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Grayndler

Sunday, 16th September 2018

Dawn Fraser Baths




Federation Chamber



Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler) (16:16): Deputy Speaker Laundy, you might even be aware, yourself, that the Dawn Fraser Baths are a hidden gem in my electorate in the inner west of Sydney. Tucked away in Elkington Park, Balmain, they are a tidal saltwater pool in Sydney Harbour. They were opened in 1884. The baths are thought to be the oldest in Australia. They are home to the Balmain swimming club—the first swimming association in the entire country. They are also said to be the site of Australia's earliest water polo match. They're used by residents, visitors, and students from local schools. They are an iconic attraction in the inner west of Sydney. They're listed on the National Trust and the Register of the National Estate. But now, at over 100 years old, they are in desperate need of repair. At the last election, federal Labor committed funds to upgrade the facilities. A master plan for the baths, which has now been prepared, has shown that it will be expensive to undertake a full heritage restoration. On the Inner West Council, the Greens Party and Liberals have voted together to cut funds from the $6.7 million required for restoration, leaving a $2.2 million shortfall. It is critical that we save the Dawn Fraser Baths, which are an institution and a heritage icon of the inner west.

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Electorate Office

334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204

Phone: 02 9564 3588

Parliament House Office

Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: 02 6277 7700

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Electorate Office

334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204

Phone: 02 9564 3588

Parliament House Office

Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: 02 6277 7700

Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.