When Vicki Lawler rolled into Speers Point Park with friends and family in 2018, she considered it a low-key salute to the halcyon days of skating.
Fast-forward four years, and her humble homage to that colourful era has grown to become a major social group, with a weekly gathering of up to 150 roller-skating fans, and an online community of more than 2600.
The Friday evening 80s Skaties events, which make the most of the flat, smooth Speers Point Park promenade, draw everyone from kids just learning to lace up their skates to grandparents rolling hand-in-hand and reminiscing about times gone by.
The group is poised to celebrate its fourth birthday this Friday, 4 November – a fittingly 80s-themed bash featuring a live DJ, food trucks and costumes.
"Really, it's a time where we can all escape the chore of daily life," Ms Lawler said of the weekly skate nights.
"It feels amazing pulling up and seeing so many people getting their skates on, chatting to others.
Ms Lawler said the group "provides a place of support and inclusion unlike any other".
"It's a form of exercise, but it also brings some of the nicest people together on a regular basis."
"The nature of the events, and the promenade's flat surface, makes them ideal for people of all abilities."
Lake Macquarie City Council's Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima (MAP mima) are hosting Friday's birthday event, providing a stage for the DJ and playing 80s silver screen classic Xanadu on its projection screen.
On-site cafe Harry and Lola's will serve wine and grazing platters.
MAP mima Curator Pippa Budge said it was a joy to help the 80s Skaties celebrate their birthday.
"The Skaties have become one of the many groups taking advantage of MAP mima after dark. It's wonderful to see such a positive use of the space and interaction with the arts pavilion and Speers Point Park."
Friday's free celebrations start at 6pm. They kick off MAP mima's summer season of Friday Night Foodies events, where visitors will be able to enjoy performances, together with delicious food from a rotating roster of local food trucks, and local beer, wines and cheeses.
