The Grassy Pool is under threat if the Swimming Association King Island cannot find new committee members and volunteers to maintain the pool.
The few remaining committee members have decided that it is time to retire.
Without a new committee and supporters, the association will fold.
Mel Barratt – who has been involved for over 10 years, holds multiple committee roles and and runs Aquafit classes – said that it is time to look to the future.
SAKI will hold its AGM in July and the future of the association and the pool will be decided.
In April 1971, the Grassy Progress Association organised a barbecue to kickstart a fund for constructing a swimming pool in Grassy.
There was a big turnout of Grassy residents who supported the cause. The island had more than 3500 residents and the scheelite mine was a large employer.
By July 1971, the Grassy Progress Association included the King Island Council in the advice they received from consulting engineers Gutteridge Haskins and Davey regarding the potential pool construction.
The firm had previously provided cost estimates to the former General Manager of King Island Scheelite. Larger Government infrastructure grants more often than not require council application and GPA had received indications that they would be eligible for some government funding.
Fundraising commenced in earnest across the island’s community and continued for many years.
By February 1979, the third open general meeting of the SAKI was held at the Currie Town Hall, with councillors, key community members and supporters in attendance.
The meeting covered significant developments, including a detailed report to King Island Scheelite on pool design as SAKI was requesting some financial assistance from the mine, location, costs, and operations, with an estimated project cost of $110,000.
SAKI sought to secure funding support from the council, state and federal, and large fundraising activities were planned.
In April 1983, almost exactly 12 months after the formation of SAKI, construction of the swimming pool commenced. SAKI decided to go it alone and formally incorporated to make their own applications for government funds and while they requested support from the King Island Council, they did not want to be reliant or have the council (or other incorporated body) making applications on their behalf when it was not clear if the government would offer a loan, which could not be serviced, or a full or partial grant.
The Lions Club of King Island contributed $5800, and a community public subscription raised over $20,000 through events and donations were received from Police and Citizens Boys and Girls Club, KIS employees’ payroll, private donations and functions.
Despite initial challenges, the total cost was estimated at $133,000, with $124,000 already available.
The remaining funds were raised through voluntary labour, donated materials, and continued fundraising.
The King Island Council provided a subsidy of $1000 per annum. The construction of a 20m x 10m indoor heated pool marked a significant milestone for the island.
In the subsequent years, the Grassy Pool hosted “Learn to Swim” campaigns, school programs, and community activities, particularly during summer. Over the past 10 years the pool was part of Ballarat and Clarendon College’s island Year 9 campus experience when on the island, facilitated rehabilitation and injury recovery programs, baby and toddler swim classes and an Aquafit program.
The heating system and showers need refurbishment, although the Grassy Pool does utilise waste oil from the council and this saves exporting off the island.
The SAKI Annual General Meeting will be held on July 2 at 6.30pm at the Grassy Club and all positions will be declared vacant. Meetings are held every three months.
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