Ice Factor Program

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:04): My question is to the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing. Is the minister concerned about the future of the Ice Factor program and do you consider it a victory that the sports development is shut down in our state?

The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD (Reynell—Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:05): I think I have answered that question in an earlier question from the shadow spokesperson for recreation, standalone recreation, not sport but recreation. We have spoken before, including just a few minutes ago, about the IceArenA and that being the facility for ice sports here in South Australia. I know that the Ice Factor program operates from that facility. I also know that the Ice Factor program does remarkable work.

I have seen the joy and the empowerment from young people in my own community, young people from Christies Beach High and Wirreanda High who participate in the Ice Factor program, and I have seen some of the things that those young people have been experiencing before they participate in the program, and how much that engagement in sport absolutely helps those young people to know that they belong, that they are seen, that there are people there to support their development, that they are surrounded by a team of people involved in what happens through the Ice Factor program and the tournaments. It is extraordinary and I am really grateful to Marie Shaw and those who have developed the program for all that it does, and for the difference it makes to young people in our community.