Dr Bob Wheway hopes to breathe fresh life into a beloved childhood memory - he just needs $100,000 to do it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Port Kembla's Billy Cart Derby has failed to get off the ground for the past six years due to postponements, financial difficulties, changes in organisation and COVID-19.
The first ever derby was held in 1940, and returned to Wentworth Street in 2012 to much fanfare after a 25-year hiatus.
It was run by the Red Point Artists Association who oversaw three successful derbys before its driving members, aged in their 70s, opted to pass the baton to the Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
It has not run since 2015, but Dr Wheway hopes to change that.
"My formative years were spent at 124 Wentworth Street," he told the Mercury.
"You can take the boy out of Port but you can't take Port out of the boy.
You can take the boy out of Port but you can't take Port out of the boy.
- Dr Bob Wheway
"I was having coffee with some friends and we began talking about how great it would be if the billy cart derby got going again.
"I remember when Wentworth Street was a dynamic street; I remember we had a penny drive at the annual billy cart derby too.
"We used to come out and watch the cars going up and down - I have some very fond memories."
Dr Wheway decided to host a public meeting to gauge interest in the event.
After financial problems plagued previous organisers, he said it was important to determine whether it would be possible to get enough financial support for the derby to get off the ground.
He said costs were over $80,000 when the event was last run six years ago.
The greatest costs were barriers and insurance.
"We need $100,000 of sponsorship; or a collection of a million cans or bottles," Dr Wheway joked.
As well as identifying potential backers, Dr Wheway hopes a steering committee may be formed at the Wednesday night meeting.
"Hopefully we'll get a commitment of enough to keep us going, and each person who's interested in being part of the committee will have a job," he said.
The meeting will be held at Ciocci's Cafe, 132 Wentworth Street Port Kembla from 6pm on Wednesday, May 19.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
