The SWA CEO Darren Beazley was in Northam today as a guest of the Northam Shire and the Northam Swimming Club. In front of a large crowd on a hot day, the Hon. Christian Porter (Attorney-General of Australia, Member for Pearce and Minister for Industrial Relations and Leader of the House) cut the red ribbon with Shire President Mr. Chris Antonio officially opening the aquatic centre. The $6.2M aquatic centre has something for everyone with brand new 8 lane, 50 m pool last has a 25 m pool, toddlers pool and 4 slides.
Swimming WA have been consulting with the Shire of Northam for the past two (2) years and were determined to ensure that one of its oldest member clubs in the Northam Swimming Club would have a home for the next 60 years. Mr. Beazley attended the opening and presented a plaque to the Shire President Mr. Chris Antonio in recognition of the investment made by the Shire, State and Federal Governments. He addressed the crowd and acknowledged the strong contribution that Northam Swimming Club has made to swimming in Western Australia over such a long period. He then presented a plaque to Northam Swimming Club President Mrs. Jo Stephen to commemorate the occasion.
“Many people will recall that in the 1950’s, the Northam Swimming Club was the powerhouse in Western Australian swimming. The Olympic Pool hosted many champions in that time, including the great Dawn Fraser. Whilst it is sad that the Olympic pool has now closed, this new pool provides an opportunity for the Northam Swimming Club to grow its Membership from the current 70, to well over 100” he said.
“Jo tells me that the Northam Open which will be held in the pool next weekend has a record 213 entries, which shows that the investment by the Shire will pay dividends. Swimming WA wishes the Northam Swimming Club every success at its new home and looks forward to continuing to support our country Clubs to grow and prosper in this first class facility” Mr. Beazley said.
Northam Pool Committee Members
