Keeping the pressure on - save the OLC!

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Dear OLC members, neighbours, and friends,

Our work is gaining traction, but we have a busy road ahead to help save the Olympic Leisure Centre.

Today we were featured in an article in The Age from Adam Carey, who visited the OLC and spoke with OVAN and facility members. We have also been in touch with ABC News and aiming for other media outlets.

We need to raise as much attention as possible. Pressure can change opinions! With only FOUR days left before the vote, all actions matter.

Why does this matter?

If Council proceeds with recommendation 4.1, we will miss a huge opportunity for overdue community revitalisation. Today’s article highlights many of the paradoxes in Council’s arguments - for example, how is it overly ambitious to seek high quality health and recreation facilities in a growing area?

What can we do now?

We need as many community members to come forward NOW and speak up for the OLC. We encourage you to reach out to all councillors with personalised messages. Speak with your heart - whether you are an OLC regular, new to the area, or just frustrated with injustice, your voice can make a difference on Monday.

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