Mt Barker Barracudas benefitting from new timing system thanks to small grants program

The Mt Barker Amateur Swim Club has received a new timing system thanks to the State Government’s small grants program.

The system, which cost $15,000, enables the club to record swimmers’ times with improved accuracy, meeting Swimming Australia’s standards and allowing them to host top-level swimming competitions in the region.

Warren-Blackwood MP Jane Kelsbie visited the club on January 30 to see the system in action and meet club swimmers and volunteers.

She also pulled on her wetsuit to jump in the water with the young Barracudas members to chat about their beloved sport.

“I’m so impressed with how many kids are here today,” Ms Kelsbie said.

“The new build is just beautiful and the space is outstanding.

“This is just a wonderful and inclusive intergenerational club.

“The kids are really engaged and I just love the different pathways offered to the kids such as coaching and lifeguarding; it’s just great.

“When I was campaigning before the election, I made some commitments and was looking for non-profit organisations and clubs that were focused around youth and healthy lifestyles.

“It was suggested to me that I come to see the Barracudas in Mt Barker and find out how I can assist the club. The timing system got raised and I thought ‘excellent, this fits with my ethos and it’s great for the community’.”