Wheelbarrow Race Postponed

The annual Great Wheelbarrow Race has been postponed until next year.

Chair of the Great Wheelbarrow Race organising committee, Councillor Locky Bensted said the decision was made based on the minimal number of team registrations. “Unfortunately, there were not enough nominations to make the event viable,” Cr Bensted said.

“The new one-day event was an attempt to make the event feasible with the COVID-19 requirements and keep the spirit of the race alive.

“With many social elements of the race taken away due to COVID-19, it was evident that there was not enough support out there for the re-formatted event.

“The committee worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event happen this year, navigating through the COVID-19 restrictions and requirements.”

“While we are disappointed with the outcome, we had to be realistic. The decision came down to the number of nominations we received and unfortunately we didn’t meet our target to enable the event to proceed,” Cr Bensted said.

Mayor Toppin explained that Council allocates a certain amount of funds to support community events each year.

“Even with Council’s generous contribution, both financially and in-kind, the number of nominations and sponsorship received this year will not cover the costs to run the event,” Cr Toppin said.

“I know many people were looking forward to this event however, the community cannot afford to fund the shortfall.”

“As Mayor I thank the Chair of the committee, Cr Locky Bensted and the committee members for their commitment and passion to keep the spirit of the race alive,” Cr Toppin concluded.

Teams that have already registered will receive a full refund for this year’s event.