Wollongong Illawarra Roller Derby League will soon make roller derby more accessible to the Illawarra community after being announced as a recipient in the Commonwealth Government’s Stronger Communities Programme. 

Wollongong Illawarra Roller Derby (WIRD) would like to thank the Commonwealth Government's support after they received $8500 in round 8 of the Stronger Communities Programme, to fund their accessible skate project. The project will allow the league to provide required equipment to skaters who are struggling financially, in hopes this will create greater access for individuals to join the Learn to Skate and Learn to Roller Derby programs. 

WIRD’s president Ebony Newton is hoping the program will see roller derby in the Illawarra grow, with the league using the funding to buy 36 pairs of skates, 10 protective gear packs, skate maintenance tools, and three storage cupboards. 

“I would like to thank the Commonwealth Government for supporting us, with the funding they provided we have been able to purchase over thirty pairs of skates, safety gear packs, skate maintenance equipment, and cupboards to ensure our new equipment remains safe,” Ebony said. 

“We often have people come to us who are eager to learn to skate but cannot afford the equipment required. We also have a junior league and because our kids start at the age of seven, we find they grow out of their skates very fast, the new skate library will also ease the stress on parents constantly having to upgrade their child’s skates.” Ebony said. 

“What is really exciting is we can now hold come and try days. This will allow those looking to take up a new sport to sign up, come along, borrow a pair of skates and pads, and see if roller derby is for them.” Ebony noted.

Previously WIRD’s skate library was limited and ran solely off the generosity of current members donating their old roller skates and protective equipment. The expansion of the skate library will now allow the league to offer loan skates to more skaters in the community who attend WIRD programs.

WIRD will be holding come-and-try days early next year, anyone interested in attending is encouraged to follow WIRD’s Facebook page for regular updates.