Zulfiye, Noble Park Basketball Courts. Bunurong and Wurundjeri Country.

@zulfiyeah

My leopard print roller skates with bright red wheels was the first thing I had bought for myself since my divorce. The last time I bought myself anything was more than six months ago as I wanted to save all of my extra earnings to build security in my life. It was a spontaneous decision to finally buy something for myself after seeing my cousin had just purchased a pair. At the time, we were restricted with a lockdown so the first couple of months of my skate journey was in my living room on the hardwood floors.

 

I thought roller skating would be a fun way to get fit. It was exactly that and became a lot more. It completely transformed my life. I began to develop a relationship with my body and appreciate its strength and resilience in a different way compared to my past. I felt stronger and more connected to myself. My mindset also developed because initially I was questioning If I was too old to start skating. That feels like a lifetime ago now and now when I tie my laces up to skate, my focus is on developing and building my skills.

I also developed a new community of friends. Skating is the only thing some of us share in common. It’s great because I love the skate culture and community so much. It’s diverse and they are very accepting. 

 

These photos have been taken at an iconic location: the Noble Park Basketball courts. As a local, I would never look twice as I drove past. Little did I know it would end up being the place I spend most of my time, connect with my local community and become the feature of all my Instagram posts. I never imagined I’d be a regular at the neighbouring skate park, with music blaring from my boom box and scarf flying in the wind behind me. 

The basket ball courts are located at the busiest intersection in Noble Park, and right cross that road is a pharmacy I worked at while I was an intern. Sometimes I glance at the pharmacy while I skate and immediately I am teleported to a time where my only priority was my studies. Sometimes I think the old me would not recognise the person I am now, which makes me smile. I am so happy to be where I am right now. 

 

I love skating and what it has brought into my life. I invite you to try new things, regardless of your age or talent because you can never know what will happen.