If the Mount Gambier Community RSL has its way, the community’s decade-long dream to get a hydrotherapy pool may finally be on the horizon. The RSL has urged members and the community to support a proposal to the Mount Gambier Health Advisory Council (HAC) to develop a 10.5m by 4m hydrotherapy pool with the funds donated by.

the community about 10 years ago.  About $250,000 was donated towards a hydrotherapy pool by identified donors, but it is understood there could be another $100,000 from unidentified donors in the pool fund, plus interest.

The effort to develop a hydrotherapy pool in Mount Gambier collapsed and the funds were kept by the Commissioner of Charitable Funds, but the Commissioner of Charitable Funds last week advertised that proposals for returned funds should be submitted to the Mount Gambier HAC before August 15. “This might be our last chance to have a hydrotherapy pool in Mount Gambier,” RSL state vice-president Peter Coulson told The Border Watch.

“If the donated money is spent elsewhere, the chance of getting a hydrotherapy pool will be lost forever.” The RSL and associated veteran organisations donated more than $25,000 to the pool fund and at a recent meeting with members, it was unanimously agreed to pursue the option of a smaller pool with the funds currently raised.

According to Mr Coulson, who had costings done on a smaller pool than what was originally anticipated, it is achievable for less than $100,000 with running costs of $20,000 per year. “While the preferred site should be the hospital, other community owned facilities will be considered to ensure the funds are directed toward a community owned and operated hydrotherapy pool,” he said.

Mr Coulson said the RSL would delay seeking a refund of its funds and be consulting with other major donors, the Councils and other community organisations to seek their support to develop an alternative funds proposal for a hydrotherapy pool. “A city the size of Mount Gambier not having a pool, an important treatment option for people with a variety of health conditions, is not acceptable,” Mr Coulson said.

“The community should not give up on using money raised for a hydrotherapy pool.  “Alternative uses for the donated money should not be pursued until hydrotherapy pool options have been thoroughly investigated.”