Artwork to commemorate Freddie Lane, a local resident and Australia’s first Olympic gold medal swimmer.
At its meeting on 12 August 2024, Council endorsed the creation of a new artwork to commemorate Freddie Lane, a North Sydney resident and Australia’s first Olympic gold medal swimmer, who won gold at the Paris 1900 Olympics.
Lane moved to Cremorne Point in 1912 and initiated the construction of a harbour pool at Cremorne Point by building walls from rocks and stone found nearby. The pool later become known as the Maccallum Pool, after local resident Hugh Maccallum. Lane and Maccallum worked together to improve the Pool, during the 1920s. They formed a club and secured donations from locals for the improvements. Lane was the Honorary Secretary, and Maccallum was the Honorary Treasurer.
The proposal for an artwork will celebrate Lane's service to the community and his sporting achievements as well as commemorate other swimming champions with ties to the area.
The artwork will be installed outside the North Sydney Olympic Pool with the unveiling planned to coincide with the Pool’s 90th anniversary celebrations in 2026.