The Minns Labor Government have announced they will commit up to $17.7 million to repair and upgrade the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink to a world class standard allowing the rink to be reopened.
Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, where thousands of recreational and elite skaters have flocked to for over 51 years in Sydney’s south west was closed by the New South Wales government in August 2022.
The skating community throughout NSW and the residents of Sydneys south west were devastated at the closure of rink and a rally hit the streets chanting “Save Canterbury Ice Rink” in hopes of reopening.
A petition was also launched to reopen the much loved skating rink and successfully received 10,000 signatures including the support from several high profile organisations such as the Australian Olympic Committee.
Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis MP, said in a statement about the rink reopening, “Over a thousand students attend the Olympic ice rink for sport, thousands of families come from across Sydney to participate and train.”
“I’m very proud that a Minns Labor Government will reopen the rink. Thank you to Danielle O’Brien, Joanna Bitar and the hundreds of students, parents and community members from across Sydney who have fought every day to see this announcement made.”
The ice rink, a former aircraft hangar, was opened in 1971 and is one of only two remaining Olympic-sized ice rinks in Sydney, producing 22 Olympians. The rink received more than 120,000 patrons each year including 1,000 school students and 600 skating students each week, according to a statement from NSW Labor.
Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink also supported over 50 local jobs including coaching and youth coaching as well as catering staff. Run by a not-for-profit cooperative board, the rink also provided sports and services for many young people with disabilities.
In a NSW Labor statement, Member for Strathfield, Jason Yat-Sen Li, said, “the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink will not only survive, it will also thrive” when it reopens.
Read: ‘We need action now’: Community rallies to save Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink from closure
