Australian swimming champion Ian Thorpe has joined Wollondilly Council and locals at the Wollondilly Leisure Centre to welcome the installation of a new pool hoist which will provide greater accessibility to the pool.

Ian Thorpe inspected the new hoist with Wollondilly Mayor Robert Khan while he was visiting the Centre for the launch of the swimming season today.

Council recently installed the pelican pool hoist and upgraded the aqua wheelchair thanks to a $20,000 grant from Uniting Ability Links.

The need for access upgrades had been highlighted by community member, Mary Martin who witnessed a local resident with significant mobility concerns struggling to use the existing pool hoist. Ms Martin is also a carer for a young person with a disability.

Mayor Robert Khan said, “It is important that everyone in the community has access to our local swimming facilities, so the new pelican hoist is a welcome addition at the Wollondilly Leisure Centre.”

“Council and the pool management were pleased to welcome such a well-loved Australian icon to help launch the hoist and also to mark an exciting start to the swimming season for our young local swimmers.”

“It’s been a difficult year for Wollondilly, so I’m thrilled to see people of all ages and abilities able to enjoy the fun and exercise that the water provides,” he said