New Aquatic Centre Celebrates an Olympic Legend

The Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre is the newest family friendly, community minded facility to be opened in Auburn. Just in time for Summer this exciting and welcoming facility is now open right in the heart of the Cumberland area.

The Aquatic Centre’s predecessor the Auburn Pool, which opened back in 1959, saw the birth of Australia’s love of swimming and our intrinsic link to sporting culture in the wake of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. At last people could experience the same rush and excitement with a brand-new facility to compete in and enjoy.

NBRSArchitecture have reignited this love of swimming and connection with the water in 2017. The Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre breathes new life into a facility which once again meets the vibrancy of the local community. The demographic of Auburn has changed and shifted over time. In the last fifty years, it has grown into an exciting multi-cultural centre. Welcoming new families to the area and expecting a range of swimmers from diverse and varied backgrounds. The Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre is the perfect place for bringing communities together and filling people with that same passion for swimming as back in the 1950s.

With a 50m outdoor Olympic pool, and 25m indoor pool, a water polo facility, pool specifically designed for children and families and ample water play areas there is something for everyone. With learn to swim programs and culturally sensitive activities The Ruth Everuss Aquatic Facility has been designed as a dynamic and responsive facility for the local and wider community.

NBRS are proud to have designed a facility which not only pays tribute to the excitement and birth of Australian swimming culture but one that is mindful and celebrates the current Auburn community. The aquatic facility’s namesake Ruth Everuss was in attendance on the day and provided great insight into how important and loved these swimming facilities have always been to the Auburn community;

“I came to the very first open day of Auburn pool back in 1959. It was a sight back then with the diving tower and new pool. However the chlorine level was so bad on the day we all ended up in the casualty room getting something for our eyes,” Ms Everuss said.

“I don’t think it’s sunk into my head that it’s my name on the walls. Perhaps it’s my reward for staying. Early on in my coaching career Don asked me to go work at the 25m pool in Hurstville. My heart just sank. I loved Auburn too much!”