Published on Thursday, 13 May 2021 at 12:12:39 PM

The Merredin District Olympic Swimming Pool has been officially recognised as a Gold Waterwise Aquatic Centre at the Waterwise Recognition Breakfast held at Perth Convention Centre on Wednesday, 12 May 2021.

Swimming Pool Manager, John “Simmo” Simmonds, attended the ceremony on behalf of the Shire to accept the award from the Minister for Water, Hon Dave Kelly BA MLA.

“This achievement is a reflection of not only a huge team effort from Shire staff, but also of the community for making sure taps are turned off, and reporting issues when they see them,” Simmo said.

“We have been working exceptionally hard over the last 10 years to get to this position, first becoming Waterwise and then to get gold is a huge pat on the back.

“A special thank you must go to Dylan Copeland our Natural Resource Management Officer for putting together our application for submission. Also to John Gearing who has assisted us throughout the years to stop the leaks, and to Dave Watson, our Retic man who is quick to fix any issues with the reticulation as soon as they pop up.”

Merredin was one of just 15 New Gold Waterwise Aquatic Centres around WA awarded with Gold Status for demonstrating best practice water management in an aquatic centre, and the only regional town to receive the recognition.

To achieve gold recognition, endorsed Waterwise Councils must have a Water Corporation approved waterwise verge policy; all aquatic centres within their local government area endorsed as Waterwise Aquatic Centres, and an established Water Management Team within the council [Water Corporation Media Release].

The Waterwise Award will be on display in the Shire Administration Building until the pool re-opens in Summer.

Shire of Merredin CEO Mark Dacombe commented, “A fine team effort from a very dedicated group of Shire officers working with a very water conscious community in this dry zone.”

Back to All News