An Olympic bronze medallist has spent nearly a decade building the southern beaches’ first commercial indoor pool – and the community is finally about to see the result.
Former Kookaburras hockey defender Luke Doerner opened the doors of the Southern Beaches Swim Centre at Dodges Ferry for a community preview on Thursday.
It was the first time locals got to see what nine years of planning, setbacks and determination had produced.
“It’s starting to seem real, it’s been a long journey. Almost 10 years,” Doerner said.
“To finally be able to see some water would be pretty exciting, for myself but also for the community.”
Doerner, who won bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and gold at two Commonwealth Games, said families in the area had been driving 35 kilometres just to reach an indoor pool.
“That’s something most Tasmanians take for granted,” he said. “I wanted to change that.”
The state government is investing $1.5 million in the project, which features a 25-metre lap pool, cafe and allied health consulting rooms.
Acting Sport Minister Gavin Pearce congratulated Doerner’s vision, saying the project was born from community need and personal determination.
“This project ticks all the boxes in terms of high-quality, safe, inclusive and fit-for-purpose community sport and recreation infrastructure,” Pearce said.
Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent, who championed the project during his time as Sorell mayor, said seeing the progress made him proud.
“Facilities like this, driven by the local community, are what it’s all about,” he said.
“This facility will really help local schools with their learning to swim campaigns as well.”
The centre will offer lap swimming, learn-to-swim programs, squad training, water activity classes and baby water introduction sessions.
Rehabilitation and disability services are also planned.
“We’ll try and cater to all our community,” Doerner said.
The project hit major hurdles along the way. COVID-19 struck just as construction gained momentum, and building costs more than doubled.
“There were moments when it seemed like this might never happen,” Doerner said. “But my commitment to this community kept me going.”
The facility will be the only indoor aquatic centre serving a region of more than 20,000 people.
Almost 800 families have already pre-registered.
Construction is expected to be completed in late June, with a public opening planned for July.
