By MELISSA MEEHAN
Swimming superstar makes a splash as she goes in at the deep end to save pool…
SWIMMING legend Shane Gould has thrown her support behind the group fighting to reopen the Olinda Pool.
In an email to members, Ms Gould said it was important to appeal to Yarra Ranges Council with a number of different rationales, including nostalgia, a place for youth and community engagement.
Her backing comes as campaigners to save the pool call on members of the community to show their support by attending a meeting tonight (Tuesday 7 October) at the Olinda Hall at 6pm.
The meeting will discuss the progress of the fight to reopen the pool and explore new strategies to overcome obstacles in the way.
Yarra Ranges councillors and Monbulk MP James Merlino are also expected to attend the meeting.
The Olinda Pool was built by the community 50 years ago, and closed without community consultation by Yarra Ranges Council in November 2013 citing irreparable cracks and low attendance.
Since then, studies suggest that the cost of fixing the pool would be less than $200,000.
Save the Olinda Pool chairman John Faull said it was important that the pool was reopened before summer.
“We are disappointed council can’t accept the fact we only want the Olinda Pool repaired to its original status,” he said.
“They’re suggesting they want a far bigger, grandiose scenario at the Olinda Pool site.
“We’re not saying we’re not happy with it, but… we want to maintain our swimming pool, along with whatever council wants to do.”
He said the lack of youth activities in Olinda made the availability of the pool all the more important.
