Kurri Sunrise Rotary Club fundraiser success

Located in the small town in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, you will find Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre.  

Understanding the need for all to feel welcomed and enjoy what the Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre has to offer, Kurri Kurri Sunrise Rotary Club has raised for a disability access hoist for the centres 25-metre indoor pool.  

The club consulted with Belgravia Leisure on the fundraising project. Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Kimberly McDeed, expressed her gratitude towards the Rotary Club’s community support saying, “It’s amazing – we have quite a few disability guests that come in, who can usually only access the smaller pool. This gives them options and choices.”  

The Pelican Pool Hoist from Para Mobility was unveiled at the centre in November at the aquatic centre after the club raised $2500, in addition to receiving a $5000 grant from the APA Lateral Pipeline and a $2000 donation from the Coalfields Diabetes Association. Rotary club president Maria Ackermann said, “We hope it (the hoist) makes a big difference to people who use the pool.” 

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 1 in 6 (18%) people in Australia – or about 4.4 million – have disability. Accessing facilities such as aquatic and recreational centres can make it challenging for people with a disability or mobility limitations to participant in regular physical and social activities. Accessible transport options, mobility aids and assistance are important to ensure people with disability can participate in society equally and independently. 

The Belgravia Foundation would like to congratulate all who were involved, reducing barriers to participation in physical activity by creating a welcoming, safe, accessible environment.