Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre, operating as Connecting Community Services, has stepped in to save the region’s only competitive gymnastics program from closing.

Formerly known as Focus Gymnastics Academy, the program now has a new name – Orana Gymnastics Academy – and a new home at 17 Douglas Mawson Drive following the successful transition to new ownership in late October.

Classes kicked off at the new facility on October 29, a happy social media post declaring that “after months of cartwheeling through red tape, handstanding over hurdles, and sticking the landing on a new space, Orana Gymnastics Academy is officially open!”

With the tagline “Building strength through community,” Orana Gymnastics Academy is the region’s only competitive program run under Recreational Gymnastics Australia (RGA), alongside Australian Gymnastics Competitions (AGC).

Dubbo Photo News readers will already know Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre/Connecting Community Services, which kindly sponsors our weekly community diary pages, providing free entries for community and sporting groups to promote their activities.

Change of ownership of the popular gymnastics program came about in response to the announcement by Fitness Focus that the gymnastics and vacation care components of their business would be closing.

Recognising the vital role this club plays in the physical and social development of children in the region, Connecting Community Services was approached to find a solution – and it delivered.

“This is an exciting opportunity to grow our services and ensure that children in our community continue to have access to high-level gymnastics training and enriching vacation care,” said Michelle Redden, Chief Executive Officer.

“We are proud to be able to step in and support the families, coaches, and children who would otherwise lose this valuable resource.”

The newly formed Orana Gymnastics Academy will operate with three head coaches and five junior staff joining the team.

The club will also offer vacation care, providing much-needed capacity alongside existing services in Dubbo’s West and South.

Beyond gymnastics, the facility will also be used for birthday parties, “ninja” circuits, parenting programs, and migrant family engagement activities, further strengthening its role as a community hub.

With 37 childcare centres in Dubbo and only two other gymnastics clubs in the region, the potential for growth is significant. As a not-for-profit organisation, Connecting Community Services will also pursue government grants and community fundraising to support the long-term sustainability of the club.

“This initiative is more than just sport, it’s about inclusion, opportunity, and community resilience,” said Khaled Taleb, Migrant Support Officer and Marketing Communications Specialist.

“We’re excited to launch Orana Gymnastics Academy and invite the community to be part of this journey.”

For further information, follow Orana Gymnastics Academy on social media or call Connecting Community Services on 1800 319 551.

“The mats are down, the beams are balanced, and the trampolines are begging for some bounce. We can’t wait to see our gymnasts – old and new – back in action,” the academy concluded on social media.