Yass Valley Pools Set for Extended Season Following Summer Success
Published on 23 April 2026
Yass Valley swimming pools have officially closed for the season, following a highly successful summer at our much-loved Yass and Binalong Memorial Pools.
Despite the cooler weather now upon us, there is much to look forward to next year, with the new heating system installed at Yass Memorial Swimming Pool.
Council is undertaking a service review of pool operations, including season length, operating hours, water temperature and costs, and financial impacts. The community will be consulted on any changes and with the review being finalised and recommendations implemented before the commencement of the new season.
Council would like to thank the lifeguard team, pool staff, swimmers and volunteers for another successful season and looks forward to welcoming everyone back next year. Watch this space for potential new opening times - and warmer water temperatures!
Highlights from the season include:
Free ‘Beat the Heat’ Days Well Received
Free entry days during the extreme heatwave at the end of January were a highlight of the season. From 27–31 January 2026, when temperatures were predicted to exceeded 40°C, Council waived entry fees to support community safety and wellbeing.
During this period, 1,671 people visited the Yass pool and Binalong, with much appreciation shown from the Yass Valley community.
New Heating System Opened 
At the end of the season, in partnership with the Yass Swimming Club and local Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman MP, Council celebrated the official opening of the new heating system at the Yass Memorial Swimming Pool.
The project was made possible through a $297,290 grant from the NSW Government’s Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grant program.
Binalong and Yass pools are set to benefit from further infrastructure upgrades, made possible by funding from Transgrid's Community Investment & Benefits Program and additional community grants. Yass pool will receive new solar shade structures, while Binalong Pool will benefit from the installation of new solar energy and solar heating systems. These upgrades will help reduce electricity costs and support dedicated solar heating for both the 25-metre pool and toddler’s pool.
Shine Shield a Great Success
The annual Shine Shield local village swimming competition once again brought families together from across the region, with Harden taking the coveted shield this year.
Created as a social event for farming communities during the harvest and bushfire season - when many families were unable to travel - the carnival continues to provide an important opportunity for people to reconnect.
For 59 years, the towns of Binalong, Boorowa, Harden, Jugiong and Yass have embraced the Shine Shield as a celebration of community, friendly rivalry, and summer fun. Lifelong friendships have been formed, and children who competed in the early years now watch their own children - and even grandchildren - swim the same events.
In 2027, the Shine Shield will mark its 60th anniversary - so mark your diary to take part!
Yass Swim Club – Australia Day Award
Yass Swim Club was recognised as Community Group of the Year, reflecting its outstanding contribution to both sport and the broader community. The club continues to provide a strong and inclusive pathway from learn-to-swim through to competitive squads, while also playing a key role in securing funding for infrastructure improvements at the Victoria Park precinct.
Run entirely by volunteers, the club contributes hundreds of hours each season across coaching, officiating, fundraising, and event delivery. Its annual swim carnival attracts visitors from across the region, supporting local businesses and strengthening Yass’s reputation as a regional sporting destination.
Thank you to all of our swimming community for a successful 2025/26 season.