The meet was a big occasion for the Ararat Swimming Club, which has used the indoor pool at Ararat Fitness Centre for training, but has returned to the bigger pool since its reopening last year.

Water Rats’ swimmer Havana Madex said the Save Our Pool committee had done a terrific job during the redevelopment.

“I can remember when we were all swimming and training together here five years ago and it was really fun,” she said.

“Then we went on a big break because the pool shut down, so we lost a heap of our swimmers, because not many people enjoyed swimming in the indoor pool.

“It is awesome because in the summer you can just walk down and have a swim now.”

The 14-year-old said training outdoors prepared the swimmers better for outdoor competition.

“Swimming in indoor helps, but then you go to the outdoor pools and get the shock of the cold,” she said.

“Now we are training here, we learn to get used to the water, swim better at training and swim meets, and we get better PBs.”

The return to the outdoor pool provided success for the Water Rats as they topped Wimmera District 12 competition on Saturday.

Before racing, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Colin Brooks officially opened the meet.

Mr Brooks said although the state government had put in $350,000 for the project, its success would never have been possible without the pool committee or Ararat Rural City Council.

“It is great to bring the community together – you look across the pool there and see families interacting on a great day,” he said.

“It is a credit to the council and the committee that worked to get it open.”

Committee member Ambrose Cashin said the first swimming meet was fulfilling for everyone involved in the project.

“The fact the swimming club has survived and were back in their own pool hosting their own meet is a sensational thing for Ararat,” he said.

“We have a very good sense in pride in it.

“It has been so good not only for the swimming, but they have been able to train in the outdoor pool and train in the 50m pool.

“That is something they were lacking the opportunity for and it is fantastic to see them all back there training.

“One year home and one victory, so we just have to keep it up.”

Mr Ambrose said the swimming club would benefit from a new home base where it could keep its equipment and grow in numbers.

“The fact they survived is remarkable for their stamina and character,” he said.

“The pool will go from strength to strength.”

The next stage of construction, which will include shade covers, pool blankets, a waterslide and landscaping will start after a state government grant is handed over in July.

The pool committee has already received quotes for the work during next stage of construction.

Once it is completed the committee plans to extend the swimming season to run from November to April.

Mr Ambrose said it was now a wonderful meeting place for the entire community.

“It shows what happens when council, government and the public form a partnership,” he said.

“The pool is a wonderful community meeting place that is exceeding the thought of lots of people.”