28/07/2026
I would like to share with you all our presidents report from our AGM tonight
President's Report – Murtoa Swimming Pool
Season 2025/2026
It gives me great pleasure to present my President's Report for the 2025/2026 Murtoa Swimming Pool season.
Our season officially opened on 30 November 2025 and concluded on 14 March 2026. During this time, the pool was open for 72 days, with an average of 44 patrons attending each day. Our busiest day was Sunday, 28 December 2025, when 145 people came through the gates, highlighting just how valued our pool is during the warmer months.
Membership numbers remained encouraging, with 65 memberships purchased, consisting of 40 families, 25 single. Membership also included 45 lap swimmers which included 5 juniors. In addition, we sold 104 family day passes and 576 casual swim passes. These figures reflect the continued support our community shows for the pool, and we sincerely thank everyone who visited and supported us throughout the season.
As always, getting the solar heating system operating efficiently before the season presented its challenges. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Bill and Mick in the lead up to opening, we were able to have the system up and running successfully. With only a few minor adjustments required throughout the season, the solar heating performed well and helped maintain comfortable swimming conditions for our patrons.
The Murtoa Swimming Pool continues to play an important role within our community, and we were pleased to support several local education groups throughout the season. We welcomed Horsham Primary School for their end-of-year celebration, Longerenong College during O-Week, and Murtoa College for swimming standards, school sports, PE classes and their end-of-year celebration. The positive feedback received from these groups reinforces the value of our facility.
This season we introduced several new initiatives. For the first time, we opened lap swimming to patrons under the age of 18 under strict conditions. We also invited patrons to share ideas on activities they would like to see at the pool. One suggestion was a Bombing Competition, which proved to be an outstanding success. The event featured junior, teen and senior categories, with each winner receiving a certificate along with a large block of chocolate and a can of soft drink. The excitement generated by this event continued for weeks afterwards, with many children still talking about it.
The extreme heat experienced this summer also presented an opportunity to trial something different. During three days where temperatures exceeded 40°C, we opened the pool in two separate sessions each day. This trial was extremely well received. The morning sessions attracted more families with younger children, allowing them to enjoy the pool before the peak heat of the day, while the afternoon sessions were also very well attended. With more than 100 people attending across the two sessions each day, we believe this initiative was a great success and worth considering again in future seasons. This also included a heat policy being developed for the benefit of the lifeguards in line with OH&S policies.
Our season concluded with a fantastic End of Season Party on 14 March 2026. Families enjoyed games both in and out of the water, an inflatable kindly loaned by the Rupanyup Swimming Pool, a free barbecue supported by Country Cut Meats Murtoa, and community supporters, drinks and giveaways. It was a wonderful way to celebrate another successful season. Thank you to everyone who helped plan, organise and run the afternoon.
Like many volunteer organisations, we experienced some changes within our committee. During the year we farewelled Bill, Amy and Jodie, and welcomed Del to the committee. I sincerely thank Bill, Amy and Jodie for their dedication, hard work and the many contributions they made to the Murtoa Swimming Pool over their time with us.
Staffing is always one of our biggest challenges, and I am pleased that we were able to secure two senior lifeguards, Caleb and Angus, along with junior lifeguard Matt. All three did an outstanding job throughout the season, providing a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for our patrons.
We were also fortunate to appoint Del as Pool Manager for the season. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Del resigned after only a few weeks in the role. On behalf of the committee, I thank Del for the time and effort contributed during that period and wish them all the very best.
As President, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make this season possible. To our committee members, lifeguards, volunteers, the Yarriambiack Shire, community groups, sponsors and every patron who supported the pool throughout the season—thank you. Your ongoing support ensures the Murtoa Swimming Pool continues to be a vibrant and valuable community asset.
Finally, I would like to personally thank those who supported me throughout the year. Your encouragement, assistance and willingness to lend a hand whenever needed made my role as President much easier, and I am truly grateful.
I look forward to another successful season as we continuing to build on the positive initiatives introduced this year.
Thank you.
Tracey Dormer
