The poem that captured our hearts

To rally those fighting for the OLC, and challenge those calling to close it.

Author

Olympic Village Action Network
June 22, 2025

OLC members and residents,

Yesterday’s post captured the highlights of Cr Mary O’Kane’s emergency community meeting and OVAN’s march to the OLC. There was a LOT of content to include, and I encourage you to read back as we approach Monday’s vote.

However, there is one error to correct from yesterday’s post: I erroneously missed Cr. Matt Wood’s attendance at the meeting. His presence to hear our voices was deeply appreciated. I have updated the web version.

Council’s meeting on Monday

Tomorrow (23 June 2025) at 7pm, Banyule Council will meet to discuss the recommendation put forward in agenda 4.1:

We urge councillors to reject this recommendation, and instead commit to a comprehensive redevelopment of the Olympic Leisure Centre including aquatic facilities.

It is hard to predict the outcome. We suspect amendments may be put forward, and the pressure from media and constituents has already had an impact. We have demonstrated that, contrary to apparent belief, we will not be quiet on this issue. On reviewing the attachments to this motion, the lack of community outrage is repeatedly cited as a justification for proceeding with closure. As two examples:

Extract from Page 4, Olympic Leisure Centre Review, April 2025. Prepared by Otium Planning Group Pty Ltd for Banyule Council. (Attachment 4)

Extract from Page 77, Agenda for Ordinary Meeting of Council, 23 June 2025, Banyule Council’

If there is anything I have seen in the past 5 days, it is that loss of aquatic provision is not a concern to some, it is a concern to many. If we did not adequately backlash in 2017, we will not make the same mistake now.

Our chance to speak out

From 6pm tomorrow (23rd June), before the Council meeting, our community will rally outside Ivanhoe Library and Culture Centre (Nellie Ibbott Chambers @ Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub, 275 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe, 3079). This is our chance to band together in solidarity and make our voices heard. We have a range of diverse and powerful speakers lined up. Bring something warm and a placard to get your message out.

SAVE THE POOL and OLC!

Event outside Ivanhoe Library and Culture Centrecby Olympic Village Action Network on Monday, June 23 2025

tinyurl.com/rally4olc

At 6:55pm, we will mobilise into the Chambers to peacefully observe the Council meeting and outcome of the motion. Please respect Council protocols during this time. The public are welcome to join these meetings as observers, and no registration is required.

For those unable to join on the night, Council proceedings are livestreamed via their Facebook page.

In the meantime, please contact Banyule Councillors and tell them to vote NO to recommendation 4.1.

The poem that captured our hearts

One of the most powerful moments from yesterday’s session came from the final speakers. Two incredibly brave girls, Alexis Ping (10) and Chloe Wang (9) stood in front of the 150+ attendees to read aloud their poem about the Olympic Leisure Centre. I have received permission to share this poem in full, as “the girls would be thrilled if their voices could be heard and make a difference”.

As we move towards Monday’s vote, I hope their words can help us summon strength to escalate our voices and fight for our community.

Don’t Drain the Dream

Beneath this roof, the echoes swim—
The laughter, cheers, the daily hymn
Of splashing limbs and beating heart,
Where every finish line’s a start.

We carve the water, lane by lane,
Past foggy glass and windowpane,
Ninety minutes, week by week,
We chase the strength we rarely speak.

But more than laps and breathless drills,
This place is built of deeper wills—
The ghosts of games, Olympian flame,
The living weight of Melbourne’s name.

Their dreams once shimmered in this pool,
Where now we stretch and sweat through school.
It’s not just tile, not just a lane—
It’s grit and glory, joy and pain.

To close it down would drain far more
Than water slipping from the floor.
You’d silence stories still being told,
In every stroke, both young and old.

So let it stand, this sacred ground,
Where effort, legacy abound.
Don’t shutter what still burns so bright—
A village born of drive and light

By Alexis Ping (10 years old) & Chloe Wang (9 years old)

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.auHow can I learn more about this?