Alice ice rink returns for summer holidays

The Alice Springs ice rink is set to make a return this summer as part of a free school holiday program in Central Australia, funded through the Federal Government’s A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia Plan.

The six-week program will offer a wide range of free activities designed to engage young people, delivered in partnership with the Alice Springs Town Council.

Building on the success of previous holiday programs, activities will include 3×3 basketball, African drum workshops, waterslides, free movies and ten pin bowling.

Young people will also have the opportunity to learn new skills with bike repair lessons as well as arts, craft, sports and cooking workshops.

Half of the activities will be run in Alice Springs and half in remote communities.

Activities are expected to start on December 12 and run until January 27 next year.

“The town can’t wait to get back out on the ice!”

Last year’s summer holiday program recorded more than 24,600 attendances across 1,461 activities delivered by community organisations and local councils, highlighting the strong community interest and the value of providing safe, engaging spaces for young people.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said it was third year in a row the Government had invested in the program to help children and young people in Alice Springs and remote Central Australia communities stay busy and socially connected across the summer school holidays.

“The return of the popular ice rink will be a highlight for many local families and a key drawcard for the summer program,” she said.

“We know when children have access to a range of great activities, see their friends, get out and about in the fresh air they are happier and healthier.”

Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour said she was excited that the ice rink would be making a return.

“Families have told me how much they enjoyed bringing their kids ice skating last time,” she said.

“I am proud that our government is delivering a full program for young people across Central Australia.

Alice Springs Mayor Asta Hill was thrilled to see the return of the ice rink.

“The town can’t wait to get back out on the ice!,” she said.

“This kind of investment makes a real difference for local families.”