Interior view of Melbourne West Barbell Club featuring state-of-the-art weightlifting equipment.
Close up exterior view of the Melbourne West Barbell Club signage

LIFTING UP A REVOLUTION

Redefining Strength at MWBC

At MWBC, we're on a mission to shake up the weightlifting scene and create a space where every lifter, from newbie to pro, feels right at home and part of the victory parade. We want to prove that strength training isn’t just a physical game; it’s a full-blown mind-body transformation.

When our founder Caity first picked up a barbell, she fell in love with the sport of weightlifting. But as she progressed, she noticed a glaring problem: the weightlifting world could be a bit of an exclusive club, and not the fun kind.  It felt culture was exclusive, intimidating, and left many lifters feeling like they had to 'earn the right' to be coached or supported. She knew something had to change.

And so, MWBC was born - built on the idea that gyms should be about opening doors, not gatekeeping them.

At MWBC, our team bring more to the table than just expert technical know-how—they’re the ultimate hype squad, trusted advisors, and guides on your strength journey. We believe lifting is more than a game of numbers; it’s about the bonds formed, obstacles surmounted, and personal victories big and small.

They are passionate about forging real, lasting connections with every athlete that walks through our doors. They’re not just here to spot you; they’re here to hear you out—your ambitions, your concerns, and even your wildest fitness dreams, and in it to help you transform them into your reality. With a little nudge from them, you won’t just lift heavier weights—you’ll also lift your spirits (awwww!).

Since opening our physical space, we've been lucky to welcome two incredible Coaches to the MWBC family: Sebb and Brooke, as well as a new Gym Manager, Mahara. Their unique personalities, backgrounds, and areas of expertise have added more depth and dimension to our coaching team.

Group photo of MWBC members at a community lifting event

MEET THE TEAM

Dr Caity Haniver of Melbourne West Barbell Club

Meet Dr. Caity Haniver, the boss lady who's not just talking the talk - she's lifted the weight. With over a decade of experience in weightlifting as an athlete, coach, and osteopath, she's got a perspective on the sport that's as unique as it is powerful.

Caity's not one to shy away from a challenge. She's represented Australia on the platform, snagged multiple Victorian Championship titles, and even coached alongside the big dogs at AWF. But her proudest accomplishment? Building MWBC from a humble garage gym to the thriving community it is today.

As a coach, Caity's not just about the numbers. With her osteopathic background, she's all about keeping her athletes healthy and happy, both on and off the platform. She knows that weightlifting is about more than just PRs - it's about becoming the best version of yourself. And she's got the skills to help you get there.

But don't let the Dr. title fool you - Caity's not afraid to get her hands chalky. She's still out there crushing lifts and leading by example. And with certifications in everything from AWF coaching to strength and conditioning, she's got the knowledge to back it up

So if you're looking for a coach who's equal parts mentor, cheerleader, and technical wizard, look no further than Caity. She's not just here to help you lift heavy - she's here to help you lift your life to the next level.

Sebb - Coach at Melbourne West Barbell Club

Meet Sebb, the coach who's living proof that you can be serious about gains and still have a laugh (or ten) along the way. This guy's a walking certificate rack, and with everything from CrossFit to Olympic lifting expertise, he's got the knowledge and the know-how to help you level up your lifts.

Sebb’s resume is as solid as they come, but it’s his style that’ll catch you off guard: he's the kind of guy who'll have you cracking up between sets, all while pushing you to dig deeper and push past your limits. With a Bachelor's in Exercise Sports Science in the works, he's always on the cutting edge of training techniques. But more than that, he's genuinely invested in seeing you succeed.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Sebb's got the skills to create a program that'll have you smashing PBs left and right. And if you're looking for some extra one-on-one attention, he's got you covered with training sessions that'll leave you feeling stronger, more confident, and maybe definitely a little sore (in a good way).

So if you're ready to get serious about your lifts without taking yourself too seriously, Sebb's your guy. Just be warned - his enthusiasm is contagious, and you might just find yourself looking forward to those hard leg sessions!

Brooke - Coach at Melbourne West Barbell Club

On a quest to get strong as hell, move like a pro, and actually enjoy your workouts? Brooke is your powerhouse coach. With over 8 years straddling the dual roles of an athlete and coach, she’s your expert for a training experience that’s as enjoyable as it is effective.

Brooke’s not new to the competitive scene; her sporting life kicked off on the state basketball courts, transitioning into a gym gal, and now a dedicated lifter guiding others to their peak. She’s notched up some serious numbers too—a whopping 145kg back squat for a double is just a taste of her prowess.

2024’s got a spot reserved for her on the weightlifting platform, but until then, she’s perfecting her craft—rowing with her surf boat crew and continuously pushing her lifting limits.

Brooke delves deep into the science of performance, currently pursuing a PhD on how the menstrual cycle impacts well-being and performance in women who train hard. She is equally passionate about assisting busy professionals in managing their training around demanding careers. Whether you're looking to optimise your workouts to your cycle or boost your performance while managing a hectic schedule, Brooke has the expertise and the strategy to support your goals.

Ready to train smart and hard? Brooke’s blend of field-tested strategies and cutting-edge research ensures you’re not just training; you’re making every session count.

Mahara - Manager at Melbourne West Barbell Club

Get ready for a big MWBC welcome back for Mahara, our new Gym Manager! We're thrilled to have her infectious energy and warmth back at the gym. She'll be the go-to for all things membership-related, streamlining signup processes, handling changes, and answering any questions you have.

Mahara isn't just a familiar face (she coached with us back in 2020-2021) – she's a powerhouse of positivity with a heart of gold. Her passion for empowering women in sport is contagious, and she's dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive training environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

As a new mum herself, Mahara brings a fresh perspective to her leadership role. She understands the challenges and triumphs of athletes at all stages of life and is always happy to lend an ear or offer a helping hand (and who knows, you might even see her leading a class in the future – stay tuned)!

Beyond the warmth, Mahara brings serious credentials to the table. With over 5 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach, certifications as a Club Weightlifting/Sports Power Coach Level 1, a Bachelor in Sports Science and an ASCA Level 1 S&C Coach, she's ready to tackle any gym management challenge and ensure a smooth operation for everyone.

our values are simple, but powerful:

  • Think of us as a conga line of support; we celebrate every lift and every slip, because that's just part of the dance.

  • No special treatment here. Every lifter gets the same attention and support, no matter their numbers.

  • We're humans first, athletes second. Your health and happiness are our top priority—this isn’t a drill, it’s a lifestyle.

  • Your goals are our goals. We're part coach, part cheerleader and here to guide you, support you to becoming the best version of yourself.

What started as a small group of lifters training in Caity's garage has grown into a vibrant community that's redefining what it means to be a weightlifter. From our humble beginnings to our current fancy digs, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to kick down the barriers in weightlifting. Our facility is state-of-the-art, sure, but it’s the people inside it that make the real magic happen.

At MWBC, we’re not just setting bars; we’re raising them. Why not come see for yourself?
Join the revolution and let’s get lifting.

MWBC Logo Stencil Image