Tag: Stafford Skate Centre

‘Just Roll With It’: A Nostalgic Mural in Stafford

Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane

The Stafford Skate Centre served as the inspiration behind “Just Roll With It”, a vibrant artwork by artist Grace McFarlane, on a signal box located near the intersection of Webster Road and Billabong Street, completed last month under the Artforce Brisbane initiative.

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This eye-catching artwork completed in 2024 November, located near the intersection of Webster Road and Billabong Street, celebrates the legacy of the Stafford Skate Centre, blending bright floral designs, roller skate imagery, and thoughtful symbolism.

Artforce Brisbane Stafford
Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane

The skate lace winding through the mural represents the Brisbane River, connecting Stafford to the larger Brisbane community. Assisted by Jake Fink and Kier Spilsbury, Ms McFarlane’s mural tells a story of nostalgia, connection, and hope.

A Tribute to Stafford Skate Centre

The Stafford Skate Centre was once a beloved community hub, and ‘“Just Roll With It” captures its essence with bold, retro-inspired imagery. Every detail of the mural pays homage to the joy and connection the skate rink brought to generations of locals.

Through thoughtful design and vibrant colour choices, Ms McFarlane has preserved the memory of a cherished local landmark while celebrating the evolving identity of Stafford.

New artwork in Brisbane
Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane

The Role of Artforce Brisbane

‘“Just Roll With It” was made possible through Artforce Brisbane, an initiative managed by Urban Smart Projects. The program empowers artists to transform traffic signal boxes and public spaces into meaningful works of art, creating shared spaces for connection and storytelling.

Artforce Brisbane continues to support local creativity, enabling artists like Ms McFarlane to leave lasting impressions on their neighbourhoods.

Community Connection Through Art

The mural has quickly become a focal point in Stafford, sparking conversations and fostering a sense of pride among residents. Public art projects like “Just Roll With It” show how creativity can transform everyday spaces into places of connection and meaning.

Just Roll With It
Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane

A Lasting Legacy for Stafford

More than just a mural, ‘“Just Roll With It” serves as a visual reminder of the suburb’s past while looking towards its future. Each brushstroke captures a piece of the suburb’s identity, ensuring the legacy of the Stafford Skate Centre lives on.

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Projects like “Just Roll With It” highlight the importance of public art in building vibrant, connected communities. As Artforce Brisbane continues to grow, the mural stands as a testament to the power of creativity in shaping public spaces. To learn more about ‘“Just Roll With It” and other Artforce Brisbane projects, visit Artforce Brisbane’s official website.

Published 28-Dec-2024

Council Urged to Find New Site for Stafford Skate Centre

Brisbane’s roller-skating community is calling on Council to find a new site for the Stafford Skate Centre after the lease for the privately-owned building, which has been the home of the rink for over four decades, was not renewed.

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In a statement on Facebook, the former operator Rob Carter said that it was time for his family to “hang up the skates” as he looks forward to his retirement. Reports cited that the building owners are looking to turn the building into a World Gym, targetting a redevelopment date for September 2021. 

Following the announcement, locals have expressed devastation as one of the last skating rinks in Brisbane could displace a growing skating community. Children between the ages of five to 15, who play inline hockey, speed skating, artistic skating, and roller hockey, will no longer have a safe indoor rink that protects them from the sun and road traffic.

Photo credit: Isdoleia Wu/Google Maps

The closest skating rinks, found in Albany Creek and Browns Plains, might not also be able to accommodate the number of skaters that frequent the Stafford Skate Centre. Meanwhile, Stafford has an abundance of gym facilities. 

Stafford locals have set up a petition to save the skating rink and nearly 4,000 have signed their support, as of press time. Councillor Fiona Hammond also opened her office for the community to discuss potential new locations with her. 

Some residents suggested that Council must consider an outdoor park with more undercover areas so people can still skate and exercise when it’s hot or raining.

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The skating centre first opened its doors in 1972 and Mr Carter used to work as a skating coach before he took over the lease in 1981. Mr Carter said he’s the first to be devastated by the closure but he understood the business decision made by the building owners. As per his lease agreement, the Stafford Skate Centre will close after 12 Sept 2021.