John Backhouse from Federation Steel with David Henderson from Corowa and District Car Club, Corowa Lions president Stuart Whisson and member Chris Johnston getting ready for the 2026 Australian National Billy Cart Championships.
The Australian National Billy Cart Championships is expecting its biggest list of entrants since the late 1990s with preparations underway for the Easter weekend.
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Corowa Lions Club is teaming up with Australian Van Nationals to provide locals and tourists with an action-packed long weekend.
Lions Club president, Stuart Whisson said they took over running the championships last year after Federation Council said they were no longer able to support the event.
“Having assisted with David Walton, Amber Harvey and many others I saw an opportunity to reinvigorate the event,” Mr Whisson said
“Last year was the event’s first year back since Covid, and we had 64 entrants, which was the most we’ve had since its early days in the late 1990s.
“We’ve been contacted by people making new carts for this event, and this year we’re expecting about 80 entries.”
The 2026 Australian Billy Cart Championship will see drivers coming from Portland and Warrnambool in Victoria, and as far as Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
On the same afternoon, the Repco Australian Van Nationals will be in town showing off more than 150 entries at their Show ‘n Shine exhibition at RSL Park.
The event, in its 51st year, and will have vans and panel vans from across Australia and New Zealand on show.
“Our event raises money for motor neurone disease and local charities,” organiser Matt Czerny said.
“Each year it’s held at a different town, and we try to keep our donations to charities in those areas.
“We’re looking forward to having the Show ‘n Shine while the billy carts are on; it gives people another reason to come to the town.”
With cruises happening around Corowa on the Friday and to Bundalong on the Sunday, the Easter weekend promises plenty to do for the whole family.
Corowa Sportspower’s Mel Trevethan, with Lions Club member Kay Whisson, has been sponsoring the event for the last two years and looking forward to the crowds it brings to Sanger St.
Mel Trevethan from Corowa Sportspower is sponsoring the billy carts again this year and said the amount of people who come to Corowa for the event was amazing.
“I was working in the shop last year on the day,” Mel said.
“To walk out and see everyone in the street was such a great thing for the town.
“It’s been great to get it back up and going again.
“The community is such an important thing to be a part of and it’s important to get involved.”
John Backhouse from Federation Steel supplied the materials for the Corowa and District Car Club entry, and for new covers for the trailer that transports the starting ramps.
“The town and local businesses have been generous in their support for the event,” John said.
“Without that support we get from the businesses for these types of events, they just wouldn’t exist.”
HZ panel van at 2024 Repco Australia Van Nationals. Photo by streetmachine.com.au
EH panel van at 2024 Repco Australia Van Nationals. Photo by streetmachine.com.au
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