New Canberra School to host local roller derby leagues and other community indoor sport

The ACT Government along with the Canberra Roller Derby League and the Varsity Derby League, have announced that the new ACT public school in Molonglo will include a high-quality purpose-built double gymnasium space suitable for roller derby and other indoor sports.

ACT Deputy Chief Minister, Yvette Berry advised that “in building schools for a growing Canberra, the government continues to look for opportunities to provide facilities that benefit the wider communities.

“In September I announced that the first stage of Canberra’s 89th public school, beginning with preschool to year 6, will cater for up to 644 students in time for the 2021 school year.

“Today I am joined by the Canberra Roller Derby League and Varsity Derby League to announce that the new school will include a purpose-built double gymnasium that will be suitable for roller derby training and competitions, as well as use by other sports community groups.”

The ACT Government is investing approximately $4 million to deliver the new gymnasium which is expected to be completed in mid-2021. This will be a significant community and sporting facility which will allow spectators to watch indoor sports and events throughout the year.

It will include two full sized courts with line markings for roller derby and other sports such as basketball, futsal or indoor soccer, netball, volleyball and badminton, seating and additional space for community storage.

This investment is in line with the ACT Government’s response to the Planning for Indoor Facilities and Other Sport and Infrastructure Report.

Further facilities to be provided in stage one of the school construction includes a multipurpose room with kitchen facilities, an outdoor playing field suitable for soccer, rugby league and rugby union and two cricket nets.

There will also be two outdoor hard courts with basketball and netball markings. All these facilities will be available for community use outside of school hours.

Minister Berry added that “Schools provide important community hubs and facilities that cater for activities beyond education. Sportsgrounds, courts, gymnasiums, classrooms and other facilities across all ACT public schools are available for community use.

“The Molonglo region has grown to almost 7,000 residents since 2011 and the region is expected to see Canberra’s most rapid population growth over the coming decade—adding an estimated 25,000 people by 2029.

“This investment in schools and school facilities forms a key part of the Government’s ongoing work to delivering the services and infrastructure Canberrans need today and in years to come.”

Image of Canberra Roller Derby League courtesy of Canberra Roller Derby League Facebook and D-eye Photography.