Dapto kids deserve some fun in the sun as much as anyone else. Photo: Envato/Sunny_studio.
Dapto and Corrimal kids could look forward to free pool entry this summer holidays, thanks to a motion from Councillor Ann Martin at the July Wollongong City Council meeting.
Cr Martin suggested the council investigate the cost of a voucher system to provide free entry to Dapto Pool for children aged between five and 16 during the summer school holiday period.
The motion also suggested the council investigate the cost of any other opportunities to subsidise water-based recreation as part of a Dapto Summer Swim program.
Cr Martin pointed out that most other kids from across the Illawarra had easy access to a beach or free swimming pool when the weather heats up.
“Dapto and Corrimal pool entry for children under five and supervising adults is free,” she said.
“However, children and pensioners’ pool entry fee are $3.90, with active supervising adult pool entry at $2.80, and adults at $5.80 per visit. A family pass at both pools is $19.50 per visit.
“It doesn’t take much imagination to see how, for many families living in Dapto, going to the pool during the summer school holidays for a few hours of swimming fun is not cheap.”
Councillor Cameron Walters agreed with her sentiment but asked for Corrimal Pool to be included in the investigation.
Councillor Linda Campbell said children in surrounding suburbs, like Koonawarra, were similarly disadvantaged.
The free entry would be limited to children within the specified age group who live in Dapto and its surrounding suburbs, and Corrimal.
Councillor Dom Figliomini said he was concerned about how the policy would be implemented.
“I do support the motion, but I have operational concerns,” he said.
“Why have we chosen 16 as the cut-off age? If they don’t have their driver’s licence yet, how can you tell how old they are or what suburb they come from?”
Despite contentions from Cr Figliomini and Councillor John Dorahy, the motion was carried unanimously, with the outcome that council staff will investigate whether a free swim for all Illawarra kids is something that can fit in the budget.
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