Community
26 March, 2026
Community funding needed to re-open pool
COBDENHEALTH’S Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre is turning to the community for support after it was forced to permanently close its doors due to funding shortfalls.
The pool initially closed late last year for planned maintenance, but upon further inspection other issues were identified, particularly with the plant, which required additional maintenance.
The total cost to get the pool back to operation is $250,000, which doesn’t include the ongoing operation costs and maintenance which would be required to keep the pool running once initial maintenance was completed.
Since the pool had been operating at a loss since its inception, and with changes to the Aged Care Act coming into the picture, Cobdenhealth chief executive officer Sue Fleming said it was no longer viable for the healthcare service to independently fund the indoor pool.
“We have to be sensible and we have to find that third party to support it financially because it can’t come at the cost of the rest of Cobdenhealth’s business model,” she said.
“It’s actually a non-negotiable.
“It would put the rest of the business at financial risk and we can’t go without aged care homes, we can’t go without aged care packages and we certainly can’t close the GP clinic to the town.
“When you throw it all in the balance that has to be considered.”
Mrs Fleming said the Cobdenhealth board was seeking all possible funding opportunities for the pool, including grants and reaching out to bigger businesses for support.
A community-led committee, called the Friends of Rodney Grove (FORG), are currently undertaking low-level fundraising and approaching different community organisations for fundraising opportunities.
Mrs Fleming said it was all a matter of timing when it came to seeking grants and financial support.
“We’re still in negotiation with a few high-level businesses, but it’s all just a timing problem at the moment,” she said.
“A lot of the energy companies have an allocation that can go out to the community once a year so when we started this conversation a lot of that had already been acquitted for this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s off the table moving forward.
“We’re just going to keep those conversations open.
“There is, and has been, since our discussions fairly rigorous efforts to raise these funds.
“We just really need to emphasise the point that it is going to need every part of the community’s efforts to support it.”
Mrs Fleming said Cobdenhealth was currently seeking donations from the community to help support the reopening of the pool.
“Direct donation has to occur – Cobdenhealth can no longer support it financially,” she said.
“If it is as equally as important to the community as it is to us then that’s what we’re actually calling for.
“We’re doing everything that we can do right now short of putting more money into it, but that’s no longer an option.
“Nobody challenges the value of what it brings to the community, it’s just how we now fund that.
“I think the key is that this is a community asset that if it is to survive it needs that community backing.”
Mrs Fleming said becoming a member of the gym, which was connected to the pool, was one great way for community members to provide support.
“I think one of the interesting statistics we’ve just had a look at is there’s 100 members – that’s it,” she said.
“For a town this size and the geographical space it covers, you know, you might not want to give a direct donation, but consider a membership.
“You’ll get something back for your money.
“You need to vote with your feet, it’s very well to say that you want to use it – it’s critical, unless you’re using it, unless you’re a member, unless you’re providing a donation, that’s where the viability is being challenged.”
Cobdenhealth board member Frank Martin said it would take support from the wider community to raise the funds in order to reopen the indoor pool.
“I think the most important thing is that the pool and the gym are not there for others – they’re there for all of us to take those positive steps to look after our health and wellbeing,” he said.
“Be prepared to support now, and in an ongoing way, by using it – being members and participating in things here.
“The initial work is only part of it.
“What the consultant’s report told us was that there’s then going to be scheduled ongoing work year after year to maintain it.”
Mr Martin said the board had discussed options with Corangamite Shire Council, but couldn’t see the council taking over operation of the indoor pool moving forward.
“We’ve had talks with council because they operate pools and every one of them runs at a loss,” he said.
“To use ratepayer’s money to subsidise another pool is not something they look upon very favourably.”
Mr Martin said there wasn’t anything Cobdenhealth could do until funds were received to support the reopening of the pool.
“We can’t put a timeline on it unfortunately, because the timeline is governed by how quickly the funds come in,” he said.
“Our community committee is extremely positive that they’re going to get there, which is good.
“We applaud them and encourage them to do all they can, at the same time we’re working at the board for some bigger initiatives as well.”
Corangamite Shire Council chief executive officer David Rae said council was aware of the challenges associated with the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre and they understood the community interest in the future of the facility.
“Council has not received any formal request from Cobdenhealth over the future of the facility,” he said.
“Council has received budget submissions regarding the centre.
“These submissions will be considered as part of council’s annual budget process in the coming months.
“Council officers have met with representatives from Cobdenhealth on occasions and have provided operational advice, drawing on council’s experience in managing aquatic facilities across the shire.”
Mr Rae said council would be happy to talk to Cobdenhealth’s management to outline potential grant opportunities which may be available to them.
“However, any assistance would be subject to normal eligibility requirements, and the grants available through council are likely not at the scale required to meet the pool’s significant needs,” he said.
“It is important to note that the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre is not council owned or managed and responsibility for the asset rests with Cobdenhealth.
“Council maintains a separate swimming pool for the Cobden community.”