NEWCASTLE LABOR COMMITS TO KEEPING BERESFIELD POOL PUBLIC AND LOW FEE

Labor’s Deahnna Richardson, Declan Clausen, Nuatali Nelmes, Liz Morris and Ann Crump signing the pledge

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, and Labor’s Ward Four candidates Deahnna Richardson, Liz Morris and Ann Crump have pledged to keep Beresfield Pool public and low fee. 

In 2013, Newcastle Independent councillors tried to close and sell Beresfield Pool. When this was unable to be achieved due to community backlash, they attempted to reduce its opening hours and significantly increase the fees. 

Beresfield Pool only remains a public facility because of community pressure, and the election of a Labor Labor Mayor in 2014. 

Labor councillors joined with the community to save Beresfield Pool from privatisation in 2013, and have fought ever since to keep the entry fees at Beresfield Pool lower than any other swimming pool in the region, and maintain its opening hours. 

The 2013 campaign included a rally of 700 residents and a “swim-in” protest against earlier closing times.

“Residents in Beresfield don’t have the same easy access to free ocean pools, so it’s important that Council maintains this public service” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said. 

Ward Four Labor Candidate Deahnna Richardson added “Over summer, the Western suburbs of Newcastle are far hotter than the coast. Beresfield residents value their local pool and the Labor team will continue to fight to protect it.”

“Decades ago, residents fundraised to build this pool but past Independent council’s wanted to close or sell it. It’s not fair for local residents, which is why Labor pushed back and saved it.”

“I’m proud to be standing with a team that has delivered significant improvements at Beresfield Pool during the past term on Council, including new shaded areas, new starting blocks, and new seating. 

The Lord Mayor and Newcastle Labor team were joined by members of the Beresfield Barracuda Swim Club to witness the signing of the campaign pledge. 

Beresfield Barracuda Swim Club Register, Jacqui Currey, said “Beresfield Pool is very important to our community and we want to see it remain accessible for all families.”

“Over summer, the Swim Club uses Beresfield Pool multiple afternoons each week for training and competitions.”

“It’s more than ‘just a pool’ - it’s a hub for our community”