Skating in perfect harmony

Early mornings, lots of training and plenty of fun – welcome to the world of synchronised ice-skating.

For the members of Docklands’ own synchronised ice-skating team Harmony, ice-skating isn’t just a hobby, but a way of life.

According to Docklands’ resident and skater for Harmony’s advanced team, Milla McConville, the team is “like a little family”.

At just 12-years-old, Milla has been skating for around four years and says the Harmony team itself was formed three years ago.

Team mate Kate May, 11, said synchronised ice-skating was great fun.

“You get to make a lot of good friends and it’s fun and interesting, it’s a different way of skating,” she said.

Both girls skate daily, spending two to three hours on the ice, while the team trains together several times a week.

Some days training begins as early as 5.45am, so it’s clear the team, aged between 10 and 15 years old, is very committed.

Currently the team is gearing up for several events later this year including the Sydney Synchro Festival in Penrith, the Victoria State Championships and the National Championships, which will be held at O’Brien Arena in November.

Harmony last month launched a crowd-funding campaign in order to assist with travel and accommodation costs for both the advanced and beginner teams while they compete in Sydney.

The group is hoping to raise over $7000 and is calling on the local community to lend its support.

To donate to the cause visit http://www.gofundme.com/vicharmony