Chisholm Vikings Closure – Statement by Vikings CEO, Anthony Hill

Vikings has made the difficult decision to close Chisholm Vikings with the last day of trading to be 30 January 2026.  

Our operating environment is increasingly challenging with evolving government policy, social expectations and rising costs. Against that background, the Vikings board and management constantly review our situation and we are working to position Vikings for long-term sustainability.  

Vikings’ roots are in Tuggeranong, and we remain committed to our base in the Valley: our staff and members, our sporting and community groups, and the broader community. But, we need to re-shape and diversify in ways that meet government policy priorities and strengthen our ability to navigate, respond to, and survive an uncertain future. 

We acknowledge how deeply disappointing this news will be for those who call Chisholm Vikings home.  

After the profound impact of the COVID pandemic on all our venues five years ago, Chisholm re-opened with vigour and focus staffed by a wonderful team who have worked tirelessly to deliver our trademark Vikings service to our members and guests. No-one has worked harder than our Chisholm staff, and this decision is in no way a reflection of their efforts or performance.  

For more than 30 years, Chisholm Vikings has been part of the Tuggeranong community. Since its opening in 1989, it has been a place for families and friends to come together, for local sport to be celebrated, and for community connections to grow. Over that time, the venue has played an important role in creating the sense of belonging that defines Vikings. 

Every Vikings employee at Chisholm will be offered continuing employment at one of our other venues and all entitlements will be maintained. There will be no forced redundancies. To ensure the well-being of our team, various resources have been put in place to support employees throughout the process of transition. 

Vikings’ support for community and sporting groups currently based at Chisholm will be ongoing, with these important partnerships remaining strong.  

We extend our sincere thanks to our Chisholm members for their loyalty and support over so many years. Their membership and benefits will continue at other Vikings venues. We hope to continue our relationship with them at Erindale, Town Centre and Lanyon, where they will find the same friendly service, familiar faces and strong sense of community that have always been part of Chisholm Vikings.  

Looking ahead, the Chisholm site presents many opportunities for alternative uses, including redevelopment or repurposing, that enhance neighbourhood amenity and meet community needs, such as housing or urban renewal. We will undertake community consultation to help guide our exploration of options and we expect to announce details of this process early in the new year. In the meantime, we welcome community feedback at chisholm@vikings.com.au. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our operating environment is increasingly challenging, from the COVID pandemic five years ago to evolving government policy, social expectations and rising costs. Against that background, the Vikings board and management constantly review our situation and we are working to position Vikings for long-term sustainability. Vikings’ roots are in Tuggeranong, and we remain committed to our base in the Valley: our staff and members, our sporting and community groups, and the broader community. But, we need to re-shape and diversify in ways that meet government policy priorities and that will strengthen our ability to navigate, respond to, and survive an uncertain future. 

  • The last day of trading will be 30 January 2026. 

  • Every team member at Chisholm will be offered continuing employment at one of our other venues. All entitlements will be maintained. There will be no forced redundancies. To ensure the well-being of our team, various resources have been put in place to support staff throughout the transition. 

  • We extend our sincere thanks to our Chisholm members for their loyalty and support over so many years. We hope to continue our relationship with members at our other nearby venues, Erindale, Town Centre and Lanyon, where they will find the same friendly service, familiar faces and strong sense of community that have always been part of Chisholm Vikings. Membership remains valid at all other Vikings venues. No action is required by members and current memberships will continue unchanged. All benefits, points, gift cards and rewards will remain valid for use at other Vikings clubs. 

  • Vikings’ support for community and sporting groups currently based at Chisholm will be ongoing, with these important partnerships remaining strong.  

  • All other venues - Erindale, Town Centre and Lanyon - remain open and continue to operate as usual. 

  • Vikings will continue to meet its gaming machine surrender obligations in accordance with ACT Government policy. The Chisholm licences will remain in the Group’s pool for future surrender.  

  • The Chisholm site presents many opportunities for alternative uses, including redevelopment or repurposing in ways that enhance neighbourhood amenity and meet community needs, such as housing or urban renewal. We are exploring these options and look forward to community input into that process. 

  • Vikings will undertake community consultation to help guide our plans and ensure the site’s future use strengthens the local area and reflects the needs of the Tuggeranong community. We expect this to commence in the first half of 2026.

  • Chisholm District Playing Fields are owned by the ACT Government, not Vikings. We understand the importance of the ovals to the local community, particularly for cricket enthusiasts. Vikings’ support for local cricket will continue and these relationships remain strong.

  • Vikings welcomes all member and community input via email to chisholm@vikings.com.au.  

VG