Rubbing shoulders with the national champions

BIGGENDEN Swimming Club members were given the opportunity to swim against national champions as they converged on the pool for the opening of its water park.

Rubbing shoulders with national swim champions Jaime Krueger and Tobias Street are Biggenden Swimming Club members, Luke Treloar, Lee Richmond, Madeleine and Sophia Radel and Flynn Richmond. Picture: Erica Murree

BIGGENDEN Swimming Club members were given the opportunity to swim against national champions as they converged on the pool for the official opening of its children's water park.

Coming from Bundaberg for the occasion Jamie Krueger and Tobias Street didn't draw a sweat as they swam the various strokes with the excited youngsters.

Sophia Radel whose favourite stroke is freestyle described the occasion as "cool".

"Being a champion swimmer is something we can all aspire to," she said.

Flynn Richmond whose favourite stroke is breaststroke said it was good to watch them swim.

Biggenden Swimming Pool treasurer Michelle Radel said what was a hole in the ground, the toddlers pool has now been transformed into a popular kids play area.

"We are only a small committee but we are passionate about what we have at the pool," she said.

"In Queensland ever child desires to be given the opportunity to learn to swim."

Councillor Robbie Radel said North Burnett Regional Council were fortunate to receive funding through Works for Queensland for projects across the region to boost jobs.

Acknowledging the Queensland Government he said another bite is coming shortly

"Hopefully next time smaller communities will receive more."

Cr Radel said the swimming club committee drove the $125,000 project.

"This is what council is looking for, community groups to take the initiative to identify projects,” he said.

"At the end of the day we don't know everything that is going on within clubs across our region.

"It is imperative they make contact.”

Special mention was made of Bendigo Community Bank's generous donation of $25,000 to complete the project.

Bank member Selwyn Bengtson said when a community is proactive things happen.

"The community bank is happy to sponsor organisations especially if projects are family orientated,” he said.

"Part of our charter is 80 percent of what we make goes back into communities and 20% to shareholders.”

Originally published as Rubbing shoulders with the national champions