STANDING as a tribute to hard work and community spirit, Canungra Pool has marked a major milestone this year, with the Moriarty Park committee celebrating 25 years since its construction in 2001.
The pool was a community-driven project initiated by the Moriarty Park committee to provide a space for locals of all ages to enjoy.
While the Queensland Government contributed $245,000 towards the build, the remaining funds – more than $100,000 – were raised by the Canungra community..
At the heart of the fundraising effort were committee secretary Joane Hopley and treasurer Sheila Tierney who were considered the driving forces behind the project.
The pair helped organise a range of fundraisers, including duck races, raffles and a ‘buy a brick’ campaign.
Families who purchased a brick have their names displayed as tiles on the pool’s walls, while major sponsors who contributed $1,000 have their names on plaques on the pool’s diving boards.
The pool was originally built by Phil Dufty and his brothers John and Joe Dufty, alongside their sons and daughters, under Casino Pools.
Chris O’Connell, who was a steel fixer for Casino Pools, recalls Canungra Pool as one of the company’s biggest – and one of the few – commercial builds they worked on.
The construction process involved excavating the pool to size and depth, installing internal plumbing, steel fixing, and concreting the shell.
He said the excavation was particularly tough due to the slabs of sandstone beneath the site.
Despite the difficulties, the pool was completed in six months with a team of more than six workers.
Since opening, Canungra Pool has become a valued community asset, serving as a place to cool down, participate in sport and recreation, and access physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.
Moriarty Park President Stacey Collas said the anniversary was a proud moment for the community and hopes the pool will continue to serve future generations.
“The Canungra Pool provides locals with more than just the obvious sporting benefits of swim training, learn-to-swim programs and rehabilitation opportunities,” she said.
“The pool’s real value lies in what it offers the town in the way of social recreation and community connection – and we are proud to be able to offer this in such a beautiful setting.”
