26/3/02
A swimming pool built by the State Government at Murchison's remote Karalundi community should bring significant health and social benefits to the community, according to Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens.
Mr Stephens opened the $800,000 pool today - the fourth swimming pool to be built by the Department of Housing and Works (DHW) at remote Aboriginal communities in the North-West.
The pool was jointly funded, with DHW contributing $584,000, the Department of Sport and Recreation, Geraldton, contributing $142,000 and the Lotteries Commission, $74,000.
Mr Stephens said the provision of recreational facilities was important in improving health outcomes in Aboriginal communities, as well as to enhance social cohesion and quality of life.
"In terms of equity, Aboriginal communities should be afforded the same level of recreational infrastructure as is found in mainstream towns," he said.
The Minister said the Karalundi swimming pool was built by AVP Constructions using the latest pool construction methods.
Construction included the 'Mertha' stainless steel component method used to build pools at Burringurrah, Jigalong and Mugarinya, as well as the Perth Challenge Stadium.
Mr Stephens said results from the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research at the first three remote communities of Burringurrah, Yandeyarra and Jigalong had been extremely encouraging, and had identified improvements in the health of children swimming in the pools.
In particular, the incidence of middle ear infections and skin sores had reduced.
The newly appointed pool manager is Nicole Powell, with the Karalundi community fully responsible for the ongoing management of the pool.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
