The renovations added more attractions to the pool including a new six-lane pool with a beach entry and water features for children, a new plant room, a first aid room, ablutions and a kiosk.

The old 33-metre pool was completely demolished and a new 25-metre pool was installed to standardise the length and to conserve water and chemicals.

The project cost about $2.4 million and received $700,000 in funding from the state government’s Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) and donations from the Kulin Bush Races, Bendigo Bank and Royalties for Regions.

Last year Kulin Shire chief executive Greg Hadlow said the new aquatic centre would greatly benefit the town, as the pool saw up to 5000 people visiting from surrounding towns each year.

Kulin Aquatic Centre manager Wayne Tyley said the new aquatic centre was a great asset to the community and could be used to host many community organisations’ events in the future.

He asked people to provide their own shade for the time being as five shade structures were recently destroyed in strong gusty winds.

The pool is closed on Mondays and open from 12-6pm from Tuesdays to Friday and 11am-6pm on weekends and public holidays.

An official opening of the aquatic centre is being planned for early March with Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendan Grylls expected to attend.