Pool campaign has a $7000 start
The Pearl Beach Progress Association raised more than $7000 at its first fundraising event of the year to help save the historic Pearl Beach rock pool.
Association president Mr Rod Craig said the Wollombi Wine Tasting Day held on January 24 was a great success despite the hot weather.
"Weather-wise it wasn't really a good day for wine tasting but that didn't deter the community from turning up and supporting us," Mr Craig said.
"We estimated more than 100 locals and visitors attended the event to kick off our first fundraising event to save the rock pool.
"The most overwhelming thing for us was the personal donations from people to our fundraising cause.
"There is no doubt that the news of the threatened closure of the 80-year-old rock pool has hit a nerve in the community
"This was shown by some individuals donating large sums of money.
"We greatly appreciate these donations and look forward to many more events planned to help save our rock pool."
Mr Craig said Gosford Council has so far proved to be a great support to the community by promising to match the $100,000 needed for repair and restoration work at the rock pool.
The Blue Swimmers Club has also put up its hand to help the Pearl Beach Progress Association to raise funds.
The local swimming club of more than 50 members regularly use the Pearl Beach rock pool in the winter months to train for competitions.
Club president Mr Graham Tangye said the Pearl Beach rock pool was definitely a cause worth fighting for.
"Our club has been swimming at the rock pool for more than 40 years and it would be devastating to see the heritage-listed site go to waste because of a financial barrier," Mr Tangye said.
"There is not another rock pool in the area for us to use if Pearl Beach is closed down so it is in the club's best interest to put up a fight.
Mr Tangye said club members would contribute and help raise funds alongside the Pearl Beach Progress Association.
"We want to get the message out there in the wider community, not just in Pearl Beach, that this is not just an important historical landmark but one that is constantly used by locals and visitors to the area," Mr Tangye said.
"We have given ourselves 12 months to raise $100,000.
"After the success of the first fundraiser last Saturday, I believe it can be done and we can enjoy the Pearl Beach rock pool for many more years to come."
According to Mr Craig, a barometer measuring the amount of donations received will be installed at the entrance to Pearl Beach over the next two weeks.
Clare Graham, 30 Jan 2009
Interviewee: Rod Craig, Pearl Beach Progress Association
Interviewee: Graham Tangye, Blue Swimmers