project and represents a significant investment in the future of the community.
"Research has shown that having pools in remote Aboriginal communities leads to improved physical, social and psychological health for residents and also promotes general wellbeing and educational outcomes - particularly for young and adolescent children."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:
"The RLSS plays a crucial role in providing pool management and lifeguard training courses at six remote community pools in WA - and in the past 12 months has helped 46 Aboriginal trainees achieve pre-vocational pool lifeguard qualifications.
"This is a great outcome in terms of offering training that can lead to better employment outcomes for local people.
"Similarly, the appointment of Kimberley Green Constructions as construction partner for the pool and associated facilities will also support local jobs and businesses in the region."
