The iconic Bangalow Billycart Derby is back to its regular Autumn timeslot on Sunday 21 May 2023!

Download the registration form and rules so you’re prepared for the big day!

Bangalow Lions Club President Greg Nash said that he was thrilled the event was back to Autumn.

“You can’t beat a beautiful May day with kids and families everywhere and billycarts zooming down the main street.  There is a real buzz in the village and we can’t wait,” Greg said.

“So, start building a winning billycart for our daredevil kids and let’s get excited!”

“Participants must print off the registration form, complete it and present your billycart from scrutineering and tagging in the Foodworks carpark from 7am.

Then proceed to the Bangalow Hotel for registration, payment (cash or EFTPOS) and lanyard collection.”

We have race categories for everyone:

  • youngsters (5-7, 8-11, 12-15 years)
  • parent and child
  • open
  • junior
  • tag team
  • mothers
  • schools challenge
  • sporting clubs
  • celebrity
  • novelty

“With just over a month to go, I urge people to dust off their billycarts and polish those wheels.  Maybe even head down to the Men’s Shed to see what they are building.

Registration starts from 7am outside the Bangalow Hotel, races start at 9am and street parade at 12.30pm.

The event first started in 1995 as a celebration that our town had a main road bypass – it’s since grown into a community event that really puts Bangalow on the map for all the right reasons.

Similar to previous years we are pleased to combine with the Bangalow Public School’s Annual Fair – The Pit Stop.

I’m told there will be some delicious food on offer as well as rides, activities, games and the famous cake stall!

See you at the finish line!”

Schedules | Rules | Registration

Schedule:
  • 7 – 8.30am: Registration and scrutineering
  • 8 – 8.45am: Practice runs
  • 9am: Races begin!
  • 9am: 5-7 year old – traditional/homegrown
  • 9.20am: 8-11 year old – traditional/homegrown
  • 10.20am: 12-15 year old – traditional/homegrown
  • 11.30am: Parent/Child – traditional/homegrown
  • 11.45am: Schools Challenge – traditional/homegrown
  • 12.10pm: Mothers Challenge – any billycart
  • 12.15pm: Trophy presentation – morning events
  • 12.30pm: Street Parade and lunch
  • 1.15pm: Celebrity – any billycart
  • 1.45pm: Open – traditional/homegrown
  • 1.50pm: Junior – professional
  • 2pm: Open – professional
  • 2.30pm: Tag Team – any billycart
  • 2.45pm: Sporting Clubs Challenge – any billycart
  • 2.55pm: Novelty – special billycart
  • 3.15pm: Trophy presentation – afternoon events
  • 3.20pm: Street clean up – all welcome!
Rules:
  1. It is your responsibility to be in the right place at the right time. We do not delay races.
  2. A separate entry form is required for each billycart in each race category.
  3. Helmets are compulsory and protective clothing is recommended.
  4. All billycarts will receive a minimum of two runs – the first is a practice.
  5. If entrant and billycart fail to arrive at the start line the race will commence on time.
  6. The same billycart cannot be used more than once in the same Race Category.
  7. Billycarts entered into age categories 5-15 years – driver and passenger must be within the same age category.
  8. All billycarts will start from a standing start.
  9. No outside assistance is allowed at start line or whilst racing.
  10. No pedalling, pushing, paddling or propulsion of any kind is allowed.
  11. Billycarts must proceed under their own weight, but rocking is permitted.
  12. Drivers and passengers must remain seated whilst racing.
  13. Billycarts must travel in a straight line, no swerving, weaving or turning from side to side.
  14. Any billycarts that crash will be disqualified. At the discretion of the organisers any billycart crashed into may receive another run, time permitted.
  15. Tag team rules – three competitors per team, comprising three legs using the same billycart ie. the first leg team member rides billycart down the hill over the finish line, second team member runs the billycart on foot back up to the start line and tags the third member who rides billycart down the hill over the finish line.
  16. All judges’ decisions will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  17. A billycart or driver may be disqualified at any time at the discretion of the Chief Marshall.
  18. Unsafe billycarts, dangerous driving or bad conduct by participants will not be tolerated and may result in immediate expulsion or possible disqualification from the event for the whole day. The Chief Marshall’s decision (or that of their delegate) will be final and binding.
  19. All billycarts and drivers must be available for scrutineering between 7am and 8.30am at the top of Byron Street Bangalow. Late entries will not be accepted.
  20. The Committee reserves the right to rearrange or cancel events.
  21. Three (3) wheeler billycarts can only enter as “Professional” or “Novelty” category billycart.
  22. No refunds.
  23. All participants enter at their own risk.
  24. Please note that this event is meant to be a fun day for everyone and participation, not winning, is the desired outcome. It is designed primarily for the thrills and laughter of the day, rather than as a sporting competition.  Please be patient and understanding and have a great time!
Billycart classifications and descriptions:

Specifications for all billycarts:

  • Total billycart weight must not exceed 75kgs – unduly heavy carts will not be allowed to race
  • Random weight checks will be conducted during the day
  • Width of billycart must not exceed 1200mm
  • Must have adequate braking and steering
  • Must have fixed seating
  • Ballast must not be added to billycart

Traditional billycart (additional specs):

  • Box cart made essentially from wooden material
  • Non-pneumatic (solid) tyres and small wheels
  • Maximum 2 persons of the same age group
  • Must have four load bearing wheels
  • Must have 2 axles, min wheel spacing 400mm
  • Maximum length 2000mm, maximum width 1200mm

Homegrown billycart (additional specs)

  • Made from any lightweight material
  • May have pneumatic (pump up) tyres
  • Maximum 2 persons of the same age group
  • Must have four load bearing wheels
  • Must have 2 axles, min wheel spacing 400mm
  • Maximum length 2000mm, maximum width 1200mm

Professional billycart (additional specs)

  • Made from any lightweight material
  • Maximum one (1) driver – no passenger

Novelty billycart (additional specs)

  • Open to billycarts that do not meet the specifications of other categories but have special crowd appeal
  • Billycart must have adequate steering and braking capabilities
Conditions of Entry:

The Billycart Derby organisers (“the organisers”) advise that the participation, including passive participation, in events and activities at the Bangalow Billycart Derby contains an element of risk, both obvious and inherent. The risks involved may result in property damage and/or personal injury or other losses.

  1. I, the signatory, agree and understand that participation in the Bangalow Billycart Derby, including passive participation, contains an element of risk and by participating in it I agree to do so at my own risk.
  2. I, the signatory, acknowledge agree and understand that the risk warning contained in this form constitutes a “risk warning” for the purposes of Division 5 of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW).
  3. I understand by participating in the Bangalow Billycart Derby, the minor named on this form may be exposed to the risk of injury and I consent to their participation. By signing this form I warrant that I am the legal parent or guardian of the minor named herein.
  4. I, the signatory, have been warned that this recreational activity may cause physical harm to me or to someone under my control or accompanying me, and I confirm that I have no condition, medical or physical, that could prevent me from, or be aggravated by, participating in this activity.
  5. I, the signatory, agree and acknowledge that the above named minor voluntarily consents to participation in this event.
  6. I, the signatory, acknowledge the risk referred to above and agree to waive any and all rights that I, the above named minor, or any other person, may have against the organisers in relation to any loss or injury (including death) that is suffered by the subject as a result of participation in this event.
  7. The signatory must continually indemnify the organisers on a full basis against any claim, suits, demands or proceeding that is made, threatened or commenced, and any liability, loss or consequential loss, and loss of profits and damage or expense (including legal costs on a full indemnity basis), that the organisers incur or suffer as a direct result of the entrant’s participation in any event held by the organisers.
  8. I understand that I may have my photo and/or video taken and used for promotional purposes

I have read this form and acknowledge and agree with its contents. I have made or may make further enquiries which I think are necessary or desirable and fully understand the risks involved in this activity.

We are so grateful for the support of many local businesses and organisations…

For further information please contact:

Greg Nash
Bangalow Lions Club President
0418 440 545
alfred.lodge@bigpond.com