Community
9 October, 2025
Volunteers needed to keep club running
THE future of the Terang Swimming Club is in doubt with only one member of the executive set to remain on board following next week’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Club secretary Cindy McDougall has raised concerns the club is at risk of folding despite its recent run of success due to circumstances which will see most of its executive team step down.
“Last year we saw an incredible increase in numbers and families, which has been fantastic, but we were still quite light-on for committee members,” she said.
“We had some people step up who were already spread quite thin but we managed to get last year’s season on the go.
“We had a record number of participants, at least over the past 10-15 years, with 36 kids.
“There was a big Mortlake component with that – probably one-third of our kids came from Mortlake or Woorndoo.
“We’re now looking at the fact four of our committee, between moving, family commitments or ill-health, just cannot give it the time it needs and cannot be there.”
Ms McDougall said the club needed at least three new members who could volunteer their time for the club to remain viable.
She said those taking the reins would be well supported by both Corangamite and Moyne Shire Council, in addition to outgoing executive members who are happy to lend support and provide mentorship.
“We need as many as possible to join but the executive of president, a secretary and a treasurer must be filled,” Ms McDougall said.
“The current executive is happy to mentor the people who take it on.
“Lisa Chesshire, a life member and a past president, is happy to mentor and, should the club decide to go ahead with its yearly carnival – it is incredibly well supported so she would be happy to support the carnival and the planning.
“In an ideal world, if we could get six people on the committee it would be amazing – but we certainly need three who would be willing to taking on an executive role.
“That would enable the club to be viable.”
Ms McDougall said continuing the club was vital to ensuring the next generation of children have the opportunity to learn the skill of swimming in a local setting.
“The benefit swimming gives, the life skills, is something which is incredibly important and something which is a life-long skill,” she said.
“Getting parents on board and keeping the swimming club viable is key – allowing not just Terang but Mortlake and district children the life-saving chance to learn to swim.
“Even for the older kids, it is about getting that stroke technique and being able to grow and improve for school competitions.
“If you’re part of the club you’re eligible for Swimming Victoria competitions as well, and there are some incredibly amazing, country-based swimming carnivals which the kids can be a part of.
“The kids can make new friends, see new places and experience something they wouldn’t get from just being local – which I think it’s all about the experience it gives the kids in a social, physical and emotional capacity.”
Anyone interested in volunteering was encouraged to attend the club’s upcoming AGM on Monday, October 13 at Mac’s Hotel in Mortlake from 7pm.
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