Council splashes-out for lake anniversary

PLANS for Millicent’s biggest-ever “pool party” later this month are taking shape with Wattle Range Council recently purchasing an inflatable obstacle course which will be the feature of the celebration.

The Millicent Swimming Lake will celebrate its 50th anniversary on January 27 and council will host a free family fun day to celebrate.

Costing $10,000, the inflatable obstacle course had its unofficial debut yesterday morning with Wattle Range Council Mayor Des Noll OAM among the council figures to put it through its paces.

“We are excited to bring this fantastic new activity to the Wattle Range Council community as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations,” Mr Noll said.

“The inflatable obstacle course is over 20m long and includes balance and climbing sections as well as a slide to finish.

“Lifeguards will supervise the use of the inflatable and patrons will need to pass a swim test to ensure they are safe in deep water.

Another highlight of the upcoming celebration will a video booth which hopes to capture the site’s history.

“We are encouraging people to come forward with their stories from when the lake was first built and share their memories of it over the past 50 years.

“The video will be shown in council’s three visitor information centres at Millicent, Penola and Beachport to showcase this unique attraction and what it means to our community.

Mr Noll said council also plans to make the inflatable obstacle course available for a weekend at both the Nangwarry and Penola pools. The inflatable obstacle course will be in use at the Millicent Swimming Lake from 1pm to 4pm daily from next Monday until Saturday, as well as during the family fun day.

The celebration will run from 11am to 4pm with a treasure trail, live music, jumping castle and cake cutting.

A plaque on the changerooms exterior wall states the lake was opened by then Premier Steele Hall on January 27, 1969.