It’s going to be a cool summer for kids in the Mutitjulu community thanks to a new swimming pool. The pool near Uluru will have health, wellbeing and educational benefits for local kids and is sure to provide a refreshing respite during the hot summer months.
The community is working with local schools to encourage pool use as a reward for school attendance – the ‘Yes school – yes pool’ has worked well across the Northern Territory.
The official opening was a vibrant celebration with inma (traditional song and dance), acrobatics by Tjitji Ninja and music by the Tjintu Band. After a run-down of the pool’s safety rules the children jumped in. Three hours later the kids finally emerged – and the pool was declared a hit!
The community began saving money earned from rent for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in 2006 to fund the pool – and worked with the Central Land Council’s Community Development Unit to ensure it is ecologically and financially sustainable.
Whether they’re looking for a serious swim or some fun splashing about in the cool water we’re sure the pool is going to be a big hit.
Kate, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park