Galston Swim Club has made a strong comeback since the reopening of Galston Aquatic and Leisure Centre on 3rd February 2024. But did you know that the club has been part of our community for well over a century?
Founded as the Galston Pioneer Swimming Club on 16th January 1897, the club began with 20 members, a president, a captain, an instructor, and a secretary. Ahead of its time, the first Club Meeting instilled on its members the values sporting groups are proud of to this day, including:
- Members receiving three warnings for bad language could be suspended for the rest of the season.
- Proper bathing attire was mandatory.
- All accounts and subscriptions had to be settled monthly.
- No intoxicants were allowed during practice or public competitions.
Without a public pool in the area at the time, club meets were held at Foster’s waterhole – the ‘Kingfisher’ emblem in the club logo reflecting that history to this day.
The venue changed when Galston Pool officially opened on 11th October 1969, becoming the indoor home of Galston Swim Club. Since then, the Club has produced some exceptional swimmers, including Scott Markich, Ellie Overton, Steven McBrien and Tane Bidois who between them took the Galston Pioneer Swim Club from Foster’s waterhole to the world stage.
Today, Galston Swim Club is thriving, led by an energetic committee with Jeremy Laws as President and Logan Potts as Head Coach. The Club regularly sends swimmers to Metropolitan, State, and National contests. Galston’s home meets, held every second Friday evening, provide swimmers with firstly a fun environment but also the formal backing for swimmers to qualify for future competitions. These are fun events – but with purpose, and are well attended by both swimmers and parents.
Since Bendigo Bank arrived in Galston, it has been supporting its local Swim Club, Just prior to COVID, The Community Bank funded the replacement of the Club’s 55 year old starting blocks. These blocks remained unused but when the world (and Galston Pool) woke up again, Bendigo was still there and once again supported the Club’s relaunch and new uniform needs with a further $5,000.
Local children with a passion for fun, fitness and personal growth are encouraged to join. Galston has been welcoming new members for 128 years. If you’re interested, just drop by the pool and speak with Logan – he would be delighted to help anyone continue the best traditions of a wonderful sport.
It would be fascinating to know what the founding members might think of the community spirit and gleaming new facilities they had a hand in creating back in 1897!
