Feisty women on wheels

They are feisty femme fatales on wheels and they are about to take over the town.

Clad in striped knee socks and fishnet stockings, complete with full protective gear, these women are roller derby die-hards, and are determined to bring this exciting contact sport to local women with the help of roller derby queen Lara “Hot Wheels” Irons.

The Perth coach arrived in Broome last month to catch up with a group of women who are looking to establish the all-women sport in Broome.

Ms Irons is a State ice and inline hockey player and martial artist and has competed in international roller derby competitions.

The sport originated in the US in the 1930s, consisting of two teams of four blockers zooming around a circuit in half-hour bursts, trying to prevent the other team’s jammer scoring points by forcing their way through.

Since then, roller derby has dominated Australia, with established leagues in every major city.

Broome local and roller derby enthusiast Mandy Van Krimpen said she was attracted to the sport because it was something new and exciting.

“There was nothing for girls in terms of sport,” she said. “There is only netball and other ball sports.”

Ms Van Krimpen said she liked the “rough” aspect of the contact sport and it was a great way to release pent-up energy and stress.

Ms Van Krimpen said since discussing the roller derby with friends, there has since been a small group of Broome women that have formed to support bringing the sport to town.

She said the next step was finding a suitable venue in town, and is looking for more women to lend their support as skaters or volunteers.

“They don’t have to roller skate,” she said.