Published on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 at 3:53:45 PM
On Saturday, the 29th of November, Katherine will celebrate one of its most important community infrastructure milestones with the public reopening of the transformed Katherine Aquatic Centre.
Council is reopening the pool for community use from 29 November so that residents, families and the swim club can begin enjoying the upgraded facilities as soon as possible. To finalise stage one, additional shade structures may need to be installed next week. This work will require the pool to close again temporarily midweek. Council will provide advance notice to the community and ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
The formal opening ceremony scheduled for 13 December will provide an opportunity to officially acknowledge our funding partners and celebrate this major investment in Katherine. A free, fun community event, Katherine’s Big Pool Party, will follow the official opening ceremony.
The redevelopment was made possible through coordinated support from all levels of government:
- In late 2022, the Australian Government committed $10 million under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.
- The Northern Territory Government contributed $300,000 toward design and documentation.
- In 2024, the Australian Government, through its Accessible Australia initiative, contributed a further $162,000 to fast-track delivery of an assisted-change facility.
- Katherine Town Council contributed a 50 per cent co-contribution to the Changing Places facility and invested just under $2 million of its own funds to deliver the new splash pool, shade structures over the splash and 25 metre pools, and other community-requested improvements.
Mayor Joanna Holden noted that the redevelopment represents several years of work and decisions undertaken before the current Council was elected.
“This project is the result of major decisions, planning and commitment by the previous Council, supported by significant government investment. The current Council acknowledges and thanks those former elected members for progressing a project of such importance to Katherine. In our climate, a high-quality aquatic facility is not a luxury; it is essential for the health and well-being of our community.”
The renewed facility, which The Y Northern Territory will manage, also allows the Katherine Swimming Club to return to regular training and competition, supporting local athletes and strengthening community sport.
The reopening marks the end of Stage One of the precinct's long-term vision. Future stages, subject to funding, include expanded recreation areas, shaded BBQ and picnic areas, and additional family-friendly improvements.
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