Recognising Emma McKeon’s Achievements

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Consultation has concluded

Local swimming sensation, Emma McKeon, represented Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She won seven medals, taking her Olympic medal tally to 11. This makes Emma the highest Olympic medal holder in Australia.

Earlier this month we asked the community to provide ideas on how we can recognise the achievements of Emma McKeon. We heard lots of ideas including renaming Western Suburbs Pool, Continental Pools, Blue Mile/Belmore Basin or Allan’s Creek, building an aquatic facility with an Olympic pool in Emma’s honour or establishing a community fund or learn to swim program. There was also strong community sentiment suggesting Emma should decide.

We met with Emma and her family to discuss the proposed ideas and understand Emma’s wishes. Emma was honoured by the support she has received from the community and her preference was to name a location along the Wollongong foreshore such as a viewing platform, small park or seating area.

A range of locations along the foreshore have been investigated. We are pleased to share the two options being considered to recognise Emma’s achievement.

Option (A) Naming the North Beach Promenade and Terraces – This project is currently under construction with Stage 1 completion due in mid -2022. Stage 1 lies in the area directly east of Diggies North Beach kiosk and the north beyond the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club. Interpretative signage would be installed on the promenade.

Image: Artist impression North Beach Promenade and Terraces


Option (B) Naming the Cliff Road viewing platform overlooking the harbour and Continental Pool – The Observation area was constructed around 7 years ago and has excellent views across the Blue Mile Precinct. Interpretative signage would be installed.

Image: Cliff Road viewing platform facing east


Image: Cliff Road viewing platform looking north 

Image: Cliff Road viewing platform looking east across Belmore Basin


We now want to find out from the community if there is anything we need to know about the sites before a decision is made by Council in October.

Join the conversation - let us know your thoughts in the feedback form.

Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your feedback.

Local swimming sensation, Emma McKeon, represented Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She won seven medals, taking her Olympic medal tally to 11. This makes Emma the highest Olympic medal holder in Australia.

Earlier this month we asked the community to provide ideas on how we can recognise the achievements of Emma McKeon. We heard lots of ideas including renaming Western Suburbs Pool, Continental Pools, Blue Mile/Belmore Basin or Allan’s Creek, building an aquatic facility with an Olympic pool in Emma’s honour or establishing a community fund or learn to swim program. There was also strong community sentiment suggesting Emma should decide.

We met with Emma and her family to discuss the proposed ideas and understand Emma’s wishes. Emma was honoured by the support she has received from the community and her preference was to name a location along the Wollongong foreshore such as a viewing platform, small park or seating area.

A range of locations along the foreshore have been investigated. We are pleased to share the two options being considered to recognise Emma’s achievement.

Option (A) Naming the North Beach Promenade and Terraces – This project is currently under construction with Stage 1 completion due in mid -2022. Stage 1 lies in the area directly east of Diggies North Beach kiosk and the north beyond the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club. Interpretative signage would be installed on the promenade.

Image: Artist impression North Beach Promenade and Terraces


Option (B) Naming the Cliff Road viewing platform overlooking the harbour and Continental Pool – The Observation area was constructed around 7 years ago and has excellent views across the Blue Mile Precinct. Interpretative signage would be installed.

Image: Cliff Road viewing platform facing east


Image: Cliff Road viewing platform looking north 

Image: Cliff Road viewing platform looking east across Belmore Basin


We now want to find out from the community if there is anything we need to know about the sites before a decision is made by Council in October.

Join the conversation - let us know your thoughts in the feedback form.

Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your feedback.

Consultation has concluded

  • Council decision

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    At its meeting on 18 October 2021, Council decided to name the North Beach Promenade and Terraces in honour of local swimming superstar Emma McKeon. Read the media release for details.

  • Council to decide on preferred option next week

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    A report is going to Council next Monday 18 October. It recommends that Council determine the preferred option to acknowledge the achievements of Emma McKeon.

    In the second engagement phase, the community was invited to provide local knowledge for consideration in the final decision. It was also an opportunity to gauge community sentiment. We used social media, direct email and the Register of Interest (Sport) to promote the opportunity. More than 70 people provided feedback.

    Option A - Naming the North Beach Promenade and Terraces
    Feedback regarding Option A suggested the location provides a connection to Emma’s love of the beach and water. People thought the area’s high visitation would allow greater exposure to Emma's achievements. It was suggested the location will be more accessible. Comments were also received suggesting the location should instead be used to honour someone involved with surf lifesaving or surfing.

    Option B - Naming the Cliff Road viewing platform overlooking the harbour and Continental Pools
    Feedback regarding Option B suggested the location provides a space for people to meet, relax and read about Emma without distractions. It was suggested this reflects Emma’s style, ‘contemplative, serene and reflective’. It was also suggested naming may interfere with the cultural heritage linked to Cliff Road and the remnants underneath the viewing platform.

    Councillors will decide on their preferred option at the meeting on Monday. The Agenda and Business Paper are published on Council’s website. If you're interested in seeing Council's decision-making processes in action, you can watch the meeting online from 6pm at http://webcasts.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/.