The GRRD Shed - Origin Story

How do we sum up this weekend other than to say, Thank You. Our hearts are full.

Saturday 15th February 2020, we celebrated 10 amazing years of Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby and Latrobe City Roller Derby.

We marked this occasion with a milestone we've worked incredibly hard for over 3 years - the public launch of our home, the GRRD Shed in Traralgon.

After a rather full on couple of weeks, well years actually, this was the goal for our members, families, partners and supporters, and it was well worth the wait.

With our funding supporters, community partners, many members and families from current and past, the day was about celebration, recognition and thanks.

With a stirring presentation from President Bodye Darvill, the event included passionate presentations from Harriet Shing on behalf of the DPC and @Latrobe Valley Authority, warmth and reflection from Dan Clancey of @Latrobe City Council, and a journey of ten years of friendship, leadership and achievement presented by Immediate Past President, Caitlin Grigsby.

Committee Member Kat Evers proudly awarded our first Life Memberships to a very deserving 6 members of our club. Founders Teegan Douglas, Katie Graham, Amy Booth, as well as current and long serving members, Meleah Smedley, Sarah Lawless and Caitlin Grigsby.

We celebrated with absolute pride in sharing our space, and took this time to reflect and share our appreciation with all who made it possible. And with plenty of work ahead, including our gender inclusive bathroom, extended cladding, disability access, and continued partnered works with the @Traralgon and Districts Agricultural Society, we are not done yet.

But for now, we could not be more thrilled of reaching here and the opportunity to open our doors and share these achievements with our community.

To every person who officiated, played, trained, skate-fitted, lifted, fixed, BBQ'd, Raffled, painted, advocated, administered, and rode along with us... It took an army to come this far. There aren't enough thank yous to convey our gratitude.

From the bottom of our hearts, to our funders, partnering organisations, MEMBERS and Families, we say Thank You, for not only celebrating our club for what it is today, but for helping us reach ten amazing years.

Video: prior to the arrival of our 70+ guests, our Past President Caitlin takes you on a tour. Enjoy!