Free fun with an inflatable pool course

THERE will be a pool party at Alstonville on Australia Day, January 26.

Not only is entry to the pool free - from 11am to 6pm - but an inflatable obstacle course will be set up to add to the fun.

Pool manager Greg Fettell said they bought the inflatable obstacle course from a New Zealand company. It is 30 metres long and the width of two lanes at the pool, leaving other lanes free.

Blowing it up takes about 20 minutes, but deflating takes a lot longer, Mr Fettell said.

Kids will have to pass a basic swim test before going on the inflatable, Mr Fettell said, and there will be six lifeguards on duty at the pool.

It's appropriate the pool will be a focal point on Australia Day as Australian Olympic swimming champion, Melanie Schlanger, will be making the formal address at the official Ballina Shire Australia Day Ceremony at Elizabeth Ann Brown Park, Alstonville, to be held between 9am and 11am.

Schlanger enjoyed success at the 2012 London Olympic Games, winning Australia's first gold medal as part of the 4 x 100m freestyle relay team.

She then went on to win silver medals in the 4 x 200m freestyle relay and 4 x 100m medley relay, and was fourth in the individual 100m freestyle.

To find out more log onto ballinaaustralia day.com.au or telephone the Ballina Visitor Information Centre on 1800 777 666.