School Carnivals
QPRC will be going to an Expression of Interest (EOI) process in 2026 rather than rolling over swimming carnival dates from 2025. There are many reasons for this including:
- More new schools in the QPRC region opening that need to host swimming carnivals
- Increased demand to hire our venues
- More pupil free days at the start of term have made it problematic
- We also need to schedule some wet weather days.
There are multiple school systems to consider such a schools in both NSW and ACT plus different types of public and private systems. We understand that all schools want to have their swimming carnival in the first few weeks of school and before their first representative carnival. Preference will be given to QPRC schools and we would ask that ACT schools do not request any dates during the first three weeks in February.
Please note that this is an EOI process and bookings need to be confirmed. We request that this information is received by the end of May. We will look to communicate with schools of confirmed dates in early June and work through any clashes.
We can touch base closer to the carnivals on kiosk and lifeguard requirements etc. closer to the date. We are just looking at locking in dates for the time being.
The fee in 2026 in Queanbeyan is scheduled to be for a minimum of $800 which the fee as per the QPRC Fees and Charges ($4 a participant). We are finding that having to chase up numbers post event can be cumbersome and would like a set figure. We believe is we said that the price is $800 and we do not need your numbers and your spectators could enter for free, that would make it easier for planning for us and you. This would be a standard rate for use of the outdoor pool for the day. There may be additional charges apply if say extra Lifeguards are needed or you wanted to use other areas of the venue like the Splash Park. We are asking for feedback on this price as well through this EOI process.