Construction completed on Eurobodalla Shire's Bay Pavilions arts and aquatic centre

The Bay Pavilions arts and aquatic centre has officially opened with community members having to wait another few weeks while centre managers, Aligned Leisure, complete the fit-out and staff training before the centre’s grand opening on Saturday 4th June.

Guests attending the official opening included politicians, user group representatives, community campaigners, former councillors, and Council staff while Aboriginal dance group Muladha Gamara kicked off the proceedings, welcoming everyone to Country and cleansing the site through a traditional smoking ceremony.

After the speeches, Australian Government Senator Jim Molan, NSW Arts Minister Ben Franklin and Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher cut the ceremonial ribbon, assisted by former Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes, Bega MP Dr Michael Holland, Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips, and former Bega MP Andrew Constance.

Particular praise was paid to community advocates Jeannie Brewer and Carolyn Harding, current and former local members, NBRS Architecture, ADCO Constructions and the Council’s Planning Director Lindsay Usher.

Harding, who campaigned for 20 years for an aquatic centre for Batemans Bay, said it was more than she ever could have imagined and added “(Back then) we were expecting an extension of our old pool. We’ve got something bigger and better than any other aquatic centre I’ve ever been to. I’m so excited, and so pleased to see what was a dream come to fruition.”

Guests toured the facility, a highlight of which was a piano performance in the Yuin Theatre and a talk on its state-of-the-art features from the theatre consultant who assisted with the design Richard Stewart.

Eurobodalla Mayor Hatcher enthused “each and every person here today has contributed to creating this spectacular facility,” he said, adding that despite Covid and wet weather, the project had come in on time and on budget.

A community day is expected to be held mid-June.

More information at baypavilions.com.au/