A beloved local icon, the “Wenty Dolphin” will be returning home to the Wentworthville Memorial Swim Centre, with an unveiling on Saturday 7 October at 10am.
Originally installed in November 1965 at the opening of the Wentworthville Memorial Swim Centre, the dolphin quickly became a feature at the baby and toddler pool. For years, generations of local children formed cherished memories with the dolphin.
One resident, Tony Micallef, shared his fond recollections of spending time at the pool.
“Generations of local children including myself, can remember climbing under and over it,” said Mr Micallef.
Despite the sculpture holding a special place in the hearts of the community, it was removed from the swim centre in the 1990s due to safety concerns.
However, a former Holroyd City Council Operations Manager, Sam Micallef couldn’t part with him. Instead, he carefully placed the dolphin in his shed at Kurrajong in NSW to safekeep a vital piece of local history.
After many years, Cumberland Council restored the Wenty Dolphin and is thrilled to announce its return to its rightful home, the Wentworthville Memorial Swim Centre.
Mayor Lisa Lake said that the dolphin is a part of the pool’s history which holds special memories for many community members.
“Like our local children, dolphins are very smart and they love to socialise and play. I’m really happy to see our famous Wenty Dolphin back where he belongs in the company of our local families having fun at Wenty Pools,” said Mayor Lake.
Former resident, and owner of Wenty Voices Facebook page, Stephen Cummings said he looked forward to seeing the dolphin return.
“Everyone remembers the dolphin, it’s part of our childhood memories. It’s wonderful that it’s coming back home,” said Mr Cummings.
Cumberland Council invites the community to journey down memory lane and join in the celebration when the Wenty Dolphin statue is officially unveiled at the swim centre on Saturday 7 October from 10am.
The centre was reopened in March 2021 following extensive renovations with an upgraded Olympic-sized swimming pool, a lift for wheelchair access, a learn to swim pool, a splash pad, children’s playground with a pirate ship and amenities.
The swim centre has been a popular and nostalgic place for locals, with many fighting to save the pools from the chopping block from 2011 to 2016.
The Wentworthville Memorial Swim Centre offers a range of activities and programs to the public including learn to swim classes, aqua aerobics, lap swimming, recreational swimming and more.
For more information on the Wentworthville Memorial Swim Centre visit Council’s website https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/wentworthville-memorial-swimming-centre