From junior boys and girls to masters, Melbourne’s eastern suburbs cycling community will soon be changing into top gear at upgraded clubrooms at Blackburn Cycling Club.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane today announced the club had received a boost of up to $700,000 from the Victorian Budget 2021/22 towards the delivery of female friendly changerooms at the club’s East Burwood Reserve velodrome.

Blackburn Cycling Club has been a mainstay of the sport in the eastern suburbs since 1946, but it has recently struggled to cater for growing numbers of road and track cyclists at its ageing rooms.

The upgraded clubrooms will feature female friendly amenities to support the club’s drive to provide modern, safe and accessible facilities for all existing and new members. It’s not just the local club that will benefit – nearby schools and community groups will also be able to use the facilities when they become available.

The Blackburn Cycling Club investment is part of a $55 million Victorian Budget 2021/22 injection for local sports facility upgrades and transformations that will help open more venues to women and girls’ participation.

The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $1.1 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2015. Investments like these create jobs, stimulate local economies, level the playing field and boost community cohesiveness by improving health, wellbeing and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

The Labor Government will work closely with project partners, including Whitehorse City Council, to deliver this project to inspire a new generation of local cyclists.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane

“Blackburn Cycling Club is a much-loved part of the local community and has been for 75 years – now it will have modern facilities to ensure it remains strong for decades to come.”

“Female friendly changerooms mean more women and girls will be encouraged to try the sport and commit to it – and that’s a great outcome for cycling.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence

“We’re helping Blackburn Cycling Club bounce back better than ever as sporting life assumes a more familiar look and feel in Melbourne and across Victoria.”

“This boost will open up new opportunities for the club and its members, paving the way for an exciting new era for the club.”