THE community have come together to show support for the Tea Gardens Pool, with over 2500 signatures on a petition to upgrade the pool.

With less than two weeks to go, the subcommittee hopes to reach 3000 signatures.

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Ann O’Brien from the Progress Association subcommittee, said, “The overwhelming support for our petition from all age groups highlights how important the pool is in our community.”

She cited the various uses for the pool in which groups have discussed a need for.

“From therapeutic exercise to young families who want ‘learn to swim’ classes, a safe venue for children to use and swimmers who value the form as an exercise for physical wellbeing, we’re hearing what the community is saying,” Ann said.

The NSW Government has also announced a $100 voucher system for all preschool children to get swimming lessons, and the subcommittee believes that this should also prompt action on the pool.

On 1 June, over 80 people attended a pool meeting to discuss the issue, Jim Meehan (Chair of Pool-Subcommittee of PA) related several stories of local residents having to travel to Maitland or Taree for swim training.

On 21 June, subcommittee members Jim Meehan and Ann O’Brien attended a meeting with Paul Se Szell, Director of Living Communities and Dan Aldridge, Head of Community Spaces, Recreation and Trades to discuss the community’s desire to develop and upgrade the pool.

The concept was supported by the representatives under the idea that an upgrade will lead to a more commercially viable venue.

The subcommittee will be presenting a report to the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association at the next committee meeting advocating for a steering committee to help move the project along.

Anyone who feels as though they may be of value to the steering committee please contact the subcommittee.

For those wishing to sign a petition, head to the pharmacy in Tea gardens or Hawks Nest or for more information, contact Jim Meehan at meehan.jw@gmail.com.

By Tara CAMPBELL