New ice sport coming to Canberra

Embargoed until 12.01am Tuesday 24 February 2026

Hey Canberra: get ready for the start of a beginner curling program!

That’s right – the Winter Olympics sport of curling, in which Australia’s Dean Hewitt and Tahli Gill first competed in mixed doubles in Beijing 2022, is set to join the ice sports roster at Phillip Ice Rink.

The Winter Olympics traditionally inspire interest in Australia in established snow/ice-based activities such as figure skating, speed skating, skiing, and snowboarding where Australians can, and do excel on the world’s most elite sporting stage. In fact, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina have been Australia’s most successful campaign bringing home six medals: three gold, two silver and a bronze.

And even though the Aussies didn’t curl in Italy, the interest remains high in a sport which originated on the frozen lochs and ponds of Scotland in the 16^th century.

“We’re currently in negotiation with Phillip Ice Skating Rink to secure regular ice time to help establish a curling program for Canberra,” said ACT Ice Sports Federation spokesman, Sandi Logan. “There is little spare ice time on offer, but the rink management has recognised the demand and is working to find a regular weekly slot for existing, as well as beginner curlers, resident in and/or living nearby such as in Yass, Goulburn, Cooma or even Batemans Bay.

“Olympic curler Dean Hewitt has already met with our federation, as well as with our honorary observer curling members.”

Curling requires specialist equipment including stones, brooms/brushes, sliders/grippers for shoe soles, and marked ice “targets” at which curlers aim when they slide their stones.

“For beginners – which is who this program will target – all you need is the enthusiasm to learn, clean rubber-soled runners, stretch pants and warm clothes,” Logan said. “It’s very much a social as well as athletic activity – like lawn bowls on ice.

“Over time and based on the community’s response, the next steps establishing an association, offering memberships, and importantly, acquiring multiple sets of stones and other equipment will follow,” he said. “In that instance, we will meet with Curling Australia to discuss the wider plans for curling in the ACT and further explore the feasibility of regular curling here. Along with established curling clubs around Australia, they will be important interlocutors for the ACT, especially given their experience, knowledge, and contacts.”

While ACT residents continue to patiently – and at times anxiously – await the outcome of the government’s latest demands of Cruachan Investments/Pelligra Group associated with the developers’ undertaking to design, build and operate a twin-sheet ice sports centre in Tuggeranong – including a dedicated curling rink – the community isn’t wasting time, getting its sandpaper out now for the best traction possible.

“We want to make this work, one way or the other,” Logan added.

The ACT Ice Sports Federation’s petition to the ACT Legislative Assembly closes on 24 February and will be tabled 25 February by Brindabella MLA Taimus Werner-Gibbings.