SIX months after it was closed over fears the roof would collapse, a multi-million dollar upgrade of Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink will bring it back to life.
The Ice Skating Club of NSW will receive $17.7 million in WestInvest funding to upgrade the rink and allow it to reopen and operate for the next 50 years.
Former Olympian and long-time campaigner to save the rink, Daniella O’Brien said “it is a massive win… a huge day for ice skating”.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back,” she said.
“We have had celebrations at ice rinks around NSW today.”
Comparing the win to the Olympics, Ms O’Brien said it was one of the “proudest moments” of her life.
“Almost nine years ago we walked into the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics and that was the proudest moment of my life, that was very personal but this a massive community achievement,” she said.
Treasurer Matt Kean says the funding will allow the “much-loved venue” to reopen and continue to support professional and amateur skaters across Western Sydney and beyond.
“These new amenities will support our state and national athletes and provide a safe and affordable skating space for the community,” he said.
Works will include a new roof, change rooms, ice surface and making the grandstands more accessible.
Another ‘save the rink’ campaigner, State MP for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis, said “it’s great for the people, great for ice sports, and it’s great that the people have been listened to”.
“It’s people power,” she said.
Ms Cotsis praised all those involved in the fight to save the rink.
“Dani has been fantastic, the local community leaders have been fantastic, and we are very grateful,” she said.
