The weather is warming up and the Coonamble community is beginning to flock to the Warrena Creek Weir, with hopes of more rain to keep the water level high enough for waterskiing.
The Coonamble Aquatic Club secretary and treasurer, Tessa Pennell, said the water is currently at a good level for boats to go in, but a few weeks without rain could see that change.
“We’ll all be praying for rain to be skiing at Christmas.”
Although the weir is open to the public throughout the year, the late spring and summer heat brings the weir to life, with tourists and local community coming down for a swim, fish, ski or picnic.
“It’s a bit of a hidden gem for our town,” Ms Pennell said.
The Coonamble Aquatic Club’s Vice President Shania Thomas said that the busy harvest season from October to December stops a lot of the community from enjoying the weir, but it is still a hot spot for town people during the summer months.
The Coonamble weir is not under the Council’s umbrella, so the Aquatic Club members step up and donate their time to keep it beautiful for the community.
Ms Pennell said she is happy to be a part of something that gives back to the community.
“We’re really lucky to have such a great facility on our back doorstep,” she said.
The club have been fundraising for a new pump for the weir’s watering system, including hosting a bingo night at the Bowling Club.
The club is also planning a working-bee to give the public space a minor makeover.
The working-bee will see improvements to the family area, including the toilet facilities, the lawns and an overall tidy-up for the busy season to come.
The date of the clean-up will be confirmed at the club’s Annual General Meeting on 10 November.
Anyone wanting to secure a season’s social or vessel membership, or to apply for a role on the commitee is welcome to join the Club.
Members are granted keys to the gated boat ramp, and are insured under the club’s policy.
Ms Pennell said the locked gate on the boat ramp is for everyone’s safety.
Membership fees are due on 1 December.