Wednesday, 25 May 2022

Blackburn Cycling Club

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (09:38): Today I want to give a shout-out to the Blackburn Cycling Club. On budget day this year I had the pleasure of announcing $200 000 for new lights at the East Burwood Reserve for the Blackburn Cycling Club. This is on top of last year’s investment by the Andrews Labor government of $700 000 to upgrade their clubrooms.

The Blackburn Cycling Club has produced some of the finest cyclists to come out of Victoria. To list some of their members’ recent achievements, Alistair Donohue secured two medals at the recent Tokyo Paralympics; two junior riders are currently representing Australia at world level, Jack Ward and Harvey Brooks; two riders are in selection contention for the upcoming junior world track championships, Sophie Marr and Tarun Cook; and 30 per cent of the Victorian track cycling team which recently competed at the national championships in Brisbane came out of this club. There have been four national titles awarded to Blackburn riders at recent national competitions, in addition to over 30 podium positions. Five riders recently represented Australia at the Oceania Track Championships, achieving 11 medals. I could go on.

It is an amazing achievement from a club out in Blackburn, to produce so many champions for Victoria and Australia, and I want to acknowledge the great work that they do. They recently increased their female membership by 30 per cent. They are a great club, and it is great to be associated with them.