Erected in honour of a city councillor who served for 44 consecutive years, the Edward O’Donnell Drinking Fountain appears to have few friends in council.
Located adjacent to Luna Park, the Fountain is the last place you’d want to drink from. Stagnant when holding water, filthy and filled with litter, frequented only by desperate sea gulls (between squabbling over chips and crumbs). It’s an eye-sore that’s even shunned by pigeons.
Petition seeks action
Fed up, a local has launched a petition to restore some civic pride.
Rod Mitchell, a local resident, has been lobbying council for many years to do something about this neglected feature of one of St Kilda’s most used public spaces to no avail.
He hopes to prompt action by the new council.
And his timing might be good
Council CEO Chris Carroll told TWiSK that Council values historic memorials and monuments as they reflect the people and events which have helped shape our unique City.
‘Complex and costly repairs are required to repair the 1935 fountain due to design issues affecting its ability to retain and circulate water.
‘These include the fountain not being plumbed into the water mains and a smaller than required water pump.
‘Council Officers have completed a conservation management plan and the newly elected Council can consider whether to include these repairs in the Budget process.’
Bit it’s always been problem plagued
Dr Google revealed that this monument has been a cause of community concern from the get-go in 1935. In 2018, the St Kilda Historical Society reported that water supply was a problem in 1935.
‘The fountain was unveiled in 1935. It was designed and built at a cost of £750 by Modern Art Co. Pty. Ltd. Of the art deco style, it is 4.5 metres high and 5 metres in diameter.
‘The fountain’s plaque says his ‘record of municipal and community service will always be an example of true manhood and ideal citizenship’.
‘The required water supply was a subject for dispute initially, but resolved with the installation of electric pumps. However, its operation has been problematic, a challenge that the City of Port Phillip continues to work on to resolve today [2018].’ (Source)
Some things don’t change
When the CEO says ‘complex and costly’ you need to reach for a drink, but alas not from this fountain.
From the Google vault
Look what we found in the Google time capsule, a local vocal tribute to O’Donnell.
