Skating Girl brought back to life

Published by: City of Port Phillip | 9-Oct-2018
Dating back to the 1940s, the Skating Girl neon sign has been fully restored and now lights up the St Kilda Town Hall foyer. Her official return highlights an important part of St Kilda's history, the iconic St Moritz Ice Skating Rink.
Venue: St Kilda Town Hall
Address: 99A Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Date: Thursday 11 October
Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Web: http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/october-2018-media_7764.htm
A much-loved piece of St Kilda's history has been revived for the community to enjoy.

After undergoing detailed restoration, Skating Girl now lights up the St Kilda Town Hall atrium, completing her return to prominence after being saved in 1982 from the fire-ravaged St Moritz Ice Skating Rink.

In the 1940s and 50s, the grand art deco St Moritz on the St Kilda Esplanade, where the Novotel Hotel is now, was a hive of activity.

Many skated to the music of a live band and to the bright lights of Skating Girl.

One of those skaters was Tom Ingram, who played a major role in rescuing and restoring her after the fire.

Skating Girl was donated to the St Kilda Historical Society, which then gifted her to the City of Port Phillip.

Mayor Bernadene Voss expects the community to embrace this colourful new addition.

"Now hanging proudly in the foyer of our town hall, we hope that Skating Girl will come to be as much loved as the iconic Skipping Girl sign in Abbotsford," Cr Voss said.

"This project affirms Council's commitment to preserving the historical legacy of our Municipality, not only for our community but also for Victoria.

"Skating Girl evokes many memories and helps to tell our story, creating a strong identity for the community and reaffirming it as a place to belong."

Skating Girl, now illuminated by solar power, is today part of the Port Phillip City Collection, which comprises over 10,000 art and heritage objects.

To celebrate her arrival, the community can officially welcome Skating Girl at a launch on 11 October, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at the St Kilda Town Hall.

The launch is part of the History Week celebrations within Port Phillip.

For catering purposes, please RSVP. For more details, contact Council on 9209 6496 or email art&heritage@portphillip.vic.gov.au

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