General News
23 August, 2026
Beloved arena closing
FOR nearly four years the RAM Recreational Centre in Innisfail has offered local families a vibrant, bustling hub of activity and an escape from the damp and heat.
From birthday parties and roller-skating laps to arcade games, movie nights and indoor markets, the Stitt Street venue – inside the former Innisfail State High School indoor sports building – has offered a safe, airconditioned haven for local youth and parents alike.
But, after a valiant effort to keep the dream alive, owner and founder Ryan Melita has announced that the centre will permanently close its doors at the end of September.
In an emotional video message shared with the community, a visibly moved Mr Melita (right) – who named the centre using his own initials – admitted that the decision was one of the hardest he has ever had to make,
He cited a tough economic reality and the toll of running a full-time business alongside a second job.
“When I started RAM, it was never just about creating another business,” Mr Melita explained in his video address to more than 2500 followers.
“It was about creating a space where the Innisfail community could come together, celebrate birthdays, learn to skate, have fun creating memories and make new friends.”
Despite rolling out a continuous stream of fresh events, youth clubs and community markets, as well as serving as the home base for the RAM Coaching Academy, foot traffic simply fell short of what was needed to keep the doors open.
To support the venue, Mr Melita took on full-time external employment, working exhausting hours to keep RAM afloat.
“The reality is simple,” he said. “Unfortunately, we just can’t gain enough interest to keep the traffic flow coming through the door and we just can’t afford to keep this place open anymore. I’m not having the family time that I do need, and even with everything I’m doing, the RAM dream is just really struggling to stay alive.”
The announcement triggered a wave of community sympathy and reflection online, highlighting a dilemma often faced by regional towns such as Innisfail.
Some residents suggested the venue’s location slightly outside the central business district as a possible factor for low patronage, believing a spot with higher visibility and natural foot traffic might have fared differently.
Yet for many loyal customers, the Stitt Street setup was perfect.
Tully resident Rosie Murgha noted that families were more than willing to make the drive down the highway for the centre’s affordable, high-quality birthday packages and easy access.
Others praised the immense personal time, effort and heart that the Melita family poured into the facility over the years.
While the closure marks a sad chapter for the district, Mr Melita is determined not to let RAM quietly fade away.
The venue has planned a packed schedule of fun-filled activities throughout the remainder of August and in September, encouraging locals to visit one last time, leave their handprints on the wall and give the centre the warm send-off.
“To the whole of the Innisfail community, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Mr Melita said.
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