The much-loved Monaro Billy Cart Derby returned on Sunday with excitement and community spirit at the Cooma Showgrounds. Organised by the Cooma Car Club, the event drew a healthy crowd of families from all around the Snowy Mountains for a day of nostalgic fun and friendly competition.
PHOTO: The Monaro Billy Cart Derby has grown to inspire all sorts of interesting builds.
Now a staple in the local calendar, the Derby was hosted by Cooma Car Club President Tony Nassar, who emphasised the day’s focus on getting children outdoors and engaging with the community. “The Derby is all about having kids experience real-world fun and community spirit,” he said.
This year’s event was particularly memorable with Alan Roberts setting a new speed record of 45km per hour, surpassing the previous 41km per hour record, and winning in the 18+ category with a time of 15.36 seconds.
PHOTO: Alan Roberts sets a new speed record of 45km/hr – WATCH the record breaking run https://fb.watch/xXy8TFnEg0/
Other notable winners included Mateo Henkel (5-9 years, 16.48 seconds), Will May (10-17 years, 16.11 seconds), and Ross Jelbart in the Classic Cart category with 16.01 seconds. The Novelty category was taken by David Thompson (16.56 seconds), the Business category won by Isaac Horneman (16.23 seconds), Emergency Services won by Tom Brown RFS (18.23 seconds), and Judges Choice Archie Lee.
Amongst the crowd was Silvio Pagnamnta, who brought an antique wooden Momo steering wheel, steeped in family history, for his grandkids’ billy cart. “This wheel is at least 70 years old,” he shared proudly.
PHOTO: Silvio Pagnamnta with his grandkids and antique momo steering wheel.
Fathers and ‘billy cart engineers’ such as Mr Redden were thrilled to support his son Charlie and family members as they raced in four carts on the day.
Charlie Redden said some of the carts had come from as far as “Leeton and Nowra” before being worked on for the race.
PHOTO: Charlie Redden (left) with family, proudly showing off one of four carts.
Ministers Bryan and Debbie Bartlett from the Salvation Army offered free sun protection, water, and a friendly ear for members of the community.
After a great day, many reflected on the importance of such community-driven gatherings. As Tony Nassar said, “You don’t have to enter the race to enjoy the day. It’s about community spirit, and family fun in the outdoors.”
Proceeds from the day went to the Cooma Community Chest with Chairperson Marnie Stewart saying, “We come down here to support the community by collecting a gold coin donation, we put that into our funds which go directly back into the community.”
PHOTO: Cooma Community Chest members Marnie Stewart (left), Lizzy Scarlett (centre) and Michelle Burke (right).
“This is a great day for all these kids, they can come and get there billy carts out, it’s fantastic. When we were young out on the farms we did all sorts of things so it’s great to see the kids get to do something for fun in the fresh air away from the computers.”
The success of the Monaro Billy Cart Derby ensures it remains a highly anticipated annual event, appealing to those eager to blend tradition with competition, and a dose of good family fun in the outdoors.