Arena Joondalup experiences deja vu as ex-mayor Bombak is first through new gates again

SIXTEEN years ago, John Bombak, then mayor of Joondalup, officially opened Arena Joondalup.

He was the first person to enter through the aquatic centre’s turnstile gates and had his name placed on a plaque, which still exists today, at the front entrance.

Last month, VenuesWest replaced the old turnstile gates to allow automated entry.

Coincidentally, the first person to use the new turnstile gates at 2.30pm on May 11 was Mr Bombak.

As an member for 10 years, Mr Bombak goes swimming at Arena Joondalup two to three times a week.

He said it was “a buzz” to be the first through the new gates.

“It brought back many memories of when I officiated at the opening ceremony,” he said.

“That was in 2000, which was not long after I lost my thumb to cancer.

“It was a very topsy-turvy year for me.”