Colette’s a Korumburra gem

COLETTE Pearl’s significant contribution to the Korumburra community through the promotion, teaching and administration of swimming, recently led to her being presented with Life Membership of the Korumburra Amateur Swimming & Life Saving Club.

The honour was bestowed at the town’s Austral Hotel during a special gathering of the club’s committee, recognising Colette’s efforts in teaching swimming to school-aged pupils at Korumburra indoor pool over 37 years.

In that time, she taught many local children to swim, with quite a few being the children of those she taught previously.

Colette was president of the swimming club committee between 1991 and 1995. 

She played an important role in raising money to pay for the solar heating at the outdoor pool by organising 'It's a Knockout' competitions and mini triathlons in the 1990s, which proved to be highly successful events. 

Back then, the swimming club operated the outdoor swimming pool and funded many improvements and required maintenance. 

Colette co-managed the outdoor pool with her sister Tanya at the turn of the century.

While the swimming club continues to manage Korumburra’s indoor pool, the town’s outdoor pool is now run by the YMCA on behalf of South Gippsland Shire Council.

Since selling her swimming lesson business at the end of last year, Colette is enjoying a well-earned retirement.

Muir Swimming bought the business, ensuring local children can continue learning to swim at the Korumburra indoor swimming pool.