- KidSport Regional Pool Program now extended State-wide after successful trial in the Mid West, Gascoyne, Wheatbelt and Great Southern
- $1 million allocated to support the program for eligible children to access regional pools for free
- KidSport aims to reduce the financial barrier to participation in community sport for low-income families
Eligible children throughout regional Western Australia will have free access to local pools this summer following a successful trial of the KidSport Regional Pool Program earlier this year.
The trial ran from February to May 2024 in the Mid West, Gascoyne, Wheatbelt and Great Southern with a strong uptake leading to the program being expanded to include pools across regional Western Australia.
The program aims to increase physical activity and water awareness of children aged 5 to 18 years old in regional areas by subsidising the cost of access to community pools.
There are about 130 community pools throughout Western Australia, with nearly 80 per cent of these located in regional areas.
While some regional pools already offer free access through local government or Royal Life Saving Society of WA initiatives, the allocation of $1 million from the KidSport program will allow more children to participate during the summer season, with up to 88 regional pools being invited to join the program.
Children will need to meet KidSport eligibility requirements to access funding equivalent to the cost of a seasonal pass for pool entry through the regional pool program. To support ongoing participation in community sport, eligible children can access this program in addition to the existing KidSport Voucher Program.
The pool program is administered by participating eligible local government authorities, with the support of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC).
For more information on the KidSport Regional Pools Program, visit the DLGSC website at dlgsc.wa.gov.au/regional-pools
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"I am delighted that the Cook Labor Government is making a splash by expanding the KidSport Regional Pools Program throughout regional Western Australia.
"More kids will now have free access to their local regional pool, just in time for the hot weather.
"Local governments throughout the State are being invited to participate in the program, with up to 88 pools eligible.
"This program is all about providing vital cost-of-living relief to low-income families while encouraging kids to dive into a healthy lifestyle."
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
"This is a fantastic announcement for local families. I know that the swimming pool is one of the most popular places for children in the summer months and this initiative will go a long way towards helping out families with the rising cost of living."
