It’s the end of an era in Bunbury, and for many locals, it feels like lacing up those skates for the very last time.

The Rink, one of Western Australia’s last remaining purpose-built rollerskating venues, is set to close its doors at the end of June, leaving a trail of memories, heartbreak, and hope in its wake.


For 26 years, The Rink has been more than just a place to skate. It’s been a community hub, a training ground for champions, and a haven for families and friends to gather, laugh, and glide away their worries.

Opened in 1999 by artistic skating coach Susan Brooks, The Rink transformed an old indoor volleyball centre in Bunbury’s industrial area into a vibrant, whirring world of wheels and music.

Alongside co-owner Ozzy Kilgallon—who also runs the Morley Rollerdrome in Perth—the pair have nurtured generations of skaters, including some of Australia’s very best.


But as with many beloved local institutions, the challenges of modern times have caught up.

Financial pressures and the difficulties of managing the venue remotely from Perth have forced Susan and Ozzy to make the tough decision to sell.

The building is now on the market, advertised as a 'great investment opportunity'—but for the Bunbury skating community, it’s the loss of a second home.


A Skating Legacy That Spans Generations

The Rink isn’t just a business; it’s a legacy. Just ask Denice Seymour, recently crowned WA’s 2025 State Champion in the Masters Ladies Figures division.

Denice has been skating at The Rink since it first opened, and her passion for the sport has been passed down to her children and even her granddaughter.

For Denice, the closure is deeply personal.

'Having The Rink here in Bunbury was the best thing because I wasn’t missing out on what I absolutely loved doing,' she shared. '

And it was special because all the Bunbury skaters were there for each other all the time. It just had a great atmosphere.'

Denice is set to compete in the 2025 Australian Roller Sports National Artistic Championships in July, but she admits the future feels uncertain.

'I’ve been trying to picture my life without skating, and I don’t know, it’s hard,' she said. 'It concerns me for the future of skating here because where are people going to go?'


A Community on Wheels

The Rink has always been more than just a sporting facility. It’s been a place where friendships are forged, skills are honed, and confidence is built—regardless of age or ability.

For many over 60s, rollerskating has offered a fun way to stay active, socialise, and even relive a bit of their youth.

The sense of camaraderie and belonging is something that can’t be easily replaced.

Ozzy Kilgallon, reflecting on the decision to sell, said, 'Finances were one factor, but the other one was having management from here was proving more difficult than expected. We weren’t going forward, we weren’t going backwards, but down the track, rates come in, insurance goes up and if we couldn’t keep it affordable for families, it couldn’t exist.'

He added, 'It’s the closing of a chapter with our involvement, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the book is closed on rollerskating in Bunbury.'


What’s Next for Bunbury’s Skating Scene?

With the building up for sale, there’s a glimmer of hope that a new owner might keep the wheels turning.

The local skating community is rallying, hoping someone with the right vision and passion will step in to preserve this unique space.

Until then, the Artistic Skating Club will continue to use the site, and the final public skate session is set for June 29—a bittersweet farewell for many.

The closure of The Rink is a stark reminder of the challenges facing community venues across Australia, especially those outside the big cities.

Rising costs, changing lifestyles, and the pressures of remote management can make it tough to keep these treasured places alive.

But as we’ve seen time and again, communities have a way of coming together when it matters most.
Have you ever laced up your skates at The Rink, or do you have fond memories of rollerskating in your own hometown? Maybe you’ve found a new way to stay active and social in your golden years? We’d love to hear your stories, memories, and thoughts in the comments below.

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