Soldier installation on permanent display at Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre

In time for ANZAC day, a permanent two-metre steel soldier silhouette and plaque has been installed at Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre in Baulkham Hills as an interpretive tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of current and past servicemen and women.

The installation also acknowledges the former pool's history as a war memorial when it was originally called ‘The Shire of Baulkham Hills War Memorial Swimming Centre.’

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi advised “we are proud to announce that the new feature can be viewed by the community, just in time for ANZAC Day. We believe that this tribute will be well-received by everyone.

"As a community, we owe a debt of gratitude to our brave servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation. That is why we have paid tribute to their incredible service in this way.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Castle Hill and District RSL sub-Branch for their invaluable contribution in helping Council bring this project to fruition."

President of the Castle Hill and District RSL sub-branch, Cheryl Hill said she is thrilled with Council's decision to acknowledge the former war memorial pool and recognise the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving in our country's defence forces.

Hill added “Castle Hill and District RSL sub-Branch is pleased that Council have designed and erected this silhouette and plaque, in consultation with the sub-Branch, to acknowledge the old war memorial pool and to recognise those in the Navy, Army, Air Force and Merchant Navy who have served or are serving in the defence of our country.”

The pool, located in Baulkham Hills, was opened on 16th March 1965, during a time when it was common for local pools to be registered as a ‘war memorial’ to honour those who served in WWI and WWII. The centre's operator later rebranded the pool to ‘Waves’ in 1996.

The centre was then revitalised over a two-year period from 2020 to 2022 and re-opened to the community as ‘Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre’ on 3rd September 2022.

Image: Mayor Gangemi pictured with the President of the Castle Hill and District RSL sub-Branch Cheryl Hill and sub-Branch committee members. Credit The Hills Shire