2019/2020 has been a year of continued growth, successes and challenges for Golden Square Pool Inc., that culminated in certainty for the pool’s future.

We hit the ground running in 2019/2020, with the establishment of a community garden in the first week of this committee’s term. A collaboration with many local organisations saw this dream realised. This program has continued during the off season, and has allowed us to form many valuable community partnerships.

Before summer got truly underway, we also saw the completion of a major infrastructure project – the installation of 16m of shade along the creek side of the facility. This activated the eastern side of our grounds and proved very popular with our community. We were also honoured to take home two state awards for our community development work - wonderful recognition for the tireless work of our committed team.

Our health and wellbeing program expanded significantly across the season, with eight classes per week including the introduction of Zumba, Freestyle Pool Fit, Lap Club and Kids Yoga. We extended our weekend opening hours and introduced morning lap swimming in January. We also produced an expanded and extended events season, provided a venue for even more schools to hold their swimming programs and welcomed 40 new volunteers into the family. Despite a challenging season of weather – from a Code Red day to air quality issues - there were 18,595 visits across the season, and 406 members.

My favourite thing about our place over summer, and I’m sure many of our community would agree, is the ‘vibe’ and good energy that’s created every day. Whether its friends catching up for a swim, music, fresh produce for the garden or racks full of bikes, there always something people can connect with at the pool. There is always someone around for a chat, too. What more could you want in a community?

In February 2020 Golden Square Pool took on the management of the popular and successful SwimSafe Bendigo program from Ben Shue. This again continued to provide important free water awareness and safety lessons for those who haven’t been able to access them before. We’re looking forward to seeing the growth of this program over the next year.

All of our planned off-season events, which revolve around connecting community for social events, were cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we undertook a number of small projects to bring positive energy to the community. These included chalking the carpark and bike track, National Volunteer Week focus, and sharing good news stories online. We’ve also been part of City of Greater Bendigo’s community-led response to the pandemic, Help Your Neighbour.

We fulfilled a long-held wish to complete and release a four-year Strategic Plan in January 2020. Many months of consultation enabled us to develop this document, providing us with a clear vision to guide future planning. Thank you to those who contributed, in particular Rosalie Rogers. As you will read in this report, many items in our action plan are underway and some completed.

Ongoing works to plant, operations and equipment occurred this year thanks to the valuable support of the local aquatic industry. A regular servicing and maintenance program ensures community and staff safety across all areas.

We are fortunate to have the funding support of many organisations. This year major funding was received from Swimming Australia, the Victorian Government and the Commonwealth Government to complete projects. We are grateful for this support and indeed to all who have donated and provided services in-kind.

We have undertaken significant work this year to ensure our operation is efficient and sustainable. This included developing our Pool Operations Team, Policies and Procedures Team and Finance Team. After a review in line with the Strategic Plan, we will be moving to a new organisational structure from October 2020. We will establish an Operational Management Team, which will be responsible for the pool’s everyday operation. The Committee of Management moves to overseeing and setting direction, rather than also being involved in operational elements.

Work during the 2020 off-season has centred on securing the future of our facility as part of the Golden Square Recreation Reserve Master Plan. In July 2020, council voted to progress an option in line with master plan development Option 1, which sees the pool retained with all other users receiving upgrades. This option provides a space for everyone in our community and will see a unique recreation precinct developed for Bendigo. We are looking forward to working with our neighbours and Council as this process progresses. We thank councillors for the debate and for the endorsement of our continued operation.

My deep thanks and appreciation to our Committee of Management for their tireless work over the past year, which saw many successes and challenges. I’m proud of the position the organisation is in, thanks to the leadership shown by this team. Farewell and thank you to Jason Smith and Patrick Skahill who are leaving the Committee.

Thank you to the many individuals, too many to name, who form our many working groups. From teams across strategy, data, finance, marketing, communications, facility, fire recovery, partnerships and more, each of you have brought skills that have vastly grown our organisation – thank you.

These thanks extends to our 90 wonderful volunteers – words will never, ever be enough. Each of you are the lifeblood of our place and I couldn’t think of a better bunch to do it with. Thank you for brightening all of our days, telling stories, helping at a moment’s notice and living out our vision in all your actions. Thank you to our lifeguards for their work in keeping our community safe.

Thank you to the City of Greater Bendigo for their continued guidance, in particular Amy Johnson for the day-to-day operational support to myself and our team. This thank you extends to Lincoln Fitzgerald, Matt Kerlin, Anne Johnson, Vicky Mason and the whole Active and Healthy Team, and we look forward to the continuation of our strong and collaborative working relationship. Thank you also to councillors for the time and consideration they have given to our facility.

And finally, but certainly not least, thank you to our patrons and users. Without each of you buying a membership, coming in for a swim or to access a program, and buying a Paddle Pop on the way out the gate, none of this would be possible.

It’s been my greatest honour to lead this wonderful organisation for the past two years – an organisation that is committed to building community, creating lasting impacts and changing lives. Thank you to all who have given me guidance and support this year, in so many ways.

When I reflect on the community I want to one day raise my own family in, this is it. Among a generous, resourceful, smiling, healthy and vibrant group that collaborate and is thankful, positive and authentic. A community that accepts everyone, no matter their background, age or ability.

Over eight years we’ve created a wonderful movement. Our volunteers, Committee of Management, supporters, patrons, partners and wider community – past and present, are testament to that.

From day one it’s been, and will always remain, a whole-of-community effort. I continue to be amazed at what is achieved from everyday people coming together with a shared vision: to enrich the neighbourhood, suburb and city we live in.

And I couldn’t be prouder that our work is going to continue and lives can continue to be changed just like mine has been.

Let’s keep going. Let’s keep using our skills to make a difference. Let’s keep trying new things. Let’s keep sharing our story. Let’s keep fighting the good fight.

Let’s keep building Golden Square’s beating heart – a true place for all.

Sam Kane

President - Golden Square Pool Inc.