Murrindindi Shire’s pools form an important part of local communities, and it’s not just about cooling down on hot summer days.
Every summer council employs about 30 casual staff to work as lifeguards and facility operators at the shire’s four swimming pools at Alexandra, Eildon, Marysville and Yea.
The Kinglake community has been fighting for a pool since the early 1990s. Despite several attempts by various community campaigns it is yet to happen.
The last attempt to secure a pool for Kinglake was made following the Black Saturday bushfires.
Murrindindi Shire Council CEO, Craig Lloyd said these lifeguard and operator jobs run between October and March every year. Council is currently recruiting for the 2019/20 season.
Council provides full on-the-job training for successful applicants, so all that applicants need to do is to ensure they have Pool Lifeguard and Level 2 First Aid certifications.
“Working at the pools is an important source of local employment, particularly for our young people who haven’t had the chance to get much work experience yet. It’s also a really fantastic opportunity for students returning home from university for the summer to earn some money and reconnect with their communities,” Mr Lloyd said.
“Our four pools are extremely valuable assets and the health, wellbeing and economic value they provide to our communities cannot be underestimated.
“That being said, they are expensive to maintain and operate, and over the past decade, we have been seeing a gradual decline in the use of the pools. It was great to see a little increase in visitation during the 2018/19 pool season, but it’s still really important to ensure the pools are meeting the community’s needs and expectations so that ratepayers and pool users alike are getting value for money.
“As you might recall, Council ran a survey earlier this year asking the community for feedback on how and when they use the four pools in the Shire, and what changes they would like to see at the facilities in the future. We were absolutely thrilled to receive more than 500 responses to the Pools Survey and we’re using that feedback to develop plans for the future of the aquatic facilities in Murrindindi Shire.
“A big thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts and ideas – stay tuned for developments on that front. And, of course, if you, or someone you know, is interested in some casual work this summer, be sure to check out Council’s Lifeguard positions here,” Mr Lloyd said.
