12 April 2017 – Media Release
Former Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ruth Everuss will attend Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre on Saturday 22 April for the free Community Open Day being held from 10am-3pm.
The community open day is a family fun event that includes free entry, kid’s activities, swim squad demonstrations, inflatable fun, group fitness classes and giveaways.
Ruth Everuss is delighted with the new facility, saying it’s almost unrecognisable from when she first saw the pool as a teenager before the Rome Olympics.
“I came to the very first open day of Auburn pool back in 1959. It was a sight back then with the diving tower and new pool. However the chlorine level was so bad on the day we all ended up in the casualty room getting something for our eyes,” Ms Everuss said.
“After my swimming career ended I moved onto coaching, working alongside Don Talbot at Auburn pool. My forte was our schools’ program. Over the decades I grew the largest school’s program in Australia at the time.
“I don’t think it’s sunk into my head that it’s my name on the walls. Perhaps it’s my reward for staying. Early on in my coaching career Don asked me to go work at the 25m pool in Hurstville. My heart just sank. I loved Auburn too much!
“From what I’ve seen the new facility is unbelievable. Just unbelievable. I can’t wait to come to the Grand Opening and see the new aquatic centre for myself. Some of my old friends will be there so it’s a reunion of sorts.”
Cumberland Council Administrator Viv May said it was fitting the world class competitor and teacher would help open the aquatic centre bearing her name.
“We look forward to the future Olympians that will follow in Ruth Everuss’ footsteps and pursue Olympic glory from inside these swimming lanes,” Mr May said.
“However you don’t have to be an Olympian to enjoy the new facility. The Aquatic Centre is a year-round aquatic hub for Cumberland that provides a variety of water spaces for leisure, fitness and wellness.
“To make sure everyone from our diverse community can participate, there is also a program pool that will allow mothers and children to swim in private, separate from the main pool areas.”
Belgravia Leisure operations general manager Anthony McIntosh added:
“We want to connect with the community in as many services as we can. There’s something for everyone.”
