08/09/2025
$30K FUND TO GET MOREE SCHOOLKIDS BACK IN THE WATER
Moree Plains Shire Council is excited to announce the establishment of the Learn to Swim School Travel Support program, and eligible schools can now apply for funding to transport students to attend swimming lessons.
Ongoing work at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) means local schools are unable to offer students the opportunity to access swimming lessons.
Council has approved the $30,000 program, which will facilitate transport for students from Moree to a public swimming facility within the Shire, where the students will participate in the NSW Department of Education’s School Swimming and Water Safety Program.
Cr Susannah Pearse, Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council, said the aim of the program was to ensure the children of Moree Plains Shire are safe in the water.
“Before the demolition of our 50m pool, young students who could not competently swim 50m had the opportunity to access swimming lessons as an intensive block at the MAAC,” said Cr Pearse.
“Unfortunately, due to pool closures and delays, Moree schools have stopped offering this service and we now have a vast number of local children who cannot swim.
“This $30,000 program will facilitate school bus services to transport children to a pool within our shire for lessons, and we encourage all eligible schools to apply before the cut-off date of 24 October.”
Cr Pearse said while the long-term future of Moree’s 50m pool is a Council priority, teaching children to swim was an issue that needed to be addressed now.
“It’s not ideal that children in Moree are unable to learn to swim at a pool closer to home, but until that is a reality, we need to take proactive steps to ensure this generation of kids are confident swimmers,” said Cr Pearse.
“Swimming is a vital skill for everyone – it can save your life, is great exercise and is a fun activity that brings great joy, particularly to children.”
To apply for funding, schools can download the application form on Council’s website: https://www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au/publications-documents/forms/2894-application-form-school-learn-to-swim-travel-support-2025-26/file
