This war memorial is a large swimming pool that was originally opened in 1959. It was dedicated to all those who have served Australia during times of war.
The current pool complex is the result of extensive renovations by Hines Construction. The official opening ceremony and dedication was held on Thursday 14 February 2019, to mark 60 years since the opening of the original pool pavilion. The Hon. John Anderson AO, the former Deputy Prime Minister, opened the complex.
A large sandstone relief located at the entrance to the pool depicts service personnel marching. It was created by Otto Steen, who was born in Esberg, Denmark in 1902 and arrived in Australia in 1927. His distinctive art deco work can be observed in the carved alabaster figures at the Paragon Café in Katoomba and in the sculptures at the 'Everglades' property in Leura.
History
In August 1950, the Gunnedah Municipal Council called tenders for the supply and installation of a purification and circulating plant. The tender was approved for £5,365 in January 1951. At the same time, the RSL suggested the Mayor meet with the Shire President to call a public meeting to raise funds for the memorial pool, which was estimated to cost more than £40,000 (North Western Courier, 15 January 1951).
A Bath's Works Committee was formed, and on 21 March 1953 there was a community voluntary labour effort to move 500 cubic yards of sand to the site (The Inverell Times, 13 March 1953). In April 1954, the council called tenders for the construction of the pool and plant house. Works took several more years, and the official dedication took place on 14 February 1959.