They play an important role at both ends of the track, running the launch operations from the ramps at the top of Sanger St, and pulling the carts back to the top of the hill after they’ve completed their race.
Members from the National Billy Cart Championships, Corowa Lions, VRA and police met last week as they finalised preparations for the upcoming championship event only two weeks away.
Corowa Lions president Stuart Whisson said there were still places open for anyone who hadn’t yet entered and encouraged as many people to get involved as possible.
“The VRA fill such an important role in this event,” Stuart said.
“It shows how emergency services, community groups and local council can and do work together for the community.
“We couldn’t do it without them.”
Corowa VRA will enter their cart again this year and captain Ben Wilson said it was great seeing the community come alive at this time of year.
Emblazoned with the number one and their unit number, 779, VRA personnel take turns driving the cart each year, with as many as six assisting and representing throughout the day.
Even their mascot, a wombat, has taken its place behind the wheel in past years.
Sgt Steve Marshall was there for Corowa Police as they too get their cart ready for entry this year, this time vying for speed rather than trying to suppress it.
“There were no billy cart races running when I first came to Corowa, so I didn’t know the significance of it at the time,” Sgt Marshall said.
“There used to be another cart that was built for Corowa, and it was used across the state by other police stations for billy cart races; we found it when we were cleaning out the shed.
“The biggest thing about Corowa is the generosity of the community groups and their willingness to work together.”
Senior Constable Chris Jennings has been building the new billy cart for Corowa Police, which will run the number ‘Cor 19’, their call sign when they respond to emergency calls.
Federation Council used to run the billy cart championships prior to Covid.
The pandemic stopped the races in 2020 before members from the Lions Club and wider community joined together to form the Australian National Billy Cart Championship committee and resurrect the event in 2025.
Amber Harvey works for Federation Council and is a member on the billy cart championship committee.
“Our job is to help organise and set up the billy cart races each year,” Amber said.
“We work together to keep the event running and bring it to the community.”
After an encouraging turnout last year with 64 entrants, the committee is hoping to push that number beyond 80 this year.
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