THE date on the official plaque might need a slight adjustment, but otherwise Saturday proved the perfect day to officially open Holbrook’s new swimming facilities.
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After wet weather postponed last week’s planned ceremony, the sun shone down on guests who gathered at the Holbrook War Memorial Swimming Pool.
Later that morning, a similar function opened Henty War Memorial Swimming Pool.
Holbrook’s event no longer coincided exactly with the 56th anniversary of the opening of the town’s original pool on December 2, 1961. But both pools retained their link to those who served their country after public dissent persuaded Greater Hume councillors to overturn an earlier decision to change the names.
Ian Scobie, 94, one of four Holbrook World War II veterans present on Saturday, felt this was as it should be.
“I always believe and I’m sure it’s correct, memorials are forever,” he said.
“All the ones in France and Belgium, they’ve survived for 100 years and I think that’s what memorials are about, they are forever, they’re not short-term things.”
Replacing the ageing former pools at the two towns has been a $3.8 million investment, with funding from the federal government ($1 million), Greater Hume Council and community groups. The new facilities, completed between two swimming seasons, are wheelchair accessible with solar heating, compliant springboard and enhanced plant and filtration.
Greater Hume director environment and planning Colin Kane said the 33 metre Holbrook pool required 300 cubic metres of concrete and contained more than 26,000 tiles. Slightly smaller at 25 metres, the Henty pool needed 220 cubic metres of concrete and 19,000 tiles.
Mayor Heather Wilton said the original Holbrook pool was built in honour of the 280 men and women who enlisted in World War II and as a memorial to the 20 men killed in the conflict.
Cr Wilton said the new pool was a major asset for the town that would help to attract and retain residents.
She commended the workers for their dedication in building the pool during winter “when it was freezing cold, frosty, icy and very ordinary”.
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley, who officially opened the Holbrook pool, praised the complex and the council.
“The setting is really quite exceptional,” she said.
“To see your shire at work with the community in mind, with the needs of the community not just today but in the future, front and centre of everything they do, I give a really big shout-out to you and your team again, Heather.”