BRAND-new hydrotherapy pools will be built at seven schools across Victoria as part of the $25 million Hydrotherapy Pools at Specialist Schools fund, and the Bass Coast Specialist School at Wonthaggi will be one of them.
The program is delivering on a commitment by the State Government made at the 2022 election.
The pools will be built at Bass Coast Specialist School, East Gippsland Specialist School, Ballarat Specialist School, Yarraville Special Developmental School, Lake Colac School, Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School, and Springvale Park Special Developmental School.
The Victorian School Building Authority will oversee the construction of the hydrotherapy pools in consultation with schools, with all projects to be completed by September 2026.
The $25 million fund is part of a wider $235 million Labor Government investment in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to support students with disability or additional needs in schools.
In the support letter written by the local MP, Jordan Crugnale, she spoke of Bass Coast Specialist School as being a wonderful, highly regarded, community minded school with 70 students from prep to year 12.
Whilst many students and their families live near a beach, she said, and in a region where water safety is paramount, the need to provide essential water safety skills is critical.
A dedicated hydrotherapy pool will provide this and other tailored programs and learning environments ensuring students with additional needs and mobility challenges can learn in a dedicated space, optimising engagement and skill development.
“I am beyond thrilled with this announcement. This school’s commitment in providing a safe and inclusive environment for all their students is remarkable and I want to thank Principal Rob Sands and the entire team for wanting the best for their students and families,” Ms Crugnale said this week.
“The addition of a hydrotherapy pool to the school precinct means that students have greater access to tailored therapeutic interventions to enhance their overall wellbeing, physical mobility, and mental health.”
“We are so thrilled to have been successful in our grant application for in a hydrotherapy pool at Bass Coast Specialist School,” acting principal Caroline Sibly said.
“The improved accessibility to this fantastic facility will give our students the opportunity to improve their health as well as personal and social capability outcomes.
“We would like to acknowledge the support of our local MP, Jordan Crugnale, in this project as her endorsement has been instrumental in our success!”
The hydrotherapy pool will offer opportunities for students who are unable to participate in the current swimming program to join in, while also providing nearby VET students with convenient training experience within walking distance.
“As the coordinator of the swimming program for our students, I am overjoyed for our school to have this pool approved,” special education swimming instructor Rachel Cullen stated.
“It will give so many of our students the opportunity to access the pool not only for our swimming lessons on water safety, but also access for therapy and self-regulation.”
