AusLeisure

The Western Australian Government is introducing a free pool entry pilot program across the Gascoyne, Midwest, Wheatbelt, and Great Southern regions for eligible children and young people.

The pool entry pilot program will enable eligible children and young people to access their local swimming pool with a free seasonal pass in the Shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Coorow, Morawa, Merredin, Moora, Northam, Narrogin, Quairading, Gnowangerup, Katanning, Jerramungup, Kojonup and Plantagenet, as well as the City of Albany.

15 local government authorities across the four regions will participate in the pilot project, ensuring every eligible child or young person will have access to a pool near them to cool off for free.

Eligibility for the vouchers is aligned with the 'KidSport Voucher Program', which was expanded by the WA Government in August 2023 to include children in care, asylum seekers, and refugees.

The pilot will benefit up to 500 eligible children and young people, provide further cost-of-living relief, and enable the State Government to consider the outcomes of the pilot for a potential State-wide rollout in the future.

The pool entry pilot will be administered by the participating eligible local government authority, with the support of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) and, like the 'KidSport Voucher Program', is open to eligible five-18 year-olds.

Western Australia Sport and Recreation Minister, David Templeman commented "all children and young people should have the opportunity to swim, especially across the summer months, but cost-of-living pressure can mean pool entry costs prohibit families from cooling off at the local pool.

"The regions being targeted experience high temperatures, which means this pilot will provide a good snapshot of community interest and uptake, and overall the trial will identify any potential implementation issues for the local governments.

"I am pleased the Cook Government is able to offer this pilot for the remaining summer months and look forward to the results and opportunities it may present."

For more information, visit the DLGSC website

Image:Carnarvon Aquatic Centre. Credit: Carnarvon Aquatic Centre.

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