A chance to help name a community landmark

OVER the next month, our community has the rare opportunity to help decide the name of one of our region’s newest facilities.

It is not often we get to help with naming a public venue, so I’d encourage as many of you as possible to take part in the consultation to officially name the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre.

While the current project name has served us well through the planning and construction period, it needs to be updated to meet Geographic Names Victoria requirements.

As we move closer to the completion of stage two, now is the time to give this important community facility its official name and connect with local heritage.

Three women have been shortlisted to lend their name, each with a different connection to the Bellarine and an impressive story to tell.

Linda McGill was one of Australia’s pioneering swimmers, earning Commonwealth Games and Olympic selection before making history with marathon swims, including a record-breaking crossing of Port Phillip Bay from Portarlington to Frankston.

Jean Cull became the first female councillor on the former Bellarine Shire and devoted decades to improving community life through local government, aged care, the fishing industry and countless volunteer roles.

Jenny Bourke spent more than 40 years contributing to community life across the Bellarine through farming, conservation, local organisations, fundraising and cultural projects that continue to enrich the region today.

Each woman has left a lasting impact on the Bellarine, and I encourage everyone to spend a few minutes reading about their stories before casting a vote.

The consultation is also an important opportunity to help redress a longstanding imbalance in the way we recognise the people who have shaped our communities.

Despite recent progress, only one in 10 commemorative place names in Victoria honour women.

The consultation comes at an exciting time for the aquatic centre itself. Stage two continues to progress well and will now include a sauna and steam room after the project tracked ahead of budget.

These facilities were strongly supported by the Community Advisory Panel and are a welcome addition to an already impressive development.

When complete, stage two will feature a 25m indoor pool, warm water program pool, gymnasium, group fitness rooms, cafe and accessible change facilities, creating a year-round destination for swimming, rehabilitation, fitness and wellbeing.

This investment has been made possible through a strong partnership between all levels of government.

The Australian and Victorian governments have each contributed $20 million towards stage two, while the City of Greater Geelong has committed up to $3 million.

The expanded centre remains on track for completion next year and will provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to stay active, learn new skills and enjoy the many health benefits of aquatic recreation.

I hope you’ll visit the city’s Have Your Say page, learn more about Linda McGill, Jean Cull and Jenny Bourke, and help choose a name that will become part of the Bellarine’s story.

For more info and to cast your vote visit, yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/naming-north-bellarine-aquatic-centre

Cr Rowan Story

Murradoc ward, City of Greater Geelong