Bendigo councillors on Wednesday voted to name the Kangaroo Flat aquatic centre in recognition of the region’s Indigenous heritage following two months of community debate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The $30 million facility was provisionally named the “Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre” at a council meeting in August.
Related: Peaceful pool debate sought
“Gurri Wanyarra” means Kangaroo Waterhole, which references the creek close to the facility, and was a name submitted by the Dja Dja Wurrung.
However a petition to name the centre after Bendigo Olympian Faith Leech gained popular support.
A proposal to rename Bendigo’s existing aquatic centre after Ms Leech – put forward by councillor George Flack in August – and keep the Indigenous name for the new facility was “the best of both worlds”, according to mayor Margaret O’Rourke.
“It (Gurri Wanyarra) will be as successful as the naming of Ulumbarra (theatre),” she said at the council meeting.
“When suggestions are put forward that are not researched or practical or in line with the state government’s naming policy, it can create disappointment.”
Cr O’Rourke said Ms Leech’s family supported the new proposal.
“Their one request is that Faith’s name is attached to Greater Bendigo's premier competition pool as their desire is to see young people learn more about her achievements and know that representing your country is absolutely possible,” she said.
Councillor Matt Emond said the new proposal struck a balance between the two names.
Renaming the Bendigo aquatic centre after Faith Leech will now be put out for public consultation.
Meanwhile, the draft Plan Greater Bendigo and draft public toilet strategy were opened up for public consultation on an otherwise low-key night in the council chambers.
A list of 18 priority projects for Bendigo have been identified in the Plan Greater Bendigo, which details infrastructure projects vital to the city’s development over the next 30 years.