By MELISSA MEEHAN
A GROUNDSWELL of support to save Olinda Pool is brewing.
Last week the Mail broke the news that Yarra Ranges Council had decided to close the pool permanently after irreparable cracks were found.
Pool crusader John Faull called on the community to get behind him to fight to keep the pool open, and they have in droves.
Mr Faull was part of the fundraising committee to get the pool built in the 1960s and he said it was an important part of the community that should not be lost.
The firefighter of more than 50 years said the pool was built with funds raised by the community for the community.
“I helped raise the money and it was for local families,” he said.
“They’ve tried to close it before, and we stopped it and I hope we can do it again.”
Fellow residents have got behind Mr Faull’s push to save the pool.
“I used that pool as a young child and have wonderful memories,” Naomi Mason said.
“If I can help to support John Faull in his and the Olinda community’s fight to keep the pool open, I will most definitely, helps any which way I can.”
Others questioned why the community wasn’t consulted about the decision.
Yarra Ranges Council director of environment and engineering Mark Varmalis said the council had always recommended that Olinda Pool was closed once the Monbulk Aquatic Centre was redeveloped and opened.
He said a feasibility study for the future of the site will be undertaken once the Fire Commissioners Office completes its Fire Response Landscape Plan for the Dandenong Ranges.
One thing is certain, the community of Olinda will not lose their pool without a fight.
Those who want to join Mr Faull in his attempt to save the pool can contact him on 0427 371 344.
What are your fondest memories of the pool? Will you join John’s fight to save it? Email editor@yvnews.com.au.
