A new pump is to be installed at the Armidale Hydrotherapy Pool to keep the facility operating 24/7.
New England Mutual stepped in to help with a $1000 donation when Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay alerted them to problems with the existing pump which keeps breaking down.
“The Pool can only operate a maximum of 24 hours without a pump which filters the pool and sometimes it takes two or three days to fix,” he said.
“When the Armidale Lions Club raised the issue with me, I approached New England Mutual for assistance and they generously offered the funding to help supply the replacement pump. NEM has established a wonderful tradition of assisting worthwhile community ventures.”
Lions Club President Kevin Wotten said the new pump would be installed at the pool within a short period and the old one would be overhauled and used as a back-up when needed.
“It was our number one priority and we really appreciate the credit union’s help,” he said.
Replacing the pump is part of an ambitious plan the Club has developed to upgrade the pool, which it built in the 1970s.
Mr Wotten said Club volunteers were currently replacing worn tiles, replacing handrails and upgrading the ramp at the entrance to meet regulatory standards.
In the longer term, it is seeking funding support from the State and Federal Governments for a major overhaul of the change rooms, estimated at around $400,000.
Armidale Health Service Manager Dona Withnell said individuals used the pool more than 2000 times a year and costs were kept at minimum levels to ensure equity of access.
“Armidale Lions Club members have given us such wonderful support over the years and that has been critical to keeping the pool open and operating,” she said.
