Community banding together for the OLC!

More media features (ABC, Channel 9, 774) | Preparing for Saturday's meeting and solidary march to the OLC | Keeping the pressure on!

Author

Olympic Village Action Network
June 20, 2025

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More info on OVAN: ovan.org.au

Our campaign reach is growing fast!

It’s been a huge day for the OVAN team and the West Heidelberg community. Adam Carey’s article in The Age went to print, the ABC’s Margaret Paul gave an excellent perspective in her article, and ABC Radio 774 did multiple segments on the OLC throughout the day!

In addition, Channel 9 ran a segment on 6pm news about the OLC and community fight to save the facility:

We also had multiple spots on ABC 774 radio throughout the day:

Breakfast with Sharnelle Vella and Bob Murphy

Kick start your morning with irreverent musings and all the information you need for the day ahead.

www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-breakfast/breakfast/105424934

Drive with Ali Moore

The big stories of the day, mixed with plenty of entertainment and lively debate.

www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-drive/drive/105424932

We are hugely grateful to all those who joined us at the OLC today, called in, and continued to email councillors about this issue.

What is the next step?

Join us tomorrow (Sat 21st June) at 1pm at Shop 48, The Mall (cnr Bell and Oriel) before Cr Mary O’Kane’s emergency council meeting at 1:30pm. Multiple Banyule Councillors will be present and it is our chance to voice our concerns directly to influential figures. Whether you are an OLC regular, new to the area, or just frustrated with injustice, your voice can make a difference.

After the meeting, we will march in solidarity from The Mall to the OLC (approx 15 mins on flat ground):

March for the OLC! Route [Shop 48 to Olympic Leisure Centre]

maps.app.goo.gl/qV4kMGsrgsVMtxFx9

How do we stop the OLC closure?

  1. Tell council to save the OLC! If you are a Banyule resident, call and email all councillors TODAY and tell them to vote AGAINST recommendation 4.1. The more voices we can gather, the stronger our message.

  2. Join us at Cr Mary O’Kane’s community consultation on Saturday 21st June, 1pm, Shop 48 (The Harmony Centre) at the Bell St. Mall. After the meeting, OVAN is organising a march from the Mall to the OLC in solidarity of the centre and our community. Make a placard and join us!

  3. Join us to rally on Monday 23rd June from 6-7pm outside the Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub before the Council meeting. Make your voice heard!

  4. Register to speak at the council meeting on 23rd June and voice your opposition to Recommendation 4.1.

  5. Let your friends, family, and neighbours know. Time is short and we need to spread the word ASAP. Share this newsletter and our social media links below.

We would also love help with flyer distribution in our community and outside OLC and Ivanhoe Pool - please let us know if you are available!

How can I learn more about this?

  1. Follow OVAN on social media:
    OVAN Facebook
    OVAN Instagram
    ovan.org.au

  2. Join our Whatsapp community chat

  3. Email us at [email protected]

  4. Say hello on Saturday 21st June from 1pm at The Mall, West Heidelberg

If we don’t act, we will lose this resource forever.

Dr. Aiden Varan, MD, MPH, BSc(Hons)
Paediatric registrar &
President, Olympic Village Action Network
[email protected]
https://ovan.org.au