State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Horney MP today officially opened event of the Hunter United Diving Academy’s springboards, funded by their successful grant application for $65,499 from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership grants in 2021.
Ms Hornery was pleased to support the grant application from Hunter United Diving Academy, knowing how important it is for sporting organisations to have the right equipment to be able to foster youth engagement and support up and coming athletes.
The grant went towards the maintenance and repair of springboards at Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre that had fallen into disrepair and were essential for the ongoing use of Hunter United Diving Academy.
The event was attended by five-time World Champion Red Bull Cliff Diver, Rhiannan Iffland and Olympic diver and Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist, Sam Fricker, both of whom trained at Lambton Pool.
“I was so pleased to be able to support this grant application last year and now to attend the open day and see how the springboards will help young divers to train and grow. Hunter United Diving Academy do an amazing job of coaching our young divers in this great sport” Ms Hornery said.
“Young athletes need support to be able to grow into the household names we recognise. Everybody has to start somewhere and it’s great that the new springboards here at Lambton Pool might support the careers of the next Rhiannan Iffland or Sam Fricker.” She added.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said in a media release that the latest upgrade reflected the facility’s important ongoing role as Newcastle’s aquatic hub.
“City of Newcastle is committed to maintaining and investing in Lambton Swimming Centre to ensure our community has continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities for active living and social connection.”
Cr Clausen said the next upgrade to Lambton pool was the installation of temporary seating facilities to support the upcoming busy swimming carnival season while planning is underway to replace the permanent grandstand at a cost expected to exceed $1 million.
“With Lambton’s 60-year-old grandstand set for a full replacement once the pool closes for winter City of Newcastle is installing eight temporary seating facilities that will accommodate 320 people so students and families can cheer on swimmers at the upcoming swimming carnivals. The temporary facilities will also cater for pool visitors seeking a place to relax.”
Development approval for the temporary seating was granted on Friday, with installation to commence next month.
The replacement of Lambton Swimming Centre’s permanent grandstand is expected to commence when the pool closes for winter in 2023.
