Aquatics program wins a State award as one of Port Hedland’s major swimming facilities delays reopening

News of a prestigious State award for a Port Hedland aquatics program coincides with the announcement the South Hedland Aquatic Centre will remain shut to repair leaks. On Tuesday, June 27, the Town won the Community Impact award at the West Australian Aquatic Industry Awards, and on Thursday, June 29, it announced the SHAC reopening would be delayed. The facility closed in April, and works were expected to take two months. Mayor Peter Carter said investment was needed to ensure the facility was safe. “The Hedland Sports and Arts Precinct will leave a legacy for South Hedland and the new aquatic centre is a showpiece of the $330 million project,” he said. “It is a difficult balancing act for council to ensure the community has safe and reliable aquatic facilities while considering investing heavily in an ageing asset. “South Hedland Aquatic Centre has served the community well for 44 years but it is now at the end of its life, which is why we are committed to a new centre as part of the Sports and Arts Precinct.” While this may be bad news for Hedland swimmers, it comes amid the news of a Community Impact award from the Leisure Institute of WA. The Community Impact award recognises the social value of aquatic programs and services in communities. Manager of Recreation and Leisure services Cheye Hill said the Town based its submission around the aquatic free entry program, which allows children under 12 to enter free between the months of October and April. He said the award recognised what he believed was a great initiative. “It’s really a recognition of what happens when a whole community gets behind a program or an initiative and they stick with it,” Mr Hill said. “We were the only regional facility to win the award and so I think that it’s an excellent recognition of the work that’s being done.” While repairs to SHAC are taking place, residents are encouraged to use the Gratwick Aquatic Centre.