A new deck and pergola at Lara Swimming Club has been named after life member Greg Andrews.
Mr Andrews died last year and was one of the most influential and dedicated members in the club’s history who contributed far beyond what is expected of any volunteer.
Other upgrades for the facility include installation of a new accessibility ramp, in place of an elevated entryway.
Also known as Abe and Jean McClelland Pool, it is Geelong’s oldest aquatic centre, with Lara Swimming Club forming in 1963.
The project was funded by two Community Infrastructure Grants from City of Greater Geelong – one for more than $20,000 in 2020-21 to plan the project and the other for $220,000 in 2023-24 for construction. Community Bank Lara District Bendigo Bank also provided $35,000 in funding and Lara Swimming Club contributed $5000.
Lara Swimming Club president Barry Majetic said the project was first proposed in 2019.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of the City of Greater Geelong and the Community Bank Lara District Bendigo Bank – we truly wouldn’t be here today without them,” he said.
“The project’s completion marks the final stage of restoring our club room after a devastating storm in February 2024 tore off the roof. Thank you to everyone who backed our club through each challenge.”
Councillors Chris Burson and Anthony Aitken joined Lara Swimming Club members to help unveil the new deck, pergola and ramp at its Bank Street clubrooms over the weekend.
