Take a step back in time with Kariong billycart derby

Kariong Church along with Kariong Somersby Rotary Club are set to host a fun community event – the Kariong Billy Cart Derby – on June 30.

All the action takes place at Phillip House, 21 Old Mt Penang Rd, Kariong, at noon where about 30 carts will be vying for top honours at the finish line.

About 70 primary and high school students and their families are involved in the event which has seen the community come together over a number of days to help build the carts.

“At this stage we are estimating around 200 people will attend the derby,” Kariong Church Reverend Chris Clarke said.

Rev Clarke said the church had the idea to hold a billycart derby and invited the Rotary Club to join in.

“We joined with Rotary for last year’s Kariong Christmas carols along with a bunch of other community groups, which we are planning to on doing again this year.

While this derby is the first of its kind, Rev Clarke said he hoped it would become an annual event, but would wait to see how the event went on the day.

“We will have around 30 carts and 90 drivers on the day,” he said.

“Some of them had a sneaky practice last Sunday.

“You should have seen them go.”

Registrations are now closed, but Rev Clarke is encouraging everyone to get along for the day.

“We have some plans for fun activities for kids who aren’t driving as well,” he said.