More than 5,300 students from 29 local schools used Wellington Shire Council's outdoor pools for swimming carnivals during the 2023/24 summer period. Outdoor pools at Sale, Maffra, Heyfield, Yarram and Stratford were all used as part of the critical programming for Wellington’s rural and centralised schools.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye emphasised the value local pools held for schools, as they teach students to learn life-long swimming skills and healthy water habits.

"Swimming carnivals are a rite of passage for Australian school kids, and we were pleased to provide schools priority access of local facilities so that everyone had a fun, and safe day," Cr Bye said.

"We acknowledge the difficulties this may have caused some regular users while Aqua Energy’s indoor pools are closed for redevelopment, but we assure the community the disruptions are short-term pain, for long-term gain."

As the Aqua Energy redevelopment nears completion of stage one, Council would like to thank the community for its patience so far.

During winter, Aqua Energy is aiming to maintain as many services as possible through programming at West Sale Indoor Pool. Hydrotherapy, swimming lessons, lap swimming and Aqua Circuit Classes will be available during winter programming at West Sale.

While recreational swimming is not available at West Sale, Council is offering an exciting new activity at Gippsland Regional Sports Complex – giant inflatable indoor obstacles. The initiative launched on Friday 5 April, with the sports-themed equipment including an obstacle run, giant dart board, jumping castle, slam dunk zone and a ball pit. The inflatables will be available on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays during school holidays, and Sundays during the school term, allowing the whole family to enjoy physical activity, no matter the weather.

Click here for more information regarding GRSC's new inflatables.

Click here for more information regarding Aqua Energy, its current opening hours or the redevelopment.