Not about to be rolled by something like a mere global pandemic, the Maine Rollers are actively doing their bit to get the good times up and rolling again.
With COVID restrictions eased, the enthusiastic Castlemaine group has been quick to return to the Wesley Hill Stadium for their much-loved weekly Skate Fit Friday Sessions led by experienced skate teacher, Castlemaine’s Jo Christy.
Jo is among others in the local skating community now keen to see an outdoor undercover area for skaters established in Castlemaine – and is preparing to formally put the proposal to Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Completing masters studies in cultural heritage through Deakin University, Jo says Castlemaine has a history of roller skating dating all the way back to the goldfields of the 1870s.
“Myself and others in the community would love to see a flat outdoor undercover space for skating and other health and fitness activities established here,” she says.
“We’re preparing to talk to the council about the potential of making it happen.”
Members of Friday’s Skate Fit class love few things better than pulling on their skates for an upbeat roller workout with the fun means of keeping fit proving so popular during the world’s pandemic that a global shortage of skates ensued, Jo notes.
“During lockdown skates sold out world wide,” she says.
“It’s huge now. It’s really taken off. But it’s more of a revival because for some it never really went away.”
Besides the Friday sessions at the Wesley Hill stadium, Jo earlier this year began leading roller dance sessions at Castlemaine’s Movement Zone dance studio on Saturdays, although programming had previously been disrupted by lockdowns.
“It started more for intermediate and advanced skaters but now I’m also opening it up to beginners,” she says ahead of a new Skate Victoria roller dancing program set to roll out in January statewide.
“I’ll be helping to promote that here and in other centres as well,” says Jo who’s even incorporated the historic and cultural significance of skating into her current masters studies.
“It’s very much about social and mental health and support as well,” she says.
“It’s been a lifeline during COVID.”
