AT a Public Meeting convened by the Wodonga Shire President on 22nd February 1955 a committee was formed by the very large gathering present "to build a Swimming and Wading Pool in Wodonga to 165' x 60' size to Public Works Specifications." This committee was named the Wodonga Swimming Pool Construction Committee. After four years of hard work and voluntary labour members of this Committee officially handed over the project on behalf of the public of Wodonga to the Construction Authority, the Wodonga Shire Council. The concrete pool structures were built by Contractor Mr. R. Baring, but a great deal of the work in excavating and generally preparing the area was carried out by voluntary labour. All 30,000 foam cement bricks used in the buildings were made by working bees, a large portion of the materials required were donated and most of the cartage of these materials was voluntary as well as £6,000 being raised in appeals. The Stanley Street Pool in Wodonga officially closed on 7th April 2012 and was demolished the following year.This item is significant because it records the Official Opening of the first swimming pool in Stanley Street Wodonga which was built by volunteers for the community.A programme produced for the Official Opening of the Wodonga Swimming Pool on 12th December 1959. It features a photograph of the Swimming Pool on the front.stanley street swimming pool, wodonga swimming pool

Mrs Barbara Emery, born in Beechworth in 1914 was one of the original members of the Wodonga community who formed a Committee and lobbied for the building of a swimming pool in Wodonga. This was prompted after many near misses and a drowning at the popular swimming spot in Wodonga Creek. She and her husband Bob, along with other Committee members lobbied the Wodonga Council and were finally able to negotiate land which fronted onto Stanley Street, Wodonga. Members of the Committee worked tirelessly to fund raise and also to build the pool itself. Countless working bees were organised to complete the construction and surrounds. The pool opened on 12th December 1959. Mr Bob Emery became the manager and Grace ran the kiosk for many years. Later reflecting on her life in the Wodonga community Mrs Emery stated, “To get the pool was a highlight in my life, the satisfaction that we could save lives.” After years of heated discussion about the future of the Stanley Street pool and the construction of a new pool, it finally closed on 31 March 2012. Mrs Emery died in Wodonga.This membership badge is significant because it was awarded to a member of the Wodonga community to recognise her service.A gold plated and enamelled badge attached to a red enamelled bar. The badge is engraved on the front.On bar;- LIFE MEMBER On badge; 1991 GRACE EMERYgrace emery, wodonga swimming pool, life membership grace emery