East Gippsland's athletes now have convenient access to drinking water at the WORLD sporting complex in Bairnsdale, following action by Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, East Gippsland Water and East Gippsland Shire Council.   After being approached by a parent of local netballers, Mr Bull recently suggested installing a water refill station at the complex to the shire and EGW.

“Their response has been brilliant and they have collaborated to fund and install the water refill station," Mr Bull said.   "Previously, anyone playing sport at the facility had to either bring their own drinks with them or refill using a tap in the toilet block or at the back of the venue, which is both inconvenient and unhygienic," he said.   East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr Joe Rettino, said the fountain was a great example of the two organisations working together on a small project that is a great outcome for the community.   “We have a great working relationship with East Gippsland Water through our Memorandum of Understanding, and it’s great to see real benefit to the community that we both service.   “The fountain has already started getting a workout from the netballers and other groups using the sporting fields, who hopefully will take the opportunity to stay hydrated as the warmer weather approaches,” Cr Rettino said.

Donated by EGW and installed by EGSC, the station is equipped with a wheelchair accessible bubble tap, a drink bottle filling point and a dog bowl.   Like the other water refill stations installed around the region, it promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging people to drink tap water in preference to soft drinks and bottled water.   “These water stations make financial and environmental sense, with Australians spending more than $500 million each year on bottled water, needlessly bypassing much cheaper water supplied direct to the tap in their own homes," EGW Managing Director, Bruce Hammond, said.

“This is a great example of what community partnerships can achieve and we are exploring further opportunities to install water refill stations around the region, working closely with local communities,” he said.   Bairnsdale Netball Association president, Robyn Dunkley, said: “Our Association appreciates the help we have received and the speed with which the water refill station has been installed.”

“We have 500 netballers here every Thursday and it’s been an instant success.” 

Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Joe Rettino; Bairnsdale Netball Association President, Robyn Dunkley; East Gippsland Shire CEO, Garry Gaffney; East Gippsland Water Managing Director, Bruce Hammond; and Bairnsdale Secondary College Acting Principal, Huw Porter, with the water refill station.

Friday, September 1, 2017