Hector McLean (far right) with Beverly Cahill, Audrey Beck, Betty Munnerly, Ian Perrin and Reg Knuckey.
Dear Editor,
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I believe 2022 to be a very significant year for Deniliquin, as it represents the centenary of the founding of a very special local program - and the exploits of one of our greatest community heroes.
This is his story.
Archibald Hector McLean was born in Scotland in 1885 and came to Australia when he was 13 years of age, living first in Warrnambool, Victoria.
He came to Deniliquin with his family in 1921 as an employee of the Pastures Protection Board.
His role with the Pastures Protection Board was that of a rabbit inspector, but after his horse and gig (with which he conducted his inspections) were stolen, he relinquished his position and opened a grocery store business.
The site of his home and business was on a now vacant block in Russell St, between Charlotte and George Streets.
Mr McLean held Royal Life Saving Society certificates and was an outstanding swimming instructor and coach.
It is believed he was responsible for introducing the reel to surf lifesaving during his time at Warrnambool.
Upon his arrival in Deniliquin, Mr McLean was struck by the large number of drownings in the Edward River and surrounding creeks.
Mr McLean, or ‘Mr Mac’ as he became affectionately known, was appalled at the lack of swimming inability amongst local children.
At the request of community members he introduced learn to swim classes in the summer of 1921/22.
Classes were held at a sandy spot on the Edward River called Brewery Bend (named after the Riverine Brewery complex), situated on the southern bank of the river downstream from the beach, at the bottom of George St.
From October to March each year, daily at 6.30am, Mr McLean undertook swimming lessons to ensure children in the district had the opportunity to learn to swim.
For 24 years he taught alone, later receiving assistance from local citizens and Deniliquin Swim Club members, many of whom were young people he had taught to swim.
Hector McLean with a grandson at the Dubbo baths.
The Deniliquin Rotary Club also became involved, marking rolls before and after lessons.
Mr Mclean also introduced a partner or ‘buddy’ system, where pupils were paired and were responsible for each other during lessons.
A highlight for the participants was a special reward at the end of lessons.
Each child brought a potato with them, which was baked in a fire during the morning and enjoyed later.
Mr McLean continued lessons up until his death in 1951 - a period of 30 years, and magnificent public service to the children of Deniliquin.
On November 12, 1972, on the 50th anniversary of the Learn to Swim classes he founded back in 1922, the Deniliquin community honoured Mr Mac with the renaming of Brewery Bend as McLean Beach.
This year, 2022, celebrates the centenary of this activity and the story of an amazing past citizen of Deniliquin – one which I believe deserves to be celebrated and recognised by our community.
The program is one of the longest running Learn to Swim campaigns in Australia and continues to this day each January through the efforts of the Deniliquin Swim Club and dedicated volunteer instructors.
Unfortunately, recent flood events have made on-site celebrations to recognise this important milestone impossible.
However, through the support and generosity of Edward River Council and the work of Jane Frazer, installation of permanent interpretive signage will take place next year at McLean Beach.
The signage will outline the story of Hector McLean, paying tribute to this remarkable man and the wonderful program he instigated a century ago.
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