Why the Swimming Pool is an Oasis in These Outback Communities

Graeme Pollett manages some of Western Australia's most isolated public swimming pools, a role that has seen him working in communities like Balgo and Kalumburu, thousands of kilometers from Perth. Initially questioning his decision upon arriving in the remote desert town of Balgo, Pollett has spent years managing these facilities, recognizing them as crucial "oases" for residents.

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My goodness, what have I got myself into?

These pools offer significant health and social benefits in areas with limited amenities. Pollett emphasizes their role in hygiene, social interaction, and mental well-being for people living in remote outback locations. In Kalumburu, a community of about 400 residents, the pool is a "safe" space for children and families, providing a much-needed recreational outlet.

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quite literally an oasis

The pools also play a role in community management, with rules in place to ensure a standard of behavior. School attendance is linked to pool access, giving children an incentive to attend classes. For parents like Amanda Johnstone, the pool offers a safer alternative to natural water bodies, especially during the wet season when floodwaters rise. Philomena Fredericks notes that the pool prevents children from venturing to the river, which is home to dangerous saltwater crocodiles.

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There's very little else. It brings lots of health benefits, from hygiene to social benefits to the mental health benefits.

Beyond social benefits, Pollett highlights the pools' impact on public health. He states that swimming pools have helped reduce the incidence of skin and infectious diseases in remote communities. This is particularly important given the poor housing conditions in some Kimberley Aboriginal communities, where issues like lack of hot water can compromise hygiene. The presence of a public pool, he suggests, contributes to better overall health and hygiene standards.

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safe