General News
12 April, 2022
Community bank helps push Wheelbarrow Race ahead
THE Great Wheelbarrow Race has locked in a new naming rights sponsor for the next three years.
With community at heart, the iconic race has teamed up with another like-minded organisation to help the race move forward into the future.
Mareeba and Dimbulah Community Bank branches of Bendigo Bank have partnered with the race until 2025.
Community Bank Board chair Gilbert Teitzel sees The Great Wheelbarrow Race as an important investment in the local communities along the Wheelbarrow Way.
“Sports sponsorship is about much more than just a logo on a sign, it's about community and people for us,” Mr Teitzel said.
“Not only does the event bring people from all over the state to participate in this fitness fanatic's delight, but more importantly it raises funds for worthy causes, not to mention money spent in our local communities."
“It’s helps to grow our community, which is part of our purpose – ‘to work with and invest in our communities’ – therefore we are proud and excited to be a major part of this iconic race.”
Now in its 19th year and having raised nearly $2 million since inception, the race has become an iconic event for the community and race chair Cr Locky Bensted is excited to welcome the region’s Community Bank to the team.
“This is a race that is not about what position you come in but being part of an exciting and unique event that supports many small communities,” Cr Bensted said.
“We are very excited to have an organisation like Bendigo Bank partner with us – an organisation that shares our vision of bringing an exciting and much-needed event to some of our smaller towns across the shire.”
Participants have only until 19 April to register. The race kicks off on Friday, 20 May in Mareeba and will conclude on Sunday, 22 May in Chillagoe.
Mareeba Shire Council and the Great Wheelbarrow Race Advisory Committee are encouraging potential teams to get behind the event this year which has been halted due to Covid in the past two years.
“With the previous two events cancelled due to Covid, we are doing everything we can to bring the race back in 2022,” Cr Bensted explained.
“If you've ever thought about nominating, now is the time to give it a go!
“This truly is an incredible event. The teams look forward to the end of each day where they are treated to the incredible community spirit in Dimbulah on the Friday and the unbeatable country hospitality in Almaden on the Saturday night.
“These nights are great fun, and provide a significant boost to our smaller communities,” Cr Bensted added.
To register, visit www.greatwheelbarrowrace.com by April 19.
