Three local women in the running to become namesake of new Bellarine pool

BELLARINE residents have been invited to help choose the new name of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre.

The shortlist honours three women who made significant contributions to the Bellarine and was developed in consultation with the Bellarine Historical Society.

Jenny Bourke built a legacy in cattle breeding and conservation after settling on the Bellarine Peninsula in 1978. Known locally as “the lady in the red truck”, she was a familiar face around the region’s pools, beaches and coastal reserves.

Jean Cull was the first female councillor appointed to the Bellarine Shire council.

During her time on the council, she advocated for essential services across the peninsula and helped establish the North Bellarine Hostel.

Cull relocating to Portarlington in 1966 with her husband Bill and became a central figure in the local fishing industry.

After competing at Commonwealth and Olympic Games level, Linda McGill became the first person to swim across Port Phillip Bay from Portarlington to Frankston, completing the crossing in 13 hours.

She also became the first Australian to swim the English Channel and later set a women’s record for the crossing.

The new name will be adopted when the centre’s stage two redevelopment is completed.

These works will expand the centre’s offering with an indoor aquatic facility that features a 25m pool, warm water program pool, steam room and sauna, gymnasium, group fitness rooms, cafe and accessible change rooms. Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said naming the aquatic centre is an important opportunity to connect the new venue with the community.

“This facility will serve thousands of people across the Bellarine for decades to come, so it’s only fitting that the community helps choose a name that reflects local identity and pride,” he said.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant encourgaed the community to vote.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to help choose a name that reflects the Bellarine’s proud history and honours the remarkable women who have shaped our region.,” she said. I encourage everyone to have their say and help create a lasting legacy for this important new community facility.”

Bellarine residents can vote for their preferred name until 7 August.

All votes will be counted, with the name receiving the majority of support to become the official name of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, subject to approval from the council.

The shortlisted names align with Geographic Names Victoria requirements.

Geelong’s public pools welcome more than two million visitors each year and support water safety through swimming lessons for almost 7,500 children.