Everyone has a story.
Listen to the memories of local residents as they recount their experiences in and around the ocean pools of the Illawarra.
Click on the residents’ names or photos for more information and to listen to their stories.
For more information about Illawarra Ocean Pools:
Ocean Pools by Marie-Louise McDermott is available at Wollongong Library.
The wild edge : survey of ocean pools in New South Wales / Nicole Larkin
Joy Lynch
Austinmer
Joy talks about the origins of the Austinmer Early Morning Swimming Club and how it functions as an informal community group.
Listen to Joy’s story here.
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Max Ackerman
Austinmer
Max has been a member of the Austinmer Otters since 1971 and continues to swim with the club on Sunday mornings all year round.
Listen to Max’s story here.
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Barry Adams
Bulli
Barry is a foundation member of the Bulli Sea Lions Winter Swimming Club. He relates the history of the club, the rock pool they swim in, and their inclusion of women.
Listen to Barry’s story here.
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Peter McDonald
Stanwell Park
Peter and his son were inaugural members of the Stanwell Park Sea Eels Winter Swimming Club, who have been swimming at the Coalcliff Rock Pool every Sunday during the winter months since 1989.
Listen to Peter’s story here.
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Kevin Waddingham
Coledale
Kevin talks about the Coledale Oysters Winter Swimming Club, which was founded in 1964 as the Northern Oysters Winter Swimming Club.
Listen to Kevin’s story here.
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Joseph McGarity
Austinmer
Joseph (Joe) is a founding member of the Austinmer Otters and discusses the history of the club.
Listen to Joe’s story here.
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Greg Tuchin
Woonona
Greg Tuchin has been a member of the Woonona Rockies, a winter swimming club at Woonona Rock Pool, since 2001.
Listen to Greg’s story here.
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This is an ongoing project and we welcome your contribution. If you are interested in sharing your recollections of the Ocean Pools of the Illawarra, please contact us.
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