Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby are settling into their new home at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve and Showgrounds after receiving a $81,600 grant through the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Community and Facility Fund.
Works included roof repairs, vermin proofing, electrical upgrades, wall padding, installation of a child play area, new entry area and storage area fit-out. Accessibility improvements included a unisex accessible toilet with baby change, a ramp to replace steps leading to the toilets and an accessible emergency exit.
Traralgon-based builder, Virtue Homes played a huge part in the refurbishment project, providing the Roller Derby with project management expertise and working alongside the Club from start to finish to create something special for their members.
Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby have experienced an astonishing membership increase from just 18 members, to now over 120 active participants. The Derby’s membership base is made up predominately of women, many of whom identify as LGBTIQ+ and young mothers.
In 2019, Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby launched the Gippsland Pride Initiative – a series of three annual events celebrating IDAHOBIT in May, Roller Derby Pride Cup and Gippsland Pride Gala. The second Gippsland Pride Gala and Gippsland Pride Cup will be held on 23 May 2020.
More than 180 different community groups across the Latrobe Valley region are now seeing the benefits of improved facilities thanks to the Victorian Government’s Community and Facility Fund, delivered as part of the Latrobe Valley Authority’s $266 million package.
The $20 million Fund is now fully subscribed, with LVA staff continuing to work with individual groups to complete projects already underway.
