Community
17 June, 2026
Grateful for donation
SOUTH Western Model Engineers Inc. volunteers have donated $1000 to the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre fundraising appeal, bringing the goal posts another step closer for the ambitious campaign.
As Western District Newspapers has previously reported, the fundraising campaign was launched by the Friends of Rodney Grove Pool and Gym committee after the closure of the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre earlier this year.
Friends of Rodney Grove Pool and Gym are seeking up to $250,000 in their efforts to reopen the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre, with the funds to go towards essential maintenance required to make the pool fit-for-purpose and operable again.
South Western Model Engineers Inc., whose volunteers run the Cobden Miniature Railway, were part of a fundraising day with the Friends of Rodney Grove committee.
Secretary Sharron Howard said the volunteer members of the incorporation came to the consensus they wished to include the money raised from the day as well as an additional amount to support the appeal in a donation.
“On May 31 a fundraiser was held at the Cobden Miniature Railway and mini golf park to help raise funds for the Rodney Grove Pool and Gym,” she said.
“Cobden Miniature Railway provided train rides and Devonshire teas to anyone who wanted to support the fundraiser.
“About $460 was raised from train rides and the public enjoying lovely homemade scones with jam and cream.
“South Western Model Engineers Inc. volunteer members who run the Cobden Miniature Railway decided to add to this money raised and donate a total of $1000 to this great cause.
“It was a great day – the weather was kind and everyone who attended had fun and learnt some more about the Rodney Grove Pool and Gym and the Cobden Miniature Railway.”
Friends of Rodney Grove chairperson Lesley Brown said the group was grateful for the generous donation as it contributed to a continually rising total.
“We’ve reached $32,000,” she said.
“Donations mean everything – it means we’ve got the community’s support and it means that we’ll be able to reach our target.
“We appreciate the community concern and the support that they’re giving us.”
Mrs Brown said there were further activities and fundraisers planned in the coming weeks.
“On June 28 we have a games afternoon at the Rodney Grove Gym from 2pm-4pm,” she said.
“It’s just a fun afternoon playing some fun games such as Jenga and Connect Four and some other surprises that one of the other organisers is organising.
“On July 12 we have a trivia afternoon at the Cobden Bowls from 2pm-4pm.
“The donation to the games and trivia is $10 a head and there will be afternoon tea at both and raffles and prizes.
“We have a few more things in the planning stages but haven’t got dates for them yet as it’s a bit early for that.”
As for how far the fundraising has come since its inception, Mrs Brown said she was happy to keep hitting goals.
“I didn’t see this becoming such a big project when I took it on, but it’s really exciting to have the whole community behind us,” she said.
“I saw that there was a need in the community and talked to a few other community members and we thought we would go for it.
“It has gotten big but that’s okay because we have to reach our target.”
Read More: Cobden