Opening of the Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre
A beautiful day greeted students, staff, and distinguished guests as they gathered for the official opening of the Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre. This state-of-the-art facility marked a significant milestone in the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence in education and sport.
The Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre at Ivanhoe Grammar School’s Plenty Campus offers a diverse range of high-quality amenities, including a 25-metre pool, and a dedicated learn-to-swim pool. The strength and conditioning gymnasium and classrooms provide space for training, education and development. In addition, the soccer and hockey pitches, which can seamlessly transform into netball and tennis courts, offer flexibility to accommodate a wide range of sports and events.
Woi-wurrung Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Zeta Thomson, delivered the Welcome to Country, sharing words steeped in history and tradition. She reminded everyone of the deep cultural significance of the land on which the school stands and the meaning behind the name Coonawarra Willam, which translates to ‘Home of the Swan’ in the Woi-wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people.
Following this School Captain Cristian welcomed the distinguished guests including two Ivanhoe Olympians, Emily Bamford (Class of 2009) and Sam Bramham (Class of 2007). Cristian highlighted the essential role of sports in shaping character and fostering teamwork, reinforcing the belief that sports instil values such as perseverance, integrity, and respect. ‘The success of any sports program relies on the passion and dedication of teachers and coaches, the enthusiasm and commitment of students, and the provision of facilities that support both,’ he said.
Principal Gerard Foley then took to the podium, expressing his immense pride and excitement for the new facility. He emphasised Ivanhoe Grammar School’s legacy of strategic planning and dedication to holistic student development, from academics to co-curricular activities. Reflecting on the school’s growth since the establishment of the Plenty Campus in 1990, he underscored how the new aquatic centre will enrich student life for generations to come.
‘This precinct is more than just fields, courts, and classrooms—it is a space where our students will aim for personal bests, support one another, and develop into well-rounded individuals,’ he said. He went on to acknowledge and thank the many individuals and teams whose dedication and expertise made the project a reality, from architects and engineers to school benefactors and project managers.
The highlight of the morning was the presence of alumna and Olympian Emily Bamford, who had the honour of officially opening the Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre. Plenty Campus Co-Captain Jasmin led a Q&A with Emily, whose journey from an Ivanhoe Grammar School student to representing Australia in Alpine Skiing at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics served as an inspiration to all in attendance. Reflecting on her time at Plenty Campus, Emily shared valuable insights into the pivotal moments that shaped her athletic career. Emily spoke about the camaraderie among Olympic athletes, the thrill of representing Australia on the world stage, and the invaluable lessons sport has taught her. She shared that the Ivanhoe Learner Attribute ‘Collaborative’ resonated with her the most, as the support of a dedicated team was essential in helping her achieve her athletic goals.
Following Emily’s words, she was joined on stage by Chairman Daniel Proietto and Principal Gerard Foley to unveil the Foundation Plaque, commemorating the official opening of the aquatic centre.
With the doors of the Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre now open, a new chapter in the school’s sporting history has begun—one that promises to inspire, challenge, and shape the next generation of champions.
