‘We are so there’: Lismore skate rink reopens
With no cinema, no pool, and no bowling alley, the reopening of Lismore’s only skating rink is close to many hearts in the community. Here is what they think.
Lismore
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Lismore has taken another step forward with the reopening of Rollerworld almost one year after six metres of blackwater flooded the building in February and March of 2022.
With no cinema, no pool, and no bowling alley the reopening of the Lismore skate rink is close to many hearts in the community.
Families with eager children, some already laced up in their own skates waited outside impatient to get out on their familiar and homely stomping ground.
Owners Craig and Belinda Newby told the Northern Star it’s been a long journey rebuilding the rink.
Like many businesses in the flooded region the Newby’s were uninsured and have done everything off their own backs to get their business up and running again.
“Firstly having to clean it twice and then trying to fix it up … it’s taking a long time,” Mr Newby said.
“We’re not fully done yet, just rebuilding as we go.”
He said it’s great to be open so people can come back and enjoy some skating.
“The water came six metres inside the rink. Basically all the lights, everything went under except the lights off the actual ceiling.
“We lost some of the skates in the flood that we weren’t able to get out or put up high enough.
“Then we’ve had some people be able to donate us some skates and a couple of things from Albany Creek Rink and the Gold Coast Skate Club have also donated some skates to us which has been great.”
The Lismore skate rink will host all the roller sports again from February.
“The artistic skating has already started.” he said.
“The roller hockey and roller derby will start back in February.
“Night time sessions probably won’t start until February but we have day time sessions for now.”
The Jones family from Lismore and Maclean are very excited to have the rink back open.
“They went under to their gutters,” Lismore man Tristan Jones said.
Son Jakobe had his inline skates ready to go.
“It’s really exciting,” he said, “I get to go fast again.”
Sister Mackenzie is just stoked to be back on wheels again with Dad.
Mr Jones said he is looking forward to getting back into roller hockey.
“I’ve been doing rollerhockey with Craig (owner) since his dad owned the place,” Mr Jones said.
Anthony Bagnette of Lismore said his kid’s are happy to be back.
“Oh they’re excited,” Mr Bagette said, “It’s good exercise especially on rainy days.
“It’s nice to come in and be able to have them run around for two hours and blow off some steam.”
Zephyr, 9, said she is a ‘million-gazillion’ excited and she can’t wait to get inside.
Brother Asher, 6 said he is 292 per cent excited and ready to go.
Lena Saunders and her son Archie, 9, are among the first to get back inside.
“We’re very excited,” Ms Saunders said.
“When they announced they were going to be open we were just like, we are so there!
“Sessions are open – we are going!”
Lismore skate rink is located at 21 Bridge St, North Lismore with day sessions on Saturday from 10am – 12 noon and 2pm – 4pm. Sunday session time is 2pm – 4pm. Cost is $12 entry and $3 skate hire
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