The move by Greater Hume Shire Council to remove the word ‘memorial’ from Holbrook and Henty swimming pools has got the communities in the Eastern Riverina talking. 

In an age where opinions are everywhere and people take to social media to voice their concerns this debate is being fought on a different platform. An old fashioned letter-box drop complete with a list of Greater Hume Shire councillor names and contact details was circulated in Henty.

Several members of the community have told the Eastern Riverina Chronicle that it echoes their sentiments too. 

Despite the controversy one would be hard pressed to find a resident who wants to see the name ‘memorial’ scrapped. 

One resident contacted by the Eastern Riverina Chronicle  was prepared to share an excerpt of another letter that he has forwarded to council. 

“My understanding of why the word "memorial" is included in the Henty Memorial Swimming Pool name is because the backing from the RSL at that time was instrumental in funding being made available, along with the huge contribution of machinery and manpower from the locals that allowed the pool to be built,” Mick Broughan wrote in his letter to the Greater Hume Shire Council. 

“As a result of those who served our country we enjoy the a lifestyle which is the envy of many throughout the world,” he wrote. 

With summer just around the corner residents are set to enjoy the pools at both Holbrook and Henty.

If the name “memorial” gains the attention of just one person and encourages their understanding of the sacrifices which have been made during conflict then the wording is worth it. The debate comes after the nearby township of Lockhart unveiled a newly refurbished honour roll for its World War I veterans. 

Lockhart Shire Councillor Max Day and his wife Fran (both OAM) got behind the project and ensured the honour roll was restored to perfection so locals could remember how people from the region fought for Australia’s freedom. The roll carries the names of soldiers from the area who served. It is something that families and friends can also relate to as they scroll through and remember relatives. 

During the unveiling of the roll Lockhart Shire Council mayor Rodger Schirmer said history was sometimes left (out) and not maintained to the degree it should be. 

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack spoke during the unveiling of the honour roll and said it was essential the community continued to preserve war history so future generations could appreciate the freedoms they have today. 

In country communities rate payers want to be part of the decision-making process, they deserve to have a say about things such as two important swimming complexes. And in an age where it is easier to type a comment into Facebook or place your community rant on Twitter it is heartening to see these two communities pick up pen and paper to write about what they believe in.