Rolling Through Time: Celebrating 15 Years of Passion, Pride and Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby
As the club rolls into its 2026 season, Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby marks an extraordinary milestone — 15 years of community, resilience, and fearless dedication to sport, inclusion, and grassroots passion. What began as a small gathering of enthusiastic skaters has grown into a powerful regional force, shaping the landscape of roller derby in Gippsland and beyond.
Humble Beginnings and Big Dreams
The story began in mid-2010 when a handful of skaters united with a shared vision: to create a recreational roller skating group in the Latrobe Valley. Originally known as “Latrobe City Roller Girls,” the group’s first practice session in August marked the start of something special.
Momentum came quickly. Media attention followed, including features in Roller Derby Magazine – Hit and Miss and a radio interview on Melton’s 979 FM. By October, the group had evolved into Latrobe City Roller Derby, signalling an ambition that extended far beyond recreational skating.
In 2011, the club officially incorporated, launched its first Fresh-meat boot-camp, and stepped onto the track for its first competitive bout. These early milestones defined the club’s identity: driven, community-focused, and eager to grow.
Finding Strength Through Change
The years that followed brought competition, travel, and collaboration. By 2012, the club was participating in tournaments across Victoria and Tasmania, hosting home bouts, and building strong connections within the derby community.
Like many grassroots organisations, challenges emerged along the way. In 2013, the retirement of several key skaters forced a reinvention, leading to the formation of “The Allies,” a merged team with Rosebud Rebels. Rather than slowing momentum, these changes strengthened the club’s adaptability and collaborative spirit.
Financial pressures in later years tested the club’s survival, particularly when venue costs threatened sustainability. Yet, true to its resilient nature, the membership rallied together. In 2016, a new chapter began at the now-legendary “Sheep Shed” at the Traralgon Agricultural Society — a humble but beloved home where members swept floors, navigated chook pens, and proved that passion outweighs circumstance. Our club continued with the merge team - Team Regional Victoria’s “Rolling Matildas” in the Statewide Stampede tournamet
Reinvention and Identity
By 2017, the club recognised that its identity had grown beyond geographical boundaries. Members came together to shape a new future, ultimately adopting the name Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby — a reflection of both place and shared purpose.
This period marked significant growth. A long-term lease enabled facility improvements, grant funding supported infrastructure upgrades, and new programmes such as SkateFit expanded participation beyond competitive play.
Perhaps most defining was the club’s commitment to inclusion. In 2019, Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby hosted Australia’s first Pride Cup, a landmark event celebrating diversity in sport. The initiative earned widespread recognition, including Pride in Sport and GippSport “Club of the Year” awards, reinforcing the club’s reputation as a leader both on and off the track.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The global pandemic presented unprecedented challenges. Training shifted online as lockdowns prevented face-to-face skating, yet the community remained strong through virtual sessions, fitness training, and ongoing connection.
Further challenges arose in 2021 when severe flooding rendered the Sheep Shed unusable. Once again, adaptability prevailed, with temporary relocation followed by a new base at Churchill Leisure Center — proving that while venues may change, the heart of the club remains constant.
Pride, Performance and the Next Generation
Recent years have seen renewed competitive success and exciting partnerships. Merge teams such as the Valley Cats and Pivot City Ranges have strengthened regional collaboration, bringing competitive opportunities and impressive achievements, including a podium finish at The Great Southern Slam.
The club’s reach has extended into festivals such as Gippsland Pride and Midsumma, reinforcing its role as a safe and welcoming space for all. Pride Cup continues to grow each year, now featuring artistic installations, community activities, and junior participation.
One of the most exciting developments has been the growth of the Junior Roller Derby program, nurturing future athletes and ensuring the sport’s legacy continues. Young skaters are now competing, representing the club with enthusiasm and skill.
Rolling Toward the Future
As Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby celebrates 15 years, its journey stands as a testament to perseverance, creativity, and community spirit. From humble beginnings to award-winning initiatives, from chook sheds to championship tracks, the club has continually evolved while staying true to its core values.
Looking ahead, the vision remains clear: continued growth, expanded opportunities, and the dream of a “forever home” in Traralgon.
Fifteen years on, the wheels keep turning — powered by the passion of every skater, volunteer, supporter, and friend who has shaped this remarkable story.