LATEST NEWS ON THE SUNSHINE POOL 

October 2008

Sunshine Mothers Group representatives were given a tour of the facillity by Brimbank City Council. Outdoor complex is on schedule for completion in early December. Sunshine mothers group representatives were very impressed with the progress and layout. This is what we saw:

The outdoor pool! 25 x 22 metres

The splash park area

Instant turf will soon be layed adjacent to the deep end

Change rooms/shower block

x2 barbeque plates will be installed between the two trees

x2 plant areas and seating will be in this area

August 2008

Work at the site is progressing nicely. The site plan below shows what the new devoplment will look like. It was kindly supplied by Brimbank City Council.   

Site Plan

April 2008

Sunshine Mothers Group representatives met with Nick Foa, Brimbank City Council’s CEO and our local state governement representative Marsha Thomson MP on the 31 March 2008. The purpose of the meeting was to get an update on the progress of the outdoor pool redevelopment at the Sunshine Pool complex.

As we are all aware works on the site have not progressed as quickly as we had expected, however we were reasurred that everything was on track and going as quickly as possible. The costings have been approved and works are expected to begin shortly.

The following document has been provided by Brimbank City Council outlining the recommendations that have now been approved...  Brimbank City Council Report

 August 2007

Meeting with Brimbank City Council on Sunshine Pool Complex

Sunshine Mothers Group representatives met with Nick Foa, Brimbank Council’s CEO, Ken Phillips, Manager Leisure and Cultural Services and Chris Karagiannis, Property Manager who is overseeing the delivery of the pool. 

It was a very positive meeting where we were updated on the progress of the works at the site. It was great to see the enthusiasm and excitement about this development from all present at the meeting.

The outdoor pool panels are now in Sunshine! They were delivered a couple of weeks ago. 

Some key dates: 

 1 September 2007 – opening of Gym, new pool, crèche etc (Stage 1) 

 8 December 2007 – opening of refurbished indoor pool (Stage2) 

 Mid Nov 2007 – commencement of works on outdoor complex (Stage 3) 

 Dec 2008 – opening of outdoor complex 

Here’s a rundown of what was discussed at the meeting. 

 Brimbank City Council was granted an exemption from tendering for the outdoor complex from the minister. This means that Kane Constructions, the current builders can continue to work on the site, saving a considerable amount of time. 

 A Project Control Group (PCG) for the outdoor complex will be formed to oversee the process of works, costs and audits will be carried out at different stages. The PCG will consist of staff from council who are overseeing the installation, representatives from Department of Sports & Recreation Victoria (SRV) and other stakeholders who have relevant expertise. 

 Council will also hold information sessions and focus groups for the community to contribute ideas and give feedback about aspects of the design. They are encouraging community participation during this process. The community will be notified via media releases and display boards at the pool. 

 As some of you may be aware one of the conditions of the permit granted by VCAT for the demolition of the outdoor pools was that a historical interpretative facility describing the history of the site be erected. Council have been gathering information such as photos, plaques and they wish to obtain some oral history info from former users. The photos will be erected as a permanent feature of the site along the wall of the stairs leading up to the second level. The Sunshine Historical Society has had some input into this process and provided some of the photos along with Sunshine Swimming Club. 

 A User group will be formed when the pool is open for residents and users to have a forum for suggestions, ideas, needs and improvements that can be made to the operation of the site. 

 17th May 2007

The Sunshine Mother’s Group welcomed today’s announcement by Mayor Margaret Giudice and the Brimbank City Council that they have accepted the State Government’s offer of state of the art outdoor pool facilities at Sunshine. 

It’s a great outcome for our community which has gone so long without an outdoor facility to enjoy. This outdoor pool complex will enrich our community and benefit our families and youth for years to come. 

The tireless work of committed community members over 11 years of campaigning has finally paid off with State Government, Brimbank Council and the community now working together to achieve a result that will benefit the people of Sunshine and surrounding neighbourhoods. 

The Sunshine Mothers Group thank our three ward councilors Cr Myles Dymott, Cr Sam David, Cr Costas Soctatous and Mayor Margaret Giudice for their efforts, and Brimbank Council for their decision to accept the State Government’s offer and for contributing $600,000 most of which will go towards a new outdoor change room/toilet facility. 

The Sunshine pool complex will make a huge difference to the families and youth of Sunshine.

15th May 2007 

The Sunshine Mothers Group was contacted by Mayor Margaret Giudice today inviting the Sunshine Mothers Group to the Sunshine Pool Complex for an announcement on the pool this Thursday 17 May at 4.30pm. Although she could not give details about the announcement she said it was good news. Other community members including the pool groups have also been invited. If you know anyone who'd like to come along let them know. Hope you can all make it. See you there.

 8th May 2007 

Sunshine Mother’s Group representatives attended a meeting with Marsha Thomson MP and Trades Hall President Peter Marshall convened by the Minister for Sports & Recreation, the Hon James Merlino. We are pleased to announce that the Minister has agreed to provide a first class facility for the residents and youth of Sunshine fully paid for by the State Government. 

This will include a state-of-the-art water facility inclusive of recreational areas, an outdoor heated 25 Metre Pool fully installed, a large state of the art 170sq metre water play splash area, landscaping, shade cloths and other facilities inclusive of barbeque areas all paid for by the State Government. 

This offer by the State Government is a positive outcome for our community, our families and our youth. It will go a long way to restoring not only a much needed facility but also in creating an environment that all of our community can enjoy, share and benefit from. 

Sunshine Mothers Group thanks the Minister and our local MP Marsha Thomson and Trades Hall President Peter Marshall for their role in making this facility a reality.

Sunshine Mothers Group acknowledge the tireless work of our committed community members over 10 years, and admire their continued vision of a facility of this nature for Sunshine and surrounding neighbourhoods. These committed community members include individuals from Sunshine Community Pool Action Group, savesunshinepool.com and Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association. They were involved in discussions prior to the State Government’s proposal and have unanimously endorsed the proposed outdoor complex. 

John Hedditch (Sunshine Community Pool Action Group) said “savesunshinepool.com, SCPAG and SunRRA are all applauding the Minister for Sport and Recreation's announcement today of a compromise solution to the ten year long campaign for replacement of Sunshine's outdoor pools. We encourage Brimbank Council to accept the offer of $2.5M for the outdoor pools solution. All groups look forward to the children, families, youth and schools ongoing participation in a happy, healthy and friendly outdoor pool setting for decades to come.” 

Simon Bereux (savesunshinepool.com) said “It’s about time. Start digging!” 

We conveyed to Brimbank Council that the Sunshine Mothers Group accept the State Government’s offer.