April Update - Development

Dear Club Members,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to provide you with an update on the progress of our redevelopment project and to share some important developments with you.

We have recently completed all the engagement sessions for the redevelopment project. In total, we conducted four club-wide sessions and sixteen micro-sessions over a period of six weeks - providing ample opportunity for everyone to provide their expertise and feedback. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who attended these sessions and contributed their insights and feedback. Your openness and contributions have been invaluable to this process.

Attached to this letter, you will find the feedback collected from these sessions. A total of 122 people attended these sessions, highlighting the strong engagement and interest within our membership.

As we move into the next stage of the project, it is important I inform you that I have been formally appointed by the club as the Club Representative for the Hobson Bay Council’s Development Advisory Board. This role had previously been undertaken by Paul Sullivan who has done a tremendous job. As we move onto this next phase, on behalf of the Club and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Paul for his incredible service and dedication to advancing the project to its current stage.

Also, I want to update you on the collaboration between the Club and the Council. The Council is currently working with us to obtain a quantity surveyor's report on repairing the existing pool to compliance standards. Simultaneously, they are assessing the feasibility and cost of installing a new competition-grade pool in the same location. As a first step, drill testing has been conducted at the club to assess the quality of the soil and ground.

Moving forward, the Working Group is in the final stages of compiling the feedback from the survey and engagement sessions. We are using this feedback to develop the ‘Club Brief’ that will be used to engage with Hobsons Bay City Council, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Life Saving Victoria, government officials, and other relevant stakeholders. Our aim is to create a new on-budget concept that aligns with the priorities outlined in our updated brief.

In line with the commitment that we made to the membership, a copy of the brief will be provided to the membership prior to finalisation. Additionally, we will be hosting an in person feedback session at the club to allow members to provide feedback on the brief. Members will also be able to make written submissions for consideration by the working group.

Thank you again for your ongoing support and involvement in this important project. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at membersrep@williamstownslsc.org.au.

Best regards,

Jason Wyatt

Members Representative 

Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club