Jennifer Pittorino
The Maribyrnong community is being encouraged to have its say on council’s new aquatic strategy.
During the August 15 council meeting councillors discussed the significant role aquatic facilities play in community life and physical wellbeing, and agreed to receive another report following the community feedback.
Councillor Anthony Tran said this issue is close to his heart because of his background in the industry.
“This is important to me because I was a former lifeguard, so I understand aquatic life more than most people think I do, I also understand what it means to the community as well,” he said.
“… Especially for the elderly , I know what it means as a place of gathering, and more importantly as a place of rehabilitation for many of those who are often isolated at home and have no place to go.
“A lot of people make friends at the local aquatic centre, so I think the strategy does speak for itself and for our other aquatic centres.”
Cr Cuc Lam spoke about the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (MAC) and its place in the community.
“This is very significant for the people who always go to MAC,” she said.
“You can always see students who come to learn how to swim and enjoy themselves with their friends.
“It is a place where people can feel relaxed after working long hours which is important for our community.”
Cr Micheal Clarke said the level of community connectedness that the MAC provides is second to none.
“People are able to join MAC to learn how to swim” he said.
“In that context, I have to say our learn to swim program particularly with our Vietnamese, Asian and African communities goes a long way in ensuring the health and safety of not just those communities, but all communities in the water.”
