WATTLE Range Council has ensured the Millicent Swimming Lake is safely equipped in time for summer following the near-fatal drowning of a woman last year.
Safety measures and precautions have already been taken by council in the lead-up to the warmer months and include the addition of medical and rescue equipment, such as life buoys and a heart defibrillator.
Council environmental services manager Lauren Oxlade said following the near drowning last year, there had been a push to make the lake safer.
“One of the suggestions was a defibrillator,” she said.
“We were a little bit concerned about the potential of vandalism here because we do get out of hours a few people doing the wrong thing, but we are really proud that it has not been touched over what was left of last summer.
“We really hope the community will come on board and make sure they look after this important community asset to improve safety.
“There are also a number of life buoys installed around the lake.
“People are asked to leave the buoys on the fence in case of an emergency.
“If people see others doing the wrong thing, we encourage them to actually say something or to call council’s 24/7 phone number so that we can make sure they are there for the job they are there for.”
South East Property Sales and Management recently presented council with a $500 donation through its community funnel program to help purchase the defibrillator.
Spearheaded by business owner Fiona Telfer, the Community Funnel involves various fundraising events with 100pc of the money raised donated back into the local community.
Wattle Range Mayor-elect Des Noll praised the business for its donation.
“That is a strong commitment – on behalf of Wattle Range Council I would like extend my appreciation to the community’s commitment.”
The Community Funnel has raised around $6600 to date and has donated $4300 back into the community.
Fundraisers include sausage sizzles, business morning teas, online auctions, raffles and bake stalls.
The next fundraiser is the 12 Days of Christmas online auction, which has been supported by local businesses donating goods and services to be auctioned off.
The fundraising event will start on December 1 through the business’ social media page.
“The Community Funnel has been an initiative of ours that we are all passionate about,” Fiona Telfer said.
“It is going really well and we are consistently on the lookout for opportunities to support organisations in our community financially and love seeing local projects and events come to life and then completion.
“We welcome applications for events and ideas that you think we can assist and will benefit our local community.”
