Free pool entry on Saturday
Published on 26 May 2017
Rockhampton Regional Council will recognise the positive outcome of the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum by waiving the $2 entry fee at the 2nd World War Memorial Aquatic Centre on Saturday 27 May.
Community Services Committee Chair Councillor Rose Swadling said it was Aboriginal Education Worker Mr Clem Domic who suggested Council’s involvement.
“Mr Domic wrote to Council suggesting we get involved and asked us to waiver the admission fees for the pool. Given pools played a part in starting the movement of the 1967 referendum, we thought it was a wonderful idea,” Cr Swadling said.
“Mr Domic cited Uncle Charles Perkins’ involvement in the 1965 Freedom Ride as the inspiration behind this request as at that time of the 1965 Freedom Ride, Aboriginal people were not permitted to use the Moree Baths and Swimming Pool Complex.
“On Saturday 27 May, it will be free to enter the 2nd World War Memorial Aquatic Centre, so we’re really encouraging families to come on down for a swim, a free sausage sizzle and a day out in recognition of this important moment in history.”
According to the National Heritage Places Register, the Freedom Ride arrived in Moree on 19 February 1965 and after gathering a number of children, Charles Perkins and the Freedom Riders attempted to gain entry into the pool. Heated negotiations ensued and arrests were made. The protests and picket lines ended when Moree Council rescinded the 1955 by-law. This event is cited as a major contributor to creating an environment for change and moved the public towards the ‘YES’ vote in 1967.
SOURCE: Department of the Environment and Energy – National Heritage Places – Moree Baths and Swimming Pool Complex (http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/moree-baths)