Clarence Valley Council set to auction items from old Grafton Olympic Pool as work due to start on new public swimming spot

From diving boards to change room cubicles – these are just a couple of items from the beloved old Grafton pool up for grabs as residents hang out for a new swimming spot.

Grafton Olympic Pool. Picture: Odessa Blain.

It’s been pitched as a chance “to own a piece of history”.

Clarence residents will soon be given an opportunity to places bids at an auction for an eclectic collection of items from the closed Grafton Olympic Pool — ranging from change room cubicles to fibreglass umbrellas.

The pool served Grafton for more than 60 years, but a Clarence Valley Council asset management plan found the pool had “reached the end of its useful life” and needed to be replaced.

Items from Grafton Olympic Pool set to be auctioned.

More than 1800 Grafton residents signed a petition to save their beloved pool – but its gates were shut in September 2022.

Since then, the planned upgrade of the town’s public pool has not come without difficulties.

Costs for the upgrade have skyrocketed, particularly since the council’s $15 million application to fund replacement of the pool under the state government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund was unsuccessful.

The gates to Grafton Olympic Pool remain locked. Picture: Odessa Blain.

The reopening of the new pool has been delayed, leaving Grafton locals without a place to cool off over summer.

The council is now offloading a range of items salvaged prior to demolition of the old pool, as construction on a new aquatic centre is set to begin.

Items going under the hammer include starting blocks, diving boards, a 3000L water tank seat, fibreglass umbrellas, change room cubicles, fencing, cupboards and bathroom fittings.

Items for sale can be seen behind the pool’s fence. Picture: Odessa Blain.

The council’s manager of open spaces and facilities Peter Birch said the aim of the auction was to see items reused rather than thrown into the trash.

“We have identified and removed a range of infrastructure, which either holds monetary or sentimental value, to reduce the impact on the environment,” he said.

General manager Laura Black said the auction was a great opportunity for residents to pick up a bargain and own a unique piece of history.

“The Grafton pool has been a central part of the lives of local residents for many decades,” she said.

“The pool was first opened in 1956 to ensure local kids had a safe place to learn to swim.

“Now, locals have the chance to own a piece of this history.”

The gear from the pool has been used by its fair share of champion athletes over the years — from Olympic medallists to Commonwealth Games participants.

Champion diver Greg Robertson holds his 1982 Sports star of the year trophy with Bob Simpson (former Australian cricket captain) and Mick Porra (surf life saving).

One of the most treasured aspects of the pool’s history was its diving tower, which contributed to the success of Commonwealth Games competitor Greg Robertson.

The 1982 winner of The Daily Examiner’s ‘Sports Star’ section, Mr Robertson was the most nominated weekly star in its history. He clocked up 26 years of nominations — starting in 1963 and ending in 200 — across his lifetime.

Some of the items up for sale include a water tank.

A seat water tank from Grafton Olympic Pool.

The pool’s umbrellas are also set to go under the hammer at auction.

A full list of the items to be auctioned over three days starting on June 3 can be viewed online.

The items will also be available for inspection at the pool site on Wednesday.