Community sports the key to saving Dunc Gray Velodrome

AusCycling is seeking federal funds to create a multi-sport community facility at Sydney’s Dunc Gray Velodrome.

The $2.5 million funding request would create a new home for multiple local sports, secure critical training facilities for aspiring Olympic track cyclists, and preserve a piece of Sydney’s 2000 Olympics legacy.   

As the only indoor velodrome in New South Wales, Dunc Gray remains a critical part of the development pathway for young cyclists aiming to compete in the Los Angeles and Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028 and 2032. 

However, the end of a management agreement between the NSW Government’s Office of Sport and Canterbury-Bankstown Council will leave AusCycling as the building’s only significant tenant.

Unless the facility can be upgraded to allow use by other indoor sports and community groups, it risks closure.

Dunc Gray is a critical part of the development pathway for young cyclists. (Morgan Ho)

According to AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner, converting the velodrome to a multi-use facility would cost a modest $2.5 million, which is a fraction of the cost of building a new indoor sport venue in Bankstown or the tens of millions it would take to demolish the building.

“Track cycling is the major contributor to upkeep through user fees, but that revenue isn’t enough to cover the overheads of a solid but ageing facility that was built 26 years ago,” Fechner said.

“A number of sports have already expressed an interest in using the velodrome’s substantial infield, club rooms and other facilities if they are refurbished and available for use. These include volleyball, martial arts including judo, pickleball, skate sports, athletics, badminton and wheelchair sports.”  

Required upgrades include installation of a sprung wooden floor in the infield and conversion of the ageing halogen lighting system to LED. The lighting changes alone would significantly reduce the velodrome’s annual $97,000 electricity bill.

AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner speaking to media about a funding request to create a multi-sport community facility at Dunc Gray Velodrome.

“As an established facility in a local sporting precinct, Dunc Gray already has good connections to the Bankstown sporting community,” Fechner said. 

“The option we are putting on the table is the fastest, cheapest and most viable way of securing an indoor multi-use facility in South Western Sydney. 

“Failure to secure the future of the velodrome would leave Canterbury-Bankstown Council with a demolition bill estimated at $20 million and a wasted legacy from the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Dunc Gray was the site of a famous gold medal win by Brett Aitken and Scott McGrory in the Madison event during the Sydney Olympics.