Skateland Gympie to close in shock blow to roller sports

The owner of a popular and much-loved Gympie sports centre has made a shock announcement after what she described as a very costly time both financially and emotionally.

Skateland Gympie owner Dee Kernke has made a shock announcement the region’s popualr roller rink will be shutting its doors at the end of its lease.

The owners of Skateland Gympie have revealed the popular roller rink’s days are numbered, with the centre to close down at the end of its lease in three months’ time.

Owner Dee Kernke revealed the news on social media Monday afternoon, saying she was “devastated, heart broken & frustrated that it has come to this point”.

“I know the whole Gympie community will be shocked and sad by this news,” Ms Kernke said.

“I have been fighting to stay for the last two years unfortunately the landlord wants to take it over for themselves.

“Local council compliance has been an impossible obstacle along the way with no resolution.

“Very disappointing and very costly financially and emotionally.”

The rink’s closure will leave Gympie’s roller hockey team, the Thunder, without a training ground.

The closure would leave Gympie’s roller hockey team, the Thunder, without a training ground.

Skateland opened in November 2018, one month after the former business at the rink, SkateZone, was forced to shut.

In 2022 the rink hosted the Australian Clubs Roller-Hockey Championships, which drew hundreds of players, coaches and spectators to the region across four days.

Mrs Kernke said the closure was coming at the same time Skateland “started branching out to support the wider community with playgroup, NDIS, Zumba & new indoor skate park”.

She urged the community to make the most of the time the rink had left.

“Please support Skateland over the next few months,” Ms Kernke said.

“Be kind as we grieve.

“Get as much skating in a you can while we are still open.

“It’s a party until the end.”