New portable drinking fountains for Baw Baw Shire community

Baw Baw Shire community groups will be able to provide free drinking water at events thanks to Gippsland Water and Baw Baw Shire Council.

Gippsland Water managing director Sarah Cumming said the organisation donated a portable drink bottle refill station and drinking fountain to Council to lend out to local community groups at no cost for use at their events.

“We’re thrilled to make this donation of two drinking fountain units to Baw Baw Shire Council,” Ms Cumming said.

“Gippsland Water already has fountains and refill stations of our own that we lend across our service area, but this donation will make it much easier for residents from Warragul, Drouin and surrounding towns to access this free resource.”

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Mikaela Power said Council was very pleased to partner with Gippsland Water to facilitate better access to clean drinking water at community events in Baw Baw.

“It’s great for our community to have easy access to fresh drinking water at local events. And everyone can refill water bottles which is good for the hip-pocket and environment too.”

“We highly encourage local community groups who run events and markets to get in touch with us to use these free portable units,” Cr Power said.

The Warragul Farmers’ Market committee is one group that will make use of the fountains at their monthly markets at Civic Park.

Committee member Catriona Ferguson said the drinking fountains will allow the market to offer a sustainable, costless and waste-free option for its stallholders and visitors.

“As we promote a sustainable approach to life we prefer to access tap water rather than supporting the use of plastic bottles,” Ms Ferguson said.

Community groups can hire the portable units free of charge, subject to availability and a refundable bond. To book please fill in the online form at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Things-To-Do/Events/Planning-Your-Event/Events-Trailer