Breaking the ice for better mental health

The Bourke Ice Bath Crew at the Bourke Swimming Pool on 6am Friday morning When the mercury was struggling up to 6 degrees – Lochie Ford, Daniel Whitbread, Derek Giles, Harmony Starchild, Trent Graham, David Luschwitz, Sarah Brown and Liam Rice. Photo Ian Cole TWH

Story: Kristin Murdock and Ian Cole

What started as a personal wellness routine for new Bourke High School English teacher David Luschwitz is becoming a way to bring people together.

Mr Luschwitz joined eight other locals at the Bourke Swimming Pool at 6am last Friday, plunging into tubs of icy water when the ambient temperature was six degrees.

“It was definitely pretty cold,” he said.

“I’ve been doing ice baths on Sunday afternoons in the sun, just relaxing in the backyard, but the pool was bloody cold.”

Having moved to Bourke a few months ago with his wife and children, Mr Luschwitz said he was looking for simple ways to become involved in the community.

“We’re not long in Bourke and we’re looking for easy opportunities to connect with people and community,” he said. […]

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