Community spirit shines at Bangalow Billycart Derby

A CROWD of 5,000 people turned out for the annual Bangalow Billycart Derby last Sunday, with the main street of town closed off for a day of thrilling races.

Bangalow Lions Club president Greg Nash described the day as a resounding success.

“There was an excellent vibe in the community, and locals and visitors seemed to be mingling happily throughout the village,” he said. “The weather cooperated, miraculously. It rained at lunchtime and it was a reasonable shower but we were looking for a break at that stage and by 1pm it was beautiful and sunny again.”

“The first aid tent was a lonesome place I’m pleased to say – there were no major injuries or incidents.”

“The grand parade was also a highlight. I particularly liked the old-fashioned Scottish pipe band; they came into the pub and blew the roof off.”

While the event was all about fun, Nash said the competition among racers was fierce.

“The Gold Coast Billycart Club won several races,” he said. “Bangalow Cricket Club and Bangalow Rugby Club competed very strongly all day, and they both won a couple of events. You Beauty has a very fast billycart, and the novelty race was a lot of fun with a few quirky billycarts.”

Mr Nash thanked the event’s commentators, who included ABC broadcaster Mick O’Regan, Possum Creek farmer Dave Eastwell, and comedian Wayne ‘Wally’ Cross, who is also the principal of Emmanuel Anglican College in Ballina.

“I’d also like to thank the local police for their wonderful community policing – they had a soft touch, and it was great,” he said.

The event coincided with the Bangalow Public School fair, The Pit Stop, which featured rides, vintage games, a cake stall, jar tombolas and a pop-up bar from local brewery Common People.

P&C president Anna Vinfield said that the fair raised around $15,000 for the school’s resources.

“Despite the rain and the challenging wet weather logistics, the looks on children’s faces made it all worth it,” she said.

Children also had the chance to meet firefighters, climb in the fire truck and witness demonstrations at Bangalow Fire Station’s open day, though the event was interrupted by a couple of callouts.

The hundreds of hay bales used as a safety barrier during the derby will be sold at Bangalow Showground on Saturday May 24, for $9 per bale.