By Kirsty Ross
NINE years in the making, the $18 million Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (MAC) opened its doors to the public on Sunday.
Up to 10,000 people flocked to the Aquatic Drive pool, some waiting in line with goggles for two hours before Sport and Recreation Minister Justin Madden officially opened the centre when he cut the ribbon just after 10am.
People, young and old, ran through the doors, filtering through the pristine new cycling and gym rooms, while some plunged into the 50-metre pool fully clothed.
The newest pool in the West was open, and organisers went to extraordinary lengths to keep aqua enthusiasts entertained during the free day of family entertainment.
Bollywood dancers, African drummers, hula hoopers, lady acrobats and giant men on stilts put on a show to be remembered.
Olympic gold medallist Brooke Hanson made a special appearance on her only day off.
She wowed the crowd with advice to make sure swimming is about having fun and answered curly questions before moving indoors to sign autographs.
“I haven’t had a swim yet, but I’m really honoured to be here,” she said.
Lifeguard Karen Borg was one of about 20 lifeguards to be relocated to MAC, after the historic Footscray Swim Centre closed on 9 June amidst furore from Maribyrnong Independent councillors and the public.
“It’s been really nice and calm, everyone’s been really well behaved,” she said.
However, the morning was not without controversy, when seven anti-MAC protestors with anti-Labor Party placards made their presence felt.
They protested for about 15 minutes before jumping in for a swim themselves.
From Page 1.
It is believed Catherine Cummings was the only one of three anti-MAC Independent councillors to attend the opening despite years of protesting in favour of saving Footscray pool.
Maribyrnong City Council mayor Janet Rice said the centre was the most “disability friendly aquatic centre in Victoria” and featured an environmentally friendly power and heating source.
It has three indoor pools, spa, sauna, gym, group exercise room, cycling circuit room, wellbeing rooms, childcare facilities, a cafe and an outdoor picnic area.
A plaque, bearing the names of all current councillors, will be placed at the front of the centre in coming weeks.
It will also acknowledge the MAC’s financial backers, the State Government, Maribyrnong City Council and Highpoint Shopping Centre.
