The Hawksdale community celebrated a significant milestone on December 13, 2025, with the unveiling of a mural dedicated to Julie Bos, a devoted volunteer of the local swimming pool for over 30 years. The artwork, created by local artist Britt Gow, stands as a tribute to Ms. Bos’s unwavering commitment to the facility and the community.
Ms. Bos, who has served on the Hawksdale Swimming Pool committee since her return to the area after living in Melbourne, expressed surprise and gratitude at the recognition. “I knew the mural was to be unveiled because we’d put it in for a grant… so Janine [Sheen] and I have been working towards that, and that was it,” she remarked. Initially hesitant about receiving such an honor, she later admitted, “When they called my name, I thought, ‘no, please no’, but it was lovely.”
Family members, including her sons Andrew and Adrien, attended the event to surprise her. “They knew about it, but I didn’t. They kept that secret very, very well,” she said, reflecting on the joy of the occasion.
The Hawksdale Swimming Pool first opened when Ms. Bos was in her final year of primary school, marking the beginning of her lifelong connection to the facility. Although she never anticipated returning as a volunteer, her involvement began after moving back to the area with her family. In addition to her role as the committee’s treasurer, Ms. Bos manages the pool’s chemicals and oversees cleaning operations. Despite her extensive dedication, she has only swum at the pool five times as an adult. “I don’t tend to be here visually very much during the day, but I just come back at night-time and do what needs to be done,” said the 67-year-old.
Ms. Bos described her time at the pool as a form of relaxation. “It’s my downtime because I work seven days a week, and this is very peaceful and just quiet,” she explained.
Pool manager Janine Sheen praised Ms. Bos’s contributions, stating, “If she hadn’t been doing what she was doing, this pool would not be here. She has been the backbone of the Hawksdale swimming pool for years, and I’m hoping she’ll be here for a lot more years.”
The mural not only celebrates Ms. Bos’s extensive service but also serves as a reminder of the significant role that dedicated individuals play in sustaining community resources. As the Hawksdale Swimming Pool continues to thrive, the legacy of volunteers like Julie Bos is etched into its very foundation.
