Media Release: PCYC pool swim instructor to resume lessons with help from Herbert MP

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PCYC pool swim instructor to resume lessons with help from Herbert MP
 
A long-running stalemate between a local swim instructor and the Townsville City Council has been resolved with the help of Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson.
 
Chris Hanson from Hanson School of Swimming had been operating lessons at the Castle Hill PCYC pool in Belgian Gardens but was kicked out of the facility in January with no notice and no explanation.
 
Mr Thompson said Mr Hanson contacted him for assistance after he was being ignored by the State Government, Townsville City Council and PCYC Queensland.
 
“Chris is a well-respected local swimming instructor with a passion for helping kids learn how to swim and be safe in the water,” he said.
 
“But when he was unceremoniously locked out of the facility he was left with no choice but to reduce the amount of lessons he could provide because of a lack of availability at other facilities.
 
“I was really disappointed to hear from Chris that he had been totally ignored by the decision-makers who had all the power to reopen this vital local facility and restart the lessons. There was simply no good reason for the closure.
 
“So I wrote to Mayor Jenny Hill asking her to explain why this decision had been taken and to reconsider it.”

Mr Thompson said within weeks Mr Hanson had received a phone call telling him he could cut the locks and replace them with his own.
 
“It’s a shame Council felt the need to close the pool for 7 months and leave no explanation or alternative options for the swim school. But I’m glad that the Mayor has finally decided to take notice.
 
“This is an excellent result not only for Chris but for the rest of the community.”
 
Mr Hanson said the move had put an end to months of heartache and allowed him to continue to teach young people how to swim.
 
“I’ve poured my heart and soul into my swim school and it’s been difficult to have had to endure these months of uncertainty while the kids have had nowhere to swim,” he said.
 
“I’m grateful to Phil for having listened to my concerns and taking up the fight to the Mayor.”
 
Mr Hanson expects swimming lessons to resume at the PCYC pool next week.

ENDS

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