Big splash ahead

Helensburgh residents may finally return to their favourite free public asset when the town's swimming pool reopens "before the end of February", according to Wollongong City Council.

"We are absolutely delighted to be able to re-open the pool before the end of summer for the community to enjoy the remainder of the swim season,” Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said in announcement on Thursday.

“We obviously had to overcome some hurdles late in the timeline, but our top priority was always ensuring we ultimately delivered a high-quality facility that is reliable, accessible, and fit for purpose over the next several decades."

Many residents were disappointed when the pool did not reopen in time for the promised "January summer peak".

The pool has been closed since upgrade works began in August 2025, through the school holidays and into term 1, forcing Helensburgh Public School to relocate its swim carnival to Engadine Pool, and parents to pay extra in bus fees.

Melissa McCallum, president of the P&F Association at Holy Cross Helensburgh, said the Catholic primary school faced a similar situation in term 4, when their swim carnival also moved to another council pool and parents paid extra for buses, pool entry and spectator fees.

"For myself, as a mum of three students, it cost $66 for the children to travel and for pool entry – an event that has been previously free at Helensburgh," she said.

A registered nurse who works in Helensburgh, Melissa has driven south weekly so her children can do squad training before school. It's made for long days, she said, and many young swimmers have lost "crucial" training time.

"Not to mention a summer nearly over that our local kids haven’t been able to enjoy the pool with their family, and lost time for life-saving skills to be learnt in a local pool."

Like many, the McCallums are looking forward to diving back in at Helensburgh.

"Reopening of the pool means we will have a venue for my son’s birthday party next month if opening goes to plan, meaning we won’t have to travel and save money on not having to hire a venue," Melissa said.

"If it can open before the zone carnival, they have local access to train outside of squad. For the local swim business, it expands their classes available."

And it's not just children who will benefit.

"I will be able to commence local swimming to rehab some sporting injuries that require low-impact exercise," Melissa added.

Why the tiles were late

The reason for the recent delay was a supply chain hold-up: tiles did not arrive when expected. However, with a $3.2 million NSW Government grant for Helensburgh sporting facilities, including pool repairs, announced more than three years ago, residents wondered why it took so long to order the tiles.

"The tiles needed for the completion of the project could not be ordered until repairs to the pool shell were fully carried out as this determined the final specifications required for the new tiles," a council spokesperson told the Illawarra Flame this week.

"These repairs allowed for the existing pool shell to be retained, with works and protective measures to prolong the life of the pool without requiring full replacement and potential closure for multiple seasons.

"We have utilised high quality tiles designed for commercial swimming pools to provide long-term performance and durability.

"We experienced delays in the shipping and customs clearance process once the tiles were sent by the manufacturer in Europe. This supply issue has been resolved, and the tiles have been installed."

Calls for longer pool season

Local GP Dr Trevor Kemper, lap swimmers, patients in need of rehabilitation exercise, local parents and new community group 2508 Collaborate have all called for a longer pool season.

"Council’s current focus is on opening the pool following the completion of works," a council spokesperson said.

"Updates regarding the remainder of the swim season will be provided once the pool is operational."

Locals are hoping this will be soon after seeing water pumped into the toddlers' pool this week.

"With tiling now completed, the toddler pool has been filled, and the main pool is set to begin filling this Sunday," says council's update. "Final pool and plantroom testing will take place next week."

October 2025 survey results out

A recently published report on council's Community Satisfaction Survey found that, in 2025, Wollongong City Council was the best scoring NSW metro LGA on record for 10 out of 21 services and facilities. On free public swimming pools, 66% of respondents were 'satisfied' and only 3% were 'dissatisfied'.

Neighbourhood Forum 1 convenor Warwick Erwin has questioned the results, saying: "1000 people out of 215K – that's less than half a percent of the LGA. Where did the database to call come from?"

He said it showed council's engagement was "superficial", adding: "Figures by suburb or postcode would provide more meaningful information."

Last chance to have a say

In other Helensburgh news, council has prepared a detailed design for improvements to the footpath along Wilson Street, and a new pedestrian refuge island at the intersection of Tunnel Road and Parkes Street.

To share any final thoughts before construction starts, go to the Creating safer connections to Helensburgh Train Station page on council's Our Wollongong website by Monday, 16 February.

Council is also calling for final feedback on its 20-year Aquatic and Indoor Sports Strategy, with a last pop-up event at North Wollongong on Saturday, 14 February, from 8-10.30am. Feedback closes on Monday, 16 February.