Orara Valley Community Pool
The Orara Valley Community Pool in Nana Glen was constructed in 2007, with the official opening taking place on Saturday 17 November 2007 (see photo gallery at the bottom of this page).
The project was initiated by local resident Russell Crowe who donated $270,000 towards the pool and it has been carried forward by his family and friends throughout the whole Orara Valley, who have worked tirelessly over the past five years to bring the community and various levels of government together. Coffs Harbour Council contributed $139,000 to the project, the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation provided $200,000 and $250,000 was granted from the Federal Government's Regional Partnerships Programme.
Nearly 60 local businesses and families have also contributed funds, building materials and their time and expertise to make the project a reality. Their contribution is believed - in monetary terms - to equal the grants provided by the State and Federal governments.
The 25-metre, seven-lane pool has been built on a site adjacent to the grounds of Nana Glen Public School, but is available for use by members of the public from across the Orara Valley area as well as students from all local schools.
The new facility includes an amenities block, kiosk, shade sails, a barbecue area, security fencing, carpark and lighting. The whole area around the pool has also been landscaped with the help of experts and students from the North Coast Institute of TAFE.
Official Opening 17 November 2007
The new pool was opened in a ceremony on Saturday 17 November 2007, with Nana Glen local Russell Crowe as the Master of Ceremonies.
Russell Crowe, part-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the instigator of the pool project, had also invited Olympic medallist and swimming champion Geoff Huegill and two of the NRL's brightest stars, Nathan Merritt and Dean Widders, along to meet some of the kids who will be the pool's most frequent users.
The Honourable Graham West, NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation and Coffs Harbour Mayor Keith Rhoades also attended and made short speeches at the opening ceremony.
Hundreds of people attended the celebrations, to which the entire community was invited. There was a free sausage sizzle, children's rides and entertainment during the afternoon. Geoff Huegill swam the first laps in the pool, after which the local kids got to go for a swim.
The pool is open from 7am-6pm Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm Saturday and 10am-3pm Sunday.
Photo left: Russell Crowe and Geoff Huegill / middle: Mayor Keith Rhoades / right: Nana Glen Public School school captains
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 The local community came out to be part of the ceremony |
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 Swimming champion Geoff Huegill swam the first lap |
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 Council Senior Lifeguard Greg Hackfath keeps an eye out |
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 The Orara Valley community attending the celebrations |
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