Anzac Pool centenary to be commemorated

The community group that fought for the heritage listing of Anzac Memorial Pool will gather to commemorate the foundation of the pool demolished by Bundaberg council in 2022.

A community group is holding an event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Anzac Memorial Pool controversially demolished by Bundaberg council in 2022.

The Friends of Anzac Memorial Pool community group will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Anzac Memorial Pool despite the fact it was controversially demolished by the Bundaberg council in 2022.

An informal gathering will take place on Friday, August 25, on the the 100th anniversary of the laying of the pool’s foundation stone, at Anzac Park in Bundaberg.

Group president Jann Edwards led the drive for heritage listing of the pool, which was bulldozed in September 2022 despite the Department of Environment and Science recommending it be registered as a State Heritage Place by the Queensland Heritage Council.

Friends of Anzac Memorial Pool president Jann Edwards led the drive for heritage listing of the ANZAC Memorial Pool.

Ms Edwards said Friday’s event was intended as a commemoration of the laying of the foundation stone on August 25, 1923 by Ethel Campbell, known as the Angel of Durban by Australian troops who were waved into Durban Harbour by Miss Campbell on their way to war.

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Ms Edwards said many in the community may not be aware that Friday is the 100th anniversary of the laying of the pool’s foundation stone, which she said council had committed to commemorating when the pool was demolished in 2022.

“It’s a commemoration (of the 100th anniversary), I don’t think a lot of people know about it,” Ms Edwards said.

“Because when all this was going on with the council … around September last year, (a council spokesperson) got on radio and said that council had organised us a centenary celebration for next year.

“I‘m sure they wouldn’t even remember.”

Second World War veteran Fred Bainbridge was a strong supporter of the effort to save the Anzac Memorial Pool from demolition.

Ms Edwards said her group does not know the fate of the original foundation stone and plaque which was removed by council when the pool was demolished.

Bundaberg Council CEO Steve Johnston said the foundation stone and plaque were “carefully removed prior to demolition”, but did not comment on the stone’s current location nor confirm whether they would be incorporated into the Anzac Park redevelopment planned to replace the demolished pool.

Angela Lathouras from Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group is a vocal spokesperson for retaining sites of heritage significance in the region, and said the demolition of the pool “left a massive hole in the city heart”.

“The original Anzacs of Bundaberg wanted to gift a living memorial, … something that the men and their families could enjoy and benefit from,” Ms Lathouras said.

“Unbeknownst to them, it was a gift to the people of Bundaberg for 99 years.

“(The demolition of the pool) left a massive hole in the city heart, but it’s brought people together and raised the awareness of the value of the heritage of the city.”

Angela Lathouras from Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group said the demolition of the Anzac Memorial Pool “left a massive hole in the city heart”.

Mr Johnston did not respond to questions asking for the estimated date of completion of the Anzac Park redevelopment.

Bundaberg Regional Ratepayers Association president Helen Blackburn said the project’s lack of progress “has left many residents questioning the decision-making processes and governance within the Bundaberg Regional Council” and called for council to provide a clear timeline for the project.

Bundaberg council CEO Steve Johnston did not provide an estimated date of completion of the Anzac Park redevelopment.

“The demolition of the Anzac Pool … without a tangible outcome for the park redevelopment, is a cause for concern,” Ms Blackburn said.

“The lack of transparent communication about the demolition and the continued lack of action on site has further fuelled frustration and discontent among local residents.

“Given the significance on the centenary of the Anzac Pool … we call on the council to provide a clear timeline for the park redevelopment, and ensure open dialogue with the community throughout every stage of this project”.