Venue for Hay’s hydro pool to be decided soon

Hay Hydro Pool committee chair, Sandy Symons and Jake Freshwater, from Nutrien Ag Solutions Deniliquin who have plans for an online auction of farm goods to raise money towards the upkeep of the pool.

The venue of the proposed Hay Hydro Therapy Pool is expected to be determined soon, and the committee is hoping for a slice of the John Houston Memorial Pool complex.

The location of the hydro pool will be the subject of a report to Council at its June meeting.

“In the survey conducted two years ago, 87 per cent of respondents voted to have it at the current pool site,” committee member Sandy Symons said.

“It makes sense to have the two new pools in the one spot for maintenance and shared pool attendants as well as the Development Application requirements.

“A new 50-metre pool, new hydro therapy pool and the recently built splash park will make it a complex for all things aqua.

“Throw in the teenage adventure zone that is currently under construction and you have a public facility that will be the envy of many other towns.

“We are hoping this will all eventuate in 2024.”

Mr Symons said money raised so far, and the support received from the public had been phenomenal.

“Hay Shire Council staff had a big hand in obtaining the grants. A big thank you to General Manager, David Webb and staff.

“Our committee thanks everyone who has donated to the cause, especially the ongoing commitments made by some residents.”

With the two recent government grants received plus money raised by the community over the past 30-odd years, the committee has reached a target of over $1million; enough to bring the much-needed facility to fruition.

“But we are only half done. Our focus now is to finalise the location, complete the pool design and to keep raising money to ensure the pool remains viable in future,” Mr Symons said.

“Our latest fundraiser is a farm equipment and machinery auction online via the AuctionsPlus platform.

“Jake Freshwater from Nutrien Ag Solutions Deniliquin has generously donated his time and expertise to assist the committee in organising and running the auction via the platform.

“There will be a variety of ways in which the community can support the auction which we hope to hold towards the end of July.

“Lots for auction may range from small farm equipment and workshop sundries to large farm plant and machinery such as tractors, trucks and trailers.

“Vendors will have the option of donating lots for auction (with all proceeds going to the committee) or alternatively, offering lots for auction while recovering the proceeds (less fees and charges).

“A five per cent buyer’s premium will apply to all lots in the auction of which 100 per cent will go directly to the committee.”

“These auctions are a great way for local communities to rally together to support one another,” Jake Freshwater said.

“To register your interest in supporting the Hay Hydro Therapy Pool Committee auction, contact chairman Sandy Symons on 0427 930 653.”