Australia’s elite curlers have descended on Naseby this week, each keen to return home with the title of national champ.

The remote Central Otago town’s indoor curling rink has been a drawcard for Curling Australia’s national finals each year since about 2005.

And, this year is no exception with about 60 people arriving in the town for the series of competitions taking place until Saturday, May 25.

The Central App caught up with technical delegate and Australia’s national curling coach Perry Marshall between games.

Brad Patterson throws a stone while warming up ahead of a game. PHOTO: The Central App

He said Australia’s top curlers travel to Naseby for competitions annually, due to their homeland not having a dedicated facility.

“It’s been a long tradition.”

In Australia, curlers play on arena ice, which is dedicated to the likes of ice hockey and figure skating. 

Ice made specifically for curling is different, something Reece Aiken, of Dunedin, specialises in.

He has been in Naseby this week, also, to make sure the ice is in prime condition between matches.

Andrew Collins, who is in Team Bence, has a training run before competing in Naseby on Tuesday. VIDEO: The Central App

His expertise will not go unnoticed by those who are competing in the nationals this week, which features four championships - men’s, women’s, mixed fours and mixed doubles. 

There are four women’s teams, seven men’s, eight in the mixed fours and six in the mixed doubles, all hailing from around Australia.

Three draws are played each day, allowing Reece time between to make any adjustments required.

“An ice maker’s job is never done,” Perry said.

Perry’s role with Curling Australia is not one he takes for granted.

“I get to see all of our best curlers curl and make sure they have a great event.”

Winners from each category will go on to compete at their respective world events, the first of which is mixed fours taking place in October, followed by the pan continental.

Results are posted on curlingzone.com and the Curling Australia website, where the games are also streamed.