The money will go towards buying more pool toys such as animal statues.

Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival director Sandra Walker said the event’s organisers had held a meeting on potential donations to make and had decided to contribute to the pool to help young people.  

Ararat Classic N Custom Car and Bike Club president Brad Connarty said the group regularly chose a project to support.

“We usually try to do something to support the community,” he said.

The festival and the car and bike club each donated about $1500 and state Member for Ripon Louise Staley also contributed.

Ararat outdoor pool committee member Ambrose Cashin said it was great to have the backing of the two groups and the wider community during the pool’s upgrades.

“In the first year since reopening we have had 11,800 attendees,” he said.

“It started as a $4.5 million project but we were able to get it done for $1.3 million.”