High-stakes lawnmower race brings King River community together on Australia Day

What started as an idea to get to know the next door neighbours has turned into a fully-fledged battle to be the fastest lawnmower on the banks of the King River.

Dubbed the “Northwood on the King Australia Day Challenge”, the 16th edition of the race attracted about 60 people.

Seventeen lawnmowers and their owners took to a specially designed course last week, as they fought to get their name on the shield.

King River residents Darren and Sarah Lowry came up with the idea and Robert Cridge has taken over organising it.

“It’s been going for a long time and is a great chance for families to come together,” Mr Cridge said.

“The event is going back to the old ways of knowing your neighbour and coming together with your community.

“It’s not about Australia Day, it’s getting to know everyone having some drinks and sausages and racing some lawnmowers — just a bit of crazy fun.”

Mr Cridge said the race had been tweaked over the years but always had a competitive side to it.

Previous years featured a show and shine, thong toss and lawnmower soccer.

“This year we timed all the mowers going around the track, then it was the slowest mower goes first in the race and fastest is last to leave,” he said.

“Once they finish the track, they get off their mowers and throw a golf ball in a bucket to win.

“We also did sheep herding, where two mowers go head-to-head to get two barrels around the course and the winner progresses.”

Gary Pope was crowned the 2022 champion from a record number of entrants.