The Olympic Games were held in Melbourne November 22 – December 8 1956. The athletes village was established in Heidelberg West. The following are personal reminiscences:
I was a dishwasher at the 1956 Olympic Games
During the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, I was a volunteer at the Olympic Village (in West Heidleberg). The position was advertised in the local Leader Newspaper. I applied and was accepted. I didn’t have the biggest idea of what I was going to do. Anyway after working a full day at the Koala Shoe factory which was from 8am till 4.30pm, I would catch a bus up to the village and start work at 5pm.
We had a special pass, a special hat that we kept each day and we got a white dustcoat. The cap had the games number in roman numbers on the front. I started working there 3 weeks before the games began and worked there for 7 weeks. I used to operate the big industrial dishwashers. They were on loan to the village from the Watsonia Army Barracks. It was long hours. We had to wait for everyone’s events to finish, then they came in for a meal. Then we would wash up afterwards. Sometimes I didn’t finish till 11.30 at night. But it was fantastic.
Local resident (2006)
The athletes
I met all the famous athletes like Dawn Fraser, Lorraine Crapp, Shirley Strickland, Betty Cuthbert & Marjorie Jackson. I remember that Murray Rose was the only athlete not to stay in the Olympic Village because he was on a special diet. I can recall all the crowds of people lining up outside for autographs and one of the athletes said to me “I can’t understand all the fuss we’re just like everyone else, just normal people. But I told her that this was probably the only chance that someone would get to meet a real Olympian, it was a fantastic experience. There also wasn’t any security like nowadays although I do remember that IRAQ would not eat in the same kitchen as Iran and ended up leaving. At the end of the games even though we were volunteers we did get paid about 3 pounds a week and we also got a special letter from Canberra. My son also worked as a volunteer during the games. He was lucky enough to work at the MCG. He was only 14 or 15 years of age and he worked very long hours. One day he started at 8.30am and didn’t finish till 11.30pm as the high jump went for so long. An American high jumper kept getting the bar put up higher and higher and broke the world record. Funny enough even though my son was only 14 or 15 his job was collecting glasses from the public bars and selling cigarettes and ice creams. He would have to be 18 to do that today. He was very lucky to see nearly all the events held at the MCG. Over all it was a wonderful experience and in 2000 the government sent us a commemorative medal. I wish I had have kept my autographs book. It was full of all the stars. I am looking forward to these Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
GO Australia.
Mary Buzza (aged 93) 2006
Accounts and reminiscence of the residents and staff of The Grace Garden Aged Care Facility about the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956, recorded in March 2006 as Melbourne prepared for the Commonwealth Games.
When I discussed this project with the residents they were not certain if they were able to recall any Olympic Events in 1956. We had already had some fun with a quick quiz about the Commonwealth Games and they were able to get 5 out of the 10 questions correct (which was more than I managed)
Here are the memories of 10 of our residents with ages from late 70’s to early 90 years of age:
Elsie
I was travelling at the time and saw lots of athletes, they came from all parts of the world, but I really like the football and cricket best.
Gem
I really can’t remember the Olympic Games, I may have seen them on television.
Len
I watched them on TV. They were good!
Hazel
I went to the basketball, I can’t remember who was playing. We weren’t going to anything but we were in the city and someone said you could buy tickets at Myers. So Mum, I and our two neighbours came as well. I enjoyed the game.
Frank
I was working, but lived near the Olympic Village. Thought it was a waste of money and still do. The money could go to helping the Aged People.
Mary
Dad said lets go to the Olympics, so we went to the swimming! I was too young to appreciate the athletes.
Barb
I didn’t go to any events, but friends went to the swimming and said it was wonderful. I did go to the Olympic Village and remember the shops and the flags of the different countries.
Zara
I watched it on TV and had friends who worked at the shops and in the village cleaning. They had lots of stories to tell.
Lettie
I watched it on TV and went to the gymnastics.
Olive
I enjoyed the swimming best of all.
I went to the Olympic Village Primary School and have vivid memories of the coloured rings, flags, lots of souvenir shops and very tall African runners who signed my autograph book
Ann Wood
( Aged Care Residence – Lifestyle coordinator – 2006)
Photo: Flag entrance of the Olympic Games Village. Yarra Plenty Regional Library Collection in partnership with Heidelberg Historical Society
What are your memories of the 1956 Olympic Games?
