Marie Shaw QC fights for disadvantaged teen ice hockey program

Ice hockey is a sport known for its wild brawls but a South Australian program taking teens off the street and onto the rink says it is facing its biggest fight yet.

A feted ice hockey program for troubled teens is at risk unless a new ice arena is built, its founder says.

Marie Shaw QC, the driving force behind the long-running Ice Factor program, is calling on the major parties to commit to building a new $40m centre, possibly at the Wayville Showground.

Ms Shaw said the program itself was funded but she feared that when the Ice Factor Foundation’s lease ends in 2025, the landlord would knock it down and redevelop the site for another use.

The foundation, backed by a government guarantee that runs out at the same time, has the lease over two-thirds of the Ice Arena including the main rink.

“Ice Factor will be without a central home to deliver to our 24 school groups of at-risk youth,” Ms Shaw said.

However, the Ice Arena’s landlord David Lee said he had no redevelopment plans.

Mr Lee said he intended to give the foundation the option of extending its lease for a further three years to 2028 – Ms Shaw said that would also require the state government to extend its guarantee.

Mr Lee said that after recent multi-million dollar renovations, he was surprised Ice Factor would be looking for a new home.

Marie Shaw QC, (R) with particpants in her ice hockey program, Lachie Kelly, Lakeisha Watkins and Michael Burgoyne. Picture: Dean Martin

The Liberal Party has no plans to commit funding for a new arena.

Treasurer Rob Lucas said the government was aware of two proposals for new ice arenas to be developed and fully funded by private developers.

Labor’s Blair Boyer said his party would “work with Ice Factor to ensure it can continue to deliver this important program”. But he did not commit to a new arena.

Jamie Sewer, 18, a member of Ice Factor’s Indigenous ice hockey team, said the program had changed her life after she spent her childhood and teen years in and out of foster homes.

Ms Sewer said the program was more than just ice hockey.

“I had a coach that sat outside the ice rink for six hours waiting for me when I was removed from a house,” Miss Sewer said.

“He didn’t get paid for that or anything.”

She said she would be devastated if the program ended as she hoped her younger brother could take part.

“He’s just started high school and it’s not too good right now. I think he needs this program. I think a lot of other kids do too.”

Since 2005, more than 3000 students have benfitted from the Ice Factor.