"It doesn't feel real": Winter Olympic gold medal winner Mili Smith reacts to potential Dewars Centre closure

Olympic gold medallist Mili Smith this week shared that the potential closure of Dewars Centre “doesn’t feel real” - and that the thought of losing it is “horrible”.

The champion curler from Guildtown grew up playing the sport on Perth ice before then climbing to the top of the podium on the grandest stage of all at Beijing 2022.

On Monday, Perth and Kinross councillors will be asked to approve recommendations to replace the city’s three main leisure facilities - Bell’s Sports Centre, Dewars Centre and Perth Leisure Pool - with one single facility.

And, in a revision to plans for the shelved PH20 project, a leisure pool, ice rink and indoor bowling would not be included.

The review recommends creating one centre to provide a 25m eight lane pool, fitness gym, sports hall, studios and family play activity.

Smith, who attended Perth Academy, cannot fathom the city being without an ice rink for current - and future - generations to enjoy the sport of curling.

Dewars Centre has crafted the careers of Olympic, world, European and national champions while offering an abundance of recreational opportunity for locals and visitors alike.

“It definitely doesn't feel real that the whole facility could just close down,” said Smith, who was awarded an MBE for services to curling.

“I can honestly say that ice rink is special for so many reasons. Reasons such as helping me and my family make some of the best memories, celebrate, learn, meet people and work with people.

“Arguably, without this ice rink, my family would not be as close. It brought us together and means we can play in the same team - an opportunity that is very rare when you think about it.

“These are experiences which have shaped me into the person I am today and meant I