Community
18 June, 2025
Pool hours cut amidst huge financial loss
LOSSES totalling more than $1.1 million have forced Cobdenhealth to reduce hours at the aquatic centre, but disability advocates fear the impacts on those using the services will be significant.
Operating hours for the pool at the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre were reduced from last week in a move which has drawn frustrations from members of the community who utilise the service.
Cobdenhealth chief executive officer Sue Fleming said the decision was “in no way an easy one but… unfortunately a necessary one”.
Financial results provided to Western District Newspapers highlight the centre was running at a year-on-year deficit which has totalled a $1,133,910 loss between 2019 and 2025.
It is also understood the expenditure for facility infrastructure and equipment required for compliance is estimated to be between $150,000 to $200,000.
Ms Fleming said the ongoing financial loss for Cobdenhealth threatened the range of services offered including residential aged care accommodation, home care packages and general practice.
“If nothing is done and we remain in the status quo, we don’t just risk losing the Fitness Centre but potentially all services attached to the Cobdenhealth brand,” she said.
“That would leave 60 residents without accommodation, 150 staff unemployed, 150 consumers needing to seek community support service elsewhere and over 2000 GP consumers needing to seek medical assistance from our neighbouring GP clinics, who already have closed books to new clients.”
Cobdenhealth had made the announcement of the reduction in hours on social media, which saw backlash from members of the community who were quick to voice their frustration.
Cobden resident Jo Beard is among those left reeling by the decision as she has been reliant on hydrotherapy to continue her exercise regime after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) seven years ago.
“I have always been active and using the gym but the transition to the pool has made a massive difference,” she said.
“Water therapy is integral to some people in this community who wouldn’t be able to exercise without it.
“I know what a difference it makes to my life.”
Mrs Beard said the community was caught blindsided by the reduction in hours, which she felt showed “management was not on the same page in line with the right balance for everyone”.
“The way the change in hours was announced on social media was a shock to so many people because this is about their health and wellbeing, about staying connected to the community – about changing their lives,” she said.
“It cannot be understated this is a hydrotherapy pool – the impact if people can’t access it significant to liveability
“We want to be part of the process in determining the changes, and we want to know why certain times were taken away.
“Hearing the facility is operating at such a loss is not ideal, and we want to be part of a solution to keep facility available to everyone
“It is such an integral asset to the community – it was a bequest from the late Rodney Grove – and we want to do our best to sustain it into the future.”
An information session was held earlier this month following the announcement in a bid to provide clarity behind the decision, which saw in excess of 30 people in attendance to speak with senior representatives of Cobdenhealth.
“When it comes to community you want to involve them in the conversation,” Mrs Beard said.
“We’ve got an aging community and a lot of those people can’t use their own voices, so it was great to see diversity in the room – all ages were represented.
“It’s also how we look at the entire use of the facility, Closing doors and reducing hours only makes things worse
“It was respectful and productive but I do think it showed management underestimated the impact the decision would have on their community.
“The only way to be financially stable is to make sure you have people going through that door and using it.”
The information session provided an opportunity for Ms Fleming to discuss industry-wide challenges such as the impending introduction of the new Aged Care Act, which will commence on November 1 this year and is expected to have increased costs on aged care providers to ensure compliance with higher quality standards.
“As a consequence of these associated changes it is estimated that half of Australia’s independent aged care providers are exploring or considering an amalgamation, merger or partnership with another organisation to remain viable,” she said.
“Cobdenhealth is not immune to these challenges but has made a concerted commitment to the community to operate independently and provide our suite of aged care services to enable our ageing population to remain in their community, and not be forced to move outside the region in their later years.
“The most significant change out of the reform is the change from Home Care Services to Support at Home Program, which is estimated to cost Cobdenhealth between $500,000-700,000 revenue annually, which will put a significant strain on what is already a very tight bottom line.”
Cobdenhealth had engaged Earnest and Young consultants in preparation for the implementation of the reform, conducting a review of its financial position and assess readiness to adopt the changes without risk of insolvency.
Among various recommendations was to consider exiting underperforming segments not aligned with organisational strategy which included the Fitness Centre operation.
“The board of management is acutely aware of the benefits of the Fitness Centre and its significance to the Cobden community and in no way wants to discontinue offering this invaluable service,” Ms Fleming said.
“However, it must consider the options and associated risks.”
Mrs Beard said she hoped now was the time both the community and Cobdenhealth could take a step back and help each other, getting more concrete details on the allocation of hours to explore how best both sides can be accommodated.
“We want to help Cobdenhealth,” Mrs Beard said.
“I would encourage people to become a member, which they can do at a low cost, to genuinely have a say and help the board with their direction.
“We thank Cobdenhealth for providing the opportunity to attend the forum for those of us who could get along.
“We acknowledge the effort to come up with a better solution.”
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