The Taverners to be remembered at Manuka

Today I had the honour of announcing that the cafe at the Manuka Swimming Pool will be known as ‘Tavs’, in recognition of the contribution that Owen, John and the whole Taverner family have made to the facility over more than 60 years.

The Manuka Swimming Pool has a very special place in our community, both in terms of its historic value, being our first public swimming pool, and also as a wonderful community facility that many Canberrans hold dear.

The Taverner family have played an integral part in the pool’s rich history, with Owen Taverner first starting as a lifeguard in 1947 and then later managing the pool through until the 1990s when John, aka ‘Tav’, took over the role from his dad.

Throughout his time as the manager, Tav, like Owen, has strived to conserve the heritage aspect of the buildings and the surrounding grounds of the pool, and he has played a key role in the design of the new cafe ensuring that it was designed sympathetically to the architectural character of this heritage listed facility.

I would like to publicly thank John and his family for all their hard work and dedication over the years.

The ACT Government recognises the pool’s historical value and has invested nearly $130,000 in upgrades to the pool over the past two years.

Tav’s passion and great contribution to the ACT community has been recognised as part of the recent Canberra Day celebrations, where he was presented with the Canberra Gold Chief Minister’s Award.

His last day as manager will be this Sunday March 25, bringing to an end the Taverner family’s 65 year affiliation with the Manuka Swimming Pool.

To mark the occasion there will be free entry to the pool on this day and I encourage all Canberrans to come and celebrate the outstanding contribution that this family has made to our city.