Bellingen Shire Council awards swimming pool management contract to Community Aquatics

Bellingen Shire Council on the NSW Mid North Coast has awarded a new five-year contract for the operation and management of its two swimming pool facilities to facility manager Community Aquatics, who will manage both the Bellingen and Dorrigo Pools from September.

The contract includes an option for an additional five-year term, potentially extending to 2035.

In a statement, the Council said Community Aquatics was selected based on their experience and strong operational capacity, as well as their commitment to addressing staffing challenges that have previously impacted pool operations. Their proposal includes opportunities for staff retention by offering year-round employment across their other facilities, such as the Macksville Memorial Aquatic and Fitness Centre.

Announcing the award of the contract, Bellingen Shire Mayor, Steve Allan stated "this contract ensures our community can continue to enjoy reliable, high-quality swimming pool services. Importantly, it also provides a strong staff retention strategy, with the successful tenderer offering broader staffing options through their work with other councils in the region.

"Community Aquatics clearly demonstrated their strong track record in safety, accessibility and community wellbeing."

Pending the completion of the major Connell Park Precinct Development, the opening of the Bellingen Pool for the summer season is expected to be delayed until the second half of December 2025 or early January 2026. The work includes the construction of the new amenities buildings that will service both the sporting precinct and the pool itself.

Located in the new Connell Park Multi-Use Facility, the new Bellingen Pool amenities will include the Bellingen Swim Centre having dedicated access to modern, accessible change facilities for pool users during the swim season.

The facility also features a fully accredited ‘Changing Places’ bathroom - a specialised amenity for people with high support needs and their carers, including an adult-sized change table, ceiling hoist, and peninsular toilet - providing a safe, hygienic, and dignified space for personal care needs.

Mayor Allan noted “the overall user experience at both the pool and the sporting precinct will be enhanced by making the new amenities available all year round.

“This design offers flexibility and ensures maximum use of these fantastic new facilities, delivering lasting value to the community.”

Design plans of the new Connell Park Facilities that will service the community year round.

The Connell Park Precinct Development, valued at over $6.5 million in externally sourced funding and additional Council contributions, includes new sporting amenities, drainage and lighting upgrades, netball courts, cricket nets, and the Bellingen Swim Centre improvements. Works at Connell Park have been progressing steadily, with significant upgrades to playing fields, lighting, and amenities already underway.

Mayor Allan added “by the end of the year, Bellingen will have a refreshed and upgraded pool facility, complete with brand new amenities that will better serve locals and visitors for years to come. And with the new pool contracts soon to be in place for the next five to 10 years, we’ve cemented the functionality of the entire precinct for long-term community enjoyment.”

Images: The Bellingen Pool (top) and the Macksville Memorial Aquatic and Fitness Centre (below).