Dubbo mayor Greg Matthews, Dubbo MP Dawn Fardell, Sport and Recreation minister Graham West, representatives from Dubbo City Council and State Government departments as well as other organisations were at the scene, but they kept the official proceedings short and let the skaties have their fun.

With Australia’s first full pipe and one of the top five skating bowls in the country, Cr Matthews said he hoped the facility would be enjoyed by the residents of Dubbo and attract national and international athletes.

On the day of its official opening, Dubbo’s skate-park was properly christened by scores of young people soaring on its heights.

Dubbo mayor Greg Matthews, Dubbo MP Dawn Fardell and sport and recreation minister Graham West were in attendance to cut a red ribbon, officially opening the world-class sporting facility located in the Victoria Park Regional Action Sports Precinct.

The short ceremony was conducted in front of members of the community, with people of all ages pausing on their skateboards, bikes and scooters.

Local boy Joel O’Dea said it was “about time” Dubbo had such a facility.

“I skate whenever I can, every weekend,” he said, before launching himself down the bowl.

In giving the welcome to country, Aboriginal elder Uncle Russell Ryan said it was “about time something was done for the kiddies”.

Mr West and Mrs Fardell said it was wonderful to see the skate park become a reality.

“It’s truly wonderful to see this up and running,” Mrs Fardell said. “Enjoy your day kids, this is all for you.”

Cr Matthews walked among the users of the Dubbo skate park yesterday.

“The Dubbo community should be very proud of this facility,” he said.

“I know that I for one am extremely proud to see this project come to fruition and be enjoyed by so many local and visiting youth.

“The skate park is considered world-class and it is designed to challenge and grow the skills of skaters as well as attract national and international athletes.

“Dubbo has Australia’s first full pipe and it would also have one of the premier skating bowls in the world.”

Cr Matthews said the Department of Sport and Recreation funded the $400,000 project to the tune of $200,000 under the Regional Sports Facility Program, while Dubbo council matched this amount dollar for dollar.

“The next stage of the Victoria Park Regional Action Sports Precinct will be an extension to include plaza and street skating elements,’’ Cr Matthews said.

Professional skaters travelled to Dubbo from Sydney for the opening and to take advantage of what the facility offered.

“For a bowl facility it’s amazing,” Sydney skater with 21 years of experience Ti Coleing said.

“If they follow through with the street-oriented facility it will definitely be a major attraction.”

faye.wheeler@ruralpress.com