The Inverell Aquatic Centre has come under a national spotlight following a weekend incident where it’s alleged that every aboriginal visitor was kicked out of the facility because of a couple of children misbehaving in the water.

A video on social media has surfaced showing aboriginal children standing on the side of the pool while police officers spoke to a lifeguard.

In an item in the Daily Mail, a spokesman for co-managers Belgravia Leisure says officers were called ‘in response to a group of youths who refused to cease anti-social behaviour, despite multiple requests from team members.

The spokesperson says two youths and two other adults who also displayed anti-social behaviour were escorted from the premises adding at no stage were any patrons asked to leave unless they were directly involved in anti-social behaviour.

Inverell Shire Mayor Kate Dight says Council supports the actions of the Centre Manager in ensuring the safety of users and staff.

Statement from Belgravia Leisure

The safety and well-being of our guests and team members is our top priority. Yesterday police were called to Inverell Aquatic Centre in response to a group of youths who refused to cease anti-social behaviour, despite multiple requests from team members. These youths were escorted from the premises by police.

Whilst at the venue, police identified two other adult patrons also displaying anti-social behaviour. Both adults were also escorted from the premises.

We want to be clear that at no stage were any patrons asked to leave unless they were directly involved in anti-social behaviour. We are concerned about the inaccuracies in a live video posted on social media, which falsely suggests otherwise.

At Belgravia Leisure, we are committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all. We have a zero-tolerance policy for anti-social, discriminatory, or abusive behaviour. Our commitment to inclusivity is demonstrated through our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities nationwide via various initiatives, programs and services.

Furthermore, as outlined in our Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Anti-Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Policy, Belgravia Leisure is committed to maintaining workplaces and sites free from all forms of discrimination. We do not tolerate any behaviour that compromises the safety and well-being of our team members or guests.

We remain dedicated to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all.