Belgravia Academy supports pool reopening in remote Northern Territory community

The recent reopening of the Wadeye Swimming Pool - identified as a strategic priority in improving social, health and wellbeing outcomes of a remote community in the Northern Territory - has re-opened thanks to essential lifeguard training delivered by Belgravia Academy.

With a fluctuating community of around 2000 people, Wadeye - located 400 kilometres from Darwin in the remote west of the Northern Territory - is considered one of Australia’s largest remote aboriginal communities.

Reopened in November 2023, after $4.8 million refurbishment project ended half a decade as decade of closure, the pool was closed again by January 2024 due to challenges with qualified personnel shortage and no available lifeguard training.

As a registered training organisation (RTO) Belgravia Academy worked with facility owner the West Daily Regional Council to deliver lifeguard, first aid and CPR training to 22 participants, upskilling and certifying staff to allow the swimming pool to re-open its doors to the community.

Two Belgravia Academy staff, Jill Kellett from Victoria and Tanya Newsome from Queensland initially delivered online theory to the trainees, giving them time to provide extra language, literacy and numeracy support.

In February this year, the pair then made their way to Wadeye to deliver in person training, covering all required knowledge in CPR, First Aid and Pool Lifeguard skills.

Subsequently, Belgravia Academy has provided additional support by reviewing for management all safety and first aid equipment.

Belgravia Leisure Regional Manager (NT and QLD) Amber Hughes was delighted to provide support for the training of pool lifeguards after receiving a call for assistance from Lemaki Curulala, acting Chief Executive of the Council.

Hughes explained “it’s just wonderful to see Wadeye Swimming Pool open once again, with the community enjoying the facilities on offer.

“The swimming pool plays such an important role in this remote community, and I’m thrilled that Belgravia Academy has played a pivotal role in getting the facility open once again.

“This no doubt represents a new chapter for Wadeye as the residents will gain value from the many social and health benefits on offer, not to mention the improvement of local employment the swimming ability of local children.”

Belgravia Academy is a leading training provider that offers nationally accredited courses to support professionals in excelling in their careers.

Click here to learn more about Belgravia Academy (RTO code 45497).

The Wadeye Swimming Pool is the subject of a feature in Australasian Leisure Management issue 162.

Images: Trainers and participants at the Wadeye Swimming Pool (top) and a training session in the pool (below). Credit: Belgravia Academy.