Tender Awarded for Shire Pools as Connell Park Upgrades Progress
Published on 17 July 2025
Bellingen Shire Council has awarded a new five-year contract for the operation and management of its two swimming pool facilities, securing the long-term future of these important community assets.
Following a competitive tender process, Council has awarded the contract to Community Aquatics, who will manage both the Bellingen and Dorrigo Pools from September 2025. The contract includes an option for an additional five-year term, potentially extending to 2035.
Community Aquatics was selected based on their experience and strong operational capacity, as well as their commitment to addressing staffing challenges that have previously impacted pool operations. Their proposal includes opportunities for staff retention by offering year-round employment across their other facilities, such as the Macksville Memorial Aquatic & Fitness Centre.
“This contract ensures our community can continue to enjoy reliable, high-quality swimming pool services. Importantly, it also provides a strong staff retention strategy, with the successful tenderer offering broader staffing options through their work with other councils in the region. Community Aquatics clearly demonstrated their strong track record in safety, accessibility and community wellbeing,” said Mayor Cr. Steve Allan.
While the Dorrigo Pool will open in accordance with the NSW Spring gazetted school holidays as scheduled under the new contract, residents are advised that the Bellingen Pool’s opening this season will be delayed, with the facility expected to reopen in the second half of December 2025 or early January 2026. This is pending the completion of the major Connell Park Precinct Development, specifically the construction of the new amenities buildings that will service both the sporting precinct and the pool itself.
The new Bellingen Pool amenities are located in the new Connell Park Multi-Use Facility. The Bellingen Swim Centre will have dedicated access to modern, accessible change facilities, for pool users during the swim season. The facility also features a fully accredited ‘Changing Places’ bathroom – a specialised amenity for people with high support needs and their carers, including an adult-sized change table, ceiling hoist, and peninsular toilet – providing a safe, hygienic, and dignified space for personal care needs.
“The overall user experience at both the pool and the sporting precinct will be enhanced by making the new amenities available all year round,” Mayor Allan explained. “This design offers flexibility and ensures maximum use of these fantastic new facilities, delivering lasting value to the community.”
Design plans of the new Connell Park Facilities that will service the community year round
The Connell Park Precinct Development, valued at over $6.5 million in externally sourced funding and additional Council contributions, includes new sporting amenities, drainage and lighting upgrades, netball courts, cricket nets, and the Bellingen Swim Centre improvements. Works at Connell Park have been progressing steadily, with significant upgrades to playing fields, lighting, and amenities already underway.
“We thank the community for their patience while this major investment is completed,” Mayor Allan continued. “By the end of the year, Bellingen will have a refreshed and upgraded pool facility, complete with brand new amenities that will better serve locals and visitors for years to come. And with the new pool contracts soon to be in place for the next five to ten years, we’ve cemented the functionality of the entire precinct for long-term community enjoyment.”
Residents can stay up to date with progress on the Connell Park Precinct Development via Council’s website: bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Services/Infrastructure-Projects/Connell-Park-Precinct-Development