Pool future in doubt
Calls for community support
A TOOWOOMBA swimming club is at risk of collapsing if it does not attract more members.
Toowoomba Flyers Swimming Club registrar Jacqueline Hudson said Toowoomba’s only community-based swim club was struggling to stay afloat.
“Our club is very familyfriendly, welcoming, and we’re not flash but everybody feels a part of it,” Ms Hudson said.
“We’re pretty determined and we’re not prepared to go under.”
Ms Hudson said the not-forprofit club, which operates out of the Harristown State High School pool, had been a part of the Toowoomba community for about 30 years, but was at risk of closing because of the loss of membership dollars.
She said the club had lost a large number of children to a private swim club recently and was currently one month behind in paying its $1500 monthly pool lease fees.
Ms Hudson said she approached Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki for help going forward.
He jumped on board and offered the club $250 from his local
hero grant funds and said he would help the group apply for more state-based funding.
Mr Janetzki said he urged the business community to support the swim club.
“Flyers is Toowoomba’s only community-operated swim club, run by mums and dads
who just want to see their children enjoy swimming either recreationally or competitively,” Mr Janetzki said.
“There are also a number of children in the club who swim to help with their medical conditions such as juvenile arthritis and brittle bone disease – it
would be devastating if this club is forced to close.”
“After losing a large number of members, which coincided with the slow winter season, the club has struggled to cover their bills which include $1500 a month pool leasing fees and coaching fees.”
Ms Hudson said the club’s upcoming swim meet would help relieve some financial problems, but it was working hard to make ends meet.
“Nominations for this year’s swim meet were down due to the recent Milne Bay Pool closure,” she said.