Times Past It is hard to imagine life without the Phillip ice skating rink, however, on this day in 1979, it was just part of a plan for future enjoyment. The Canberra Times reported on plans for the Olympic-sized rink to be built at the Phillip Swimming Pool Centre. The rink would ensure the facilities could be used all year round and not just in warmer months as was then the case for the outdoor pools. READ MORE | 