Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) was the place to be on Friday afternoon, with hundreds of children flocking to celebrate the end of the school holidays at the pool with friends.
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The Back to School at the Pool Party proved to be a hit, as 345 children went through the gates of MAAC in less than an hour.
By 6pm a total of 400 children had taken advantage of the free entry, while many parents and guardians were able to join in the fun at a subsidised rate.
The popular event not only included complementary entry to the pool and use of the water slide, but there was a free barbecue, ice blocks, drinks, lolly bags, lucky door prizes and entertainment by DJ James.
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Sponsored by Moree Plains Shire Council, the event was a collaboration with a number of local agencies including Just Reinvest NSW, Moree Family Support, Miyay Birray, SHAE Academy and the Benevolent Society which worked alongside council and the MAAC to develop a fun, inclusive afternoon for all the community.
Council's director of planning and community development, Angus Witherby said the event aimed to engage disadvantaged youth, encourage physical activity, promote going back to school and provide access to the pool to all locals.
"For some children, summer holidays can be a long and unexciting time; with holiday activities and vacations away not affordable for many families, especially in times of drought," he said.
"To help these families, we were more than happy to support this free family fun day.
"Through encouraging fun and use of the MAAC by locals, the day provided quality, structured activities, giving everyone the opportunity to play and engage with others outside of a school setting.
"After the long school holiday break when the routine of school attendance has been on holidays too, this sort of event helps our local school aged children play well together in a safe, fun, setting just in time for the return to school this week."
To ensure children could safely attend the event, Miyay Birray and the SHAE Academy provided free bus services to assist in transporting children to and from the pool. Additional life guards were on duty and extra MAAC staff and volunteers were there to supervise on the day.
"The event was a major success for the kids and the community as well as showing what can be done when everyone works together," Mr Witherby said.
"A very big thank you to the volunteers, the families and children who attended a really great day!"