Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink Turns 50

Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink is celebrating its 50th birthday by hosting a 70s disco night on Friday March 5.

The night runs from 8pm to 10:30pm and will feature a live DJ and plenty of 70s music.

The iconic Inner West venue, which first opened its doors in 1971, was originally established by a group of volunteer skaters, coaches, businessman, and tradespeople and has remained a not-for- profit entity throughout its entire run.

Manager Wayne Disbery, who first started coming to the rink as a schoolboy in the 70s before taking up the management position in 2004, fondly remembers his years as a long-time patron and staff member.

“As a local in the old days you’d spend half your life down here, it was a very strong community, not only of locals and public patrons but of athletes as well,” Disbery said.

Despite the popularity challenges faced by “old-school sport” over the years, Disbery says ice skating has an enduring charm.

“There is really strong support for learning how to skate these days, I think it’s starting to turn around again.”

Tickets to the disco night are $20 for adults aged 16 and over and $15 for children aged 5 to 15, with prices including skate hire.

Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, 17A Phillips Ave, Canterbury. Tickets & Info: www.canterburyolympicicerink.org.au

By Patrick McKenzie