Community to farewell facility

THE Greater Geelong community is invited to celebrate and farewell Norlane aquatic and leisure centre ‘Waterworld’ before it closes its doors for the final time.

On Saturday, June 17, locals will have their chance to say goodbye to the facility at a community event featuring all day family friendly activities, memorabilia, photos and music and food.

The following day, the facility will permanently close to allow for the continued construction of the brand-new Northern Aquatic and Community Hub on the same site.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Trent Sullivan said Waterworld deserved a fitting send off.

“Waterworld has brilliantly served Geelong’s northern suburbs and surrounding communities since its opening in 1965,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Thousands of members of our community will have very fond memories and we encourage all of these people to come along on 17 June to say goodbye.”

Famous for its large outdoor waterslides and its range of swimming and gym facilities, Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken said Waterworld’s closure was both nostalgic and exciting.

“This is a place where thousands of people have learned to swim, got fit, or spent their summers having fun,” Cr Aitken said.

“While there’s no doubt it’s a little sad to see it go, the exciting part is that we have this amazing new facility not far away.

“The Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is going to be incredible, and just like Waterworld, it will very quickly become a cherished place for our local community.”

The $65.6 million Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is slated to open in early 2024.

Members of Waterworld can access a pop-up gym facility from June 17 onwards at the nearby Corio Leisuretime Sports Precinct on Anakie Road until the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is complete.

For more information about the Waterworld farewell celebration, please visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/waterworld