Promoting healthy communities in remote Australia

Helping to close the gap in health inequality for First Nations peoples

Working alongside remote Aboriginal communities to bring their swimming pools back to life.

The Remote Pools Project is a community led program that improves the health and vitality of First Nations communities, for present and future generations.

Pools are much more than a place to swim, and for nowhere more so than in a remote community. Local swimming pools are a vital and valuable community resource - places to gather, connect, clean off and cool down on a hot day!

The safe operation of swimming pools, together with community-led health promotion programs, fosters far-reaching health and wellbeing benefits for communities.

Regular access to water safety education teaches children in remote communities how to be safe in and around waterways, a crucial life-skill and protector against drowning.

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Locations

Central Australia, NT

We have been operating the pools at Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) and Utju (Areyonga) since late 2021.

In December 2023, we re-opened the pool at Yuendumu.

This year, we will be working alongside the Walungurra (Kintore) community to plan their pool's reopening.

Top End, NT

In late 2023, we began operating the pools in Borroloola and Ngukurr, in the Roper Gulf region.

We also began running the Lajamanu water park, in the Tanami Desert.

Community benefits

The Remote Pools Project works in partnership with communities, with local swimming pools at the heart of what we do.

The safe operation of swimming pools, together with delivery of community-led health promotion programs, generates diverse community benefits.

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Improved water safety

Improved health outcomes

Social connection

Long-term local employment

Promoting physical activity

How to get involved

Volunteer

This is an enriching life experience, an opportunity to contribute to building healthier remote communities, learn about culture, discover majestic Northern Territory landscapes and expand your worldview.

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Donations and fundraising

Help the Remote Pools Project deliver additional, co-designed health promotion programs and activities.

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Advocacy

Help tell the story of the importance of swimming pools in remote communities to positively impact health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples.

Share the story with your peers and networks.

Our community pool is the best place for our kids to swim, especially when it’s hot. It’s safer than the local waterholes around community. The pool brings families together. Kids are happy to see other kids, they don’t fight, they just play with each other.

Patricia Oliver, Eastern Arrernte woman, local artist and staff member at Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) pool

Blog

International Lifeguard Appreciation Day

By Maree Feutrill • 30 Jul, 2023

Keeping families safe at Ltyentye Apurte Community Swimming Pool

Helping reduce the burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Central Australia

By Maree Feutrill • 04 Apr, 2023

Helping reduce burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Central Australia

Volunteer swim teacher makes an impact

14 Mar, 2023

Volunteering is a powerful way to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Maree Macague is a remarkable example of this as a volunteer with the Remote Pools Project.

Our community pool is the best place for kids to swim (especially when it’s hot). It’s safer than the local waterholes around community. The pool brings families together. Kids are happy to see other kids, they don’t fight just play with each other.