Long before its world-class track reopened in 2025, Cockburn BMX Club had already established something far more important; a community thriving with passionate volunteers and riders.
For more than three decades, the club has been a place where riders discover the thrill of BMX, families and supporters become volunteers, and lifelong friendships are formed.
From first-time mini wheelers to riders with national ambitions, generations of West Australians have found a home at Cockburn BMX Club.
Based at Malabar Park in Bibra Lake, the club has become a fixture of Perth’s BMX scene, with its Tuesday night racing bringing the community together week after week.
But the club’s story has never been defined solely by what happens on the track. Cockburn BMX has always been shaped by the people behind the scenes.
When the club relocated from Fremantle to Bibra Lake in 1990, members transformed a former landfill site into a venue capable of hosting the 1991 BMX Racing National Championships just 12 months later.
The event was a landmark moment, but the financial burden that followed tested the club’s future. Rather than walk away, members rolled up their sleeves.
Club volunteer Leah Martinovich said the members are the lifeblood of the club.
"We've faced challenges over the years, but every time the club needed support, our members stepped up. From hand-making trophies and fundraising to helping build the club into what it is today, our volunteers have always been the heart of Cockburn BMX," she said.
That same determination from the members would prove vital decades later.
Following a lengthy closure brought about by COVID-19 and redevelopment delays, the dream of a new track remained alive thanks to the persistence of club presidents, board members, families, and volunteers, who refused to let the vision fade.
After 14 years of planning, advocacy, and hard work, Cockburn BMX celebrated the reopening of its redeveloped facility alongside the City of Cockburn in August last year.
This marked the culmination of years of hard work from countless volunteers who had invested in the club’s future.
Today, that future is brighter than ever.
“Seeing the track full of riders again and watching our membership grow to 195 members in just 10 months reminds us why every volunteer hour is worthwhile. While we're incredibly proud of our new facility, we're also excited about the future and continue working towards our goal of securing an 8-metre start hill and gate to further develop BMX opportunities in our community and all of Western Australia,” Leah said.
With weekly racing, regular gate practice, and a welcoming atmosphere, Cockburn BMX Club continues to provide opportunities for riders of every age and ability.
AusCycling's 'Clubs in Focus' series showcases the outstanding things that our clubs are doing at the grassroots. If you have a great story about your club, let us know at [email protected].
Photos: supplied