Wadeye pool reopens for Northern Territory community after being empty for five years

November 27, 2023

Residents in Wadeye, located in the Northern Territory's remote west, approximately 400 kilometres from Darwin, have welcomed the long-awaited return of their swimming pool which has sat empty for the past half decade.

With construction on the new Wadeye Swimming Pool now complete, recreational facilities for the community have been given a much needed boost.

Without access to a pool, children have been forced to take respite from the region’s scorching heat by swimming in saltwater crocodile-inhabited creeks and rivers.

Over the past few weeks, a number of Wadeye residents have been trained up as lifeguards, in a bid to both bolster local employment and help keep children safe around water.

Local company, M&J Builders Pty Ltd, have carried out the upgrades.

The pool was identified as a key strategic priority in improving social outcomes and the health and wellbeing of the Wadeye community.

End of year school holiday activities will make the most of the new Wadeye Swimming Pool, with the Christmas break fast approaching.

The West Daly Regional Council has delivered this project with the support of the Northern Territory Government.

The Territory Government partnered with the Council to redevelop the pool, with the Territory Government providing $4.5 million to this project and Council contributing $300,000.

Northern Territory Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles noted “Good community infrastructure, builds strong, healthy communities.

"The Territory Government has provided $4.5 million to construct the pool at Wadeye – providing fun, recreational activities which keep our young people engaged.”

Across the territory, five of the Northern Territory's 18 remote pools have been closed due to safety and maintenance concerns, some for years, as temperatures soar during summer into the 40s.

Images. Credit: West Daly Regional Council

1st June 2023 - Installation of innovative Myrtha System now 40% complete at Palmerston’s Swimming and Wellness Hub

23rd April 2023 - Lighting up remote Northern Territory sporting grounds

14th November 2022 - Zander Bodaghi welcomed as new Community Sport Officer for Wadeye

2nd November 2022 - Royal Life Saving report shows up to 40% of Australia’s pools may need substantial upgrade or replacement by 2030

12th September 2022 - $3 million grant for new Wadeye swimming pool to enhance wellbeing of the community

21st June 2022 - Myrtha Pools to support FINA’s Pools for All Program

14th June 2022 - Endless Surf partnership with Myrtha Pools to solve wave pool construction and maintenance challenges

3rd February 2021 - Remote Aboriginal community to receive new sports facility

29th September 2020 - West Daly Regional Council looks to surrender Wadeye Swimming Pool after vandalism and attack on staff

4th March 2020 - Balgo Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pool gets official opening

22nd November 2018 - Queensland Government backs outback pool upgrade

21st March 2018 - Royal Life Saving WA promotes family fun at remote Burringurrah pool

15th January 2018 - Swimmers make the most of refurbished facilities at Darwin’s Parap Pool

8th November 2016 - Swimming pools in remote Aboriginal communities provide health and social benefits

9th June 2016 - ARV releases guidelines for managing outdoor seasonal pools

12th October 2015 - Drowning risk for children five times higher in regional and remote areas of Western Australia

4th May 2015 - Outdoor seasonal pools under ongoing threats

12th October 2015 - City of Darwin to outsource management of three public pools

2nd August 2014 - Remote Northern Territory communities receive major recreational upgrades

29th January 2011 - Federal funds to improve remote Northern Territory swimming pools

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