Held in Melbourne from the 22nd November to 8th December, the 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad or the Melbourne Olympics were the first held outside of Europe or the USA. The Olympic torch relay passed through Central Victoria on its way from Cairns to Melbourne. Faith Yvonne Leech (31 March 1941 – 14 September 2013) was born in Bendigo and won a gold medal in the 4×100–metre freestyle relay and bronze in the 100-metre freestyle at the Melbourne Games.Commemorative glass produced by Greig's Honey prior to the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956. The glass has both images and text printed on the outside and features an image of Faith Leech in swimsuit, accompanied by Olympic symbols and advertising text. [Head, shoulders and torso image Faith Leech], [Olympic ring, torch and wreath], OLYMPIC PAGEANT / MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / 1956 / Faith Leech, Australia / May represent / in / 100 metres / freestyle / Greig's Honeyfaith leech, melbourne olympics, 1956, faith leech swimming pool

city of greater bendigo tourism, rosalind park, faith leech memorial swimming pool, city of greater bendigo events

The 'New' City of Bendigo baths also known as 'The Baths' were opened on 26th February,1913 at a cost of £2000. These baths made use of an existing dam and had men only and ladies bathing areas as well as a 'paddling paddock' for young children. This set of plans is for the Men's Bathing shed which serviced the men's bathing area adjacent to the still existing tennis courts on Barnard Street. In 1958 the Municipal Baths were replaced by an Olympic Pool and £17,000 was raised by public subscription towards this pool’s construction. Ink, pen, pencil and watercolour architectural drawing for the proposed new baths at the Upper Reserve on Barnard Street, Bendigo.New baths / at Upper Reserve Bendigo / for the Bendigo City Council / Elevation facing tennis courts / Elevation of Terminals at A, A, / Elevation facing Barnard Street / This is one of the drawings /referred to in my contract/ dated 18th November 1912 / Signed Robert J Rogers / (unknown) / Mayor Jas Semmensbendigo swimming club, rosalind park, upper reserve bendigo, faith leech memorial swimming pool, bendigo baths, city of greater bendigo community groups

Held in Melbourne from the 22nd November to 8th December, the 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad or the Melbourne Olympics were the first held outside of Europe or the USA. The Olympic torch relay passed through Central Victoria on its way from Cairns to Melbourne. Faith Yvonne Leech (31 March 1941 – 14 September 2013) was born in Bendigo and won a gold medal in the 4×100–metre freestyle relay and bronze in the 100-metre freestyle at the Melbourne Games.White cotton towel with green and gold horizontal stripes with the word Australia written across centre.left top manufacturers label; Olympic Games / 1956 / Manufactured by Supertex. Verso manufacturers label; Super Tex / All Cotton Fast Colour / Made in Australiamelbourne olympics, 1956, olympic games, bendigo, faith leech, faith leech memorial swimming pool, city of greater bendigo tourism

'Bendigo Advertiser' newspaper article discussing the naming of the Kangaroo Flat pool. Newspaper article discusses the history of Bendigo pools. Makes mention of Faith Leech, 1956 Olympic swimmer. Also makes mention to the 1880's petition signed by Golden Square residents agitating for a pool. 2 pages. Newspaper dated 25th November, 2017. Newspaper article on Kangaroo Flat pool. Article from 'Bendigo Advertiser'. November, 2017. Two full pages containing images and text. bendigo pools, pool, faith leech

This document highlights the historical and community significance of swimming pools in Bendigo, focusing on personal stories, community efforts, and social change: Items belonging to Olympic champion Faith Leech, such as her dressing gown and Olympic torch, are displayed to honor her achievements and inspire others. Family members and local historians emphasize the determination and impact of local swimming figures. The push for modern, Olympic-size pools in Bendigo was inspired by the 1956 Olympic Games. While government grants supported pool construction, significant fundraising was done by local residents, who contributed £17,500—a major portion of the total cost. Fundraising was competitive, with community members recognized for their efforts (e.g., being crowned "Queen of the Pool"). Early advocacy for pools began in the 1880s, with Golden Square residents lobbying for their own facility. Golden Square's pool, opened in 1918, was the first in Bendigo to allow mixed-gender swimming. The Bendigo Municipal Pool only permitted mixed bathing after its late 1950s reopening, reflecting broader social changes. Even into the 1920s, women had to request dedicated swimming times for instruction. Learning to swim was vital for safety, especially due to the risk of drowning in mining dams during early settlement. Local newspapers published swimming instructions, and community members shared stories about learning to swim. The document promotes an exhibition and encourages visitors to record their own pool-related memories, which will be shared at a community event called 'Stories from the Pool.'Article from the Bendigo Advertiser - Swimming pools in Bendigo Sat Nov 26 2017 Pictures Mark Kearney This item contains the following documents: 3486.53a Kay MacGregor and Vivien Newton hold the original petition from the Golden Square residents 3486.53b Faith Leech's dressing gown is among other belongings from the Olympic champion to go on show 3486.53c Article on swimming pools in Bendigo from the Advertiserbendigo, swimming pools in bendigo