Vick444~No Spam~@aei.ca
06-23-2008, 10:55 PM
16/06/2008
THE Bendigo Ice-Skating Stadium re-opened at the weekend,
eight months after it closed its doors to the public
because of poor conditions.
The Golden Square facility underwent a general
maintenance overhaul following safety concerns the ice
surface was too dangerous.
Works included relaying pipes, improving the rink
barrier, servicing the Zamboni, upgrading the sound
system, painting and general maintenance.
The re-opening followed weeks of renovations, which saw
500 volunteers put in 5000 hours of work.
Bendigo Ice-Skating Association committee member Debbie
Botheras said it staggered her that people had put in so
much time.
‘‘The committee and the skating user groups have looked
forward for months to setting their blades back on the
ice.’’ Ms Botheras said it was good to see ice hockey and
figure skating competitors stay loyal to their sport,
even when the rink’s future was in doubt and they had to
withdraw from their season and championships.
Bendigo is home to the only Victorian rink outside of
Melbourne.
A barbecue for the volunteers was held on Friday night.
The not-for-profit community facility will run with a
bank of volunteers, paid employees and committee members.
The City of Greater Bendigo Council gave the ice-skating
stadium a $100,000 interest free lifeline in March this
year to help out.
The three-year loan was given on conditions that it meets
upgrade requirements, maintains the facility, meets a
financial plan, increases its level of volunteers, and
has council representation on its management team.
The rescue package helped to cover the $82,000 debt the
centre owed the landlord and the YMCA, and $9702 in
upgrade costs to improve the rink’s safety, performance
and efficiency.
Northgate Minerals Corporation also donated $11,000 in
April.
http://bendigo.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/skaters-take-to-the-ice/789729.aspx
THE Bendigo Ice-Skating Stadium re-opened at the weekend,
eight months after it closed its doors to the public
because of poor conditions.
The Golden Square facility underwent a general
maintenance overhaul following safety concerns the ice
surface was too dangerous.
Works included relaying pipes, improving the rink
barrier, servicing the Zamboni, upgrading the sound
system, painting and general maintenance.
The re-opening followed weeks of renovations, which saw
500 volunteers put in 5000 hours of work.
Bendigo Ice-Skating Association committee member Debbie
Botheras said it staggered her that people had put in so
much time.
‘‘The committee and the skating user groups have looked
forward for months to setting their blades back on the
ice.’’ Ms Botheras said it was good to see ice hockey and
figure skating competitors stay loyal to their sport,
even when the rink’s future was in doubt and they had to
withdraw from their season and championships.
Bendigo is home to the only Victorian rink outside of
Melbourne.
A barbecue for the volunteers was held on Friday night.
The not-for-profit community facility will run with a
bank of volunteers, paid employees and committee members.
The City of Greater Bendigo Council gave the ice-skating
stadium a $100,000 interest free lifeline in March this
year to help out.
The three-year loan was given on conditions that it meets
upgrade requirements, maintains the facility, meets a
financial plan, increases its level of volunteers, and
has council representation on its management team.
The rescue package helped to cover the $82,000 debt the
centre owed the landlord and the YMCA, and $9702 in
upgrade costs to improve the rink’s safety, performance
and efficiency.
Northgate Minerals Corporation also donated $11,000 in
April.
http://bendigo.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/skaters-take-to-the-ice/789729.aspx