After ten years of perseverance and community spirit, the Maldon swimming pool in Victoria were able to install their Platypus Pool Steps. It was a transformative addition that has made the venue more inclusive. The journey to acquiring these steps was not easy—countless grant applications were written, and many funding opportunities slipped through. But the dedicated committee running the pool refused to give up.
The pool committee, passionate about making the facility accessible to all, worked tirelessly over the years, organising countless fundraisers to turn their dream into a reality. They hosted everything from sausage sizzles and raffles to market stalls, gathering support from the local community. Their efforts paid off, with fundraising covering the cost to purchase the Platypus Pool Steps.
The installation of the Platypus Pool Steps has had an immediate and positive impact on the Maldon pool. Designed to make water access easier and safer for people of all abilities, the steps instantly increased visitor numbers. They have become the most desired way to enter and exit the pool, creating a family-friendly environment for all ages.
The impact extends beyond just accessibility. A powerful and heartwarming moment occurred within the first week of the steps being installed, when a visually impaired man, who had never before entered a pool independently, was able to get in and out of the water on his own. He shared his joy with the committee, describing the freedom the steps provided him as priceless. As music played in the background, he even had a dance in the water—his first independent swim, made possible by the simple but profound addition of the Platypus steps.
The steps have also breathed new life into the pool’s water aerobics program. Held every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm, these sessions now see between 20 and 25 participants, many of whom appreciate the accessibility and ease that the Platypus Steps provide. What was once a more physically demanding task of entering and exiting the pool is now effortless, encouraging more people to take part in the pool’s offerings and engage with their health and fitness in a comfortable, inclusive setting.
For the committee, getting the Platypus Pool Steps was one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. What started as a dream over a decade ago has now become a reality that serves the whole community, proving the power of persistence, community effort, and inclusivity. The Maldon swimming pool is no longer just a place to swim; it’s a venue where people of all abilities can experience the joys of water, mobility, and belonging.
It is a reminder that small changes can have a profound impact on a community, opening doors to new experiences for everyone, regardless of physical ability.
With special thanks to Anne Hayes, Maldon Swimming Pool Committee Member, for providing these photos and sharing the journey to acquire the Pelican Pool Steps.
