Teen launches petition to bring ice skating back to Bendigo
Sophie James started an online petition to restore an ice rink closed since 2010.
Bendigo's ice rink shut down in 2010 after running out of money, even with a $100,000 council loan. For more than a decade, skaters, hockey players and curlers have had to travel to Melbourne for competitions.
Sophie James, a teenager who never got to use it, is determined to change that. Sophie launched an online petition to rally support and draw attention to the lack of activities for young people in the region.
Her mum says a new rink could include a cafe and host theme nights, even bringing ice hockey matches back to the city. A permanent venue would cost $10 million to $20 million to build and run.
- 16 years
- Years without rink
- $100,000
- Council loan attempt
- $10 million to $20 million
- Estimated permanent facility cost
- Hattam Street, Golden Square
- Location
Why it mattersBringing back the rink would give teenagers something to do locally and could boost Bendigo's economy and reputation.
AustraliaIn Bendigo and regional Victoria, it would restore a missing recreational hub for young people and potentially revive ice hockey competition.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago
