The Glenorchy War Memorial Pool has a lot of history. The community decidied in 1961 this pool would serve as the memorial to Australia’s veterans. 70 organisations raised money for it, the wading pool was dug out by hand. Fast-forward to 2023 and the Glenorchy Council decided to close it, initially, permanently. The general manager argued the pool posed a public safety risk.
But the community disagreed, and swung into action – mounting a public campaign to keep it open. The council and state governments tipped in $6.5m to refurbish it – and the pool has opened today, October 1st, 2026. The Blue Room was invited along, and there will be an episode shortly about those who missed the pool and were there, first thing today – to enter, and swim.
This is a good example of a community showing governments, what they want.
