27 July 2006 - Update

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Commemorate the Community Building of the Sunshine 50M Outdoor Pool

Date/Time: Sunday 30 July 1.30 p.m.

Location: Sunshine Pool site on the grass behind the old 50M pool

Farewell to the Old 50
After discussions with the CFMEU yeserday the Brimbank Council has belatedly agreed to allow the Sunshine community to have a Commemoration Service for the old community built and funded 50M outdoor pool before it is demolished next week...

Because of the late notice there are only a few days to organise this event and to let people know what is going on.

To its credit the Council has apparently developed a comprehensive list of items to be saved from the old pool so a memorial can be built to the community.

The service will honor the magnificent voluntary efforts of local residents, community groups, schools, unions and businesses who between 1958 - 60 collectively raised over 7500 pounds and contributed much more than that in voluntary labour and materials to build the 50M outdoor pool for future generations to enjoy.

The "Farewell to the Old 50 Commemoration Service" will also call on the Brimbank Council and Bracks government to urgently agree in writing on the proper replacement for our grand old 50M pool. And for them to agree to this before demolition starts so the Sunshine community knows where we are at with the promises that have been made about a stage 2 replacement for the 50 metre pool.

It is terrific that work will commence on refurbishing the indoor pool and the new wading pool but the community needs solid confirmation on what will replace the outdoor 50 metre pool. (Note: Werribee is having its 50 metre pool replaced in the next 12 months and new outdoor leisure pool built)

Again, because of the short notice it is down to word of mouth and email, phones etc to get in touch with everyone.

If you are a member of, or in contact with the various groups, individuals and organisations on this invitation list can you please spread the word as we need to contact the following (not necessarily in any order):

Invitation List

• The Lions Club who handed over the original community cheque to proceed with the building of the original 50 to the Council
• Local schools
• The RSL as many local past servicemen and women helped out raise funds and dig the pool.
• Local sporting clubs
• Local community groups
• Staff at Sunshine Swim & Leisure centre
• Sunshine Swimming Club
• Historical Society
• Local media
• Local clergy and religious groups
• All Brimbank Councilors and staff
• Local traders
• The Western Suburbs unions and peak unions
• Local MP's
• The Minister for Sports and Recreation Honorable Justin Madden
• Youth groups
• Any others you can think of

Let us know if there is anything or anyone that has been missed. Use the forum on the website or ring John on 9312 5554 or the Save Sunshine Pool hotline on 0408 521 913

Spread the word and let's send the old pool off in the style she and the people who built her deserves.

Bring along any old photos, posters, or whatever you think appropriate for the send off.

At long last we sincerely hope the Brimbank Council and community pool groups can start having a more co-operative relationship and build on this late but positive first step towards it.

This event will be a very sad day for many people, let us hope that all of our Councilors, Mayor and local State Government MPs can attend and make an announcement that will turn this into a celebration of the new Stage 2 outdoor pool that has already been voted on and supported in principle by the councilors, unions and State Government.

 

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www.savesunshinepool.com

Brimbank has a population of over 170,000 people and has now only one outdoor pool (in St Albans) Most other councils have 5 - 12 outdoor pools. Brimbank also has close to the worst health status in Victoria with record high obesity and diabetes levels. Sunshine has been ear marked as a Principal Activity Centre however only a 3 feet deep wading pool at the cost of $10 million is planned to replace three outdoor pools including our 50 metre pool. Ten years ago the outdoor pool would have cost $300,000 to fix, 3 years ago the council was quoted $2.3 million to replace the outdoor pool. Join us in the campaign to have the pools repaired or replaced properly now!

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