The Motorcycle Men’s Shed traded engines for wheels at this year’s Wundowie Iron Festival with a cart loaned by the Wundowie & Districts Men’s Shed (WDMS). The Wundowie Shed is now challenging Sheds across WA to build their own and join the action next year.
“I’m extending an invitation to all Men’s Sheds to take part next year,” said Ken Pearce, Secretary for WDMS. “The aim is for 80% of each cart to be built from tip finds or recycled materials. By next year, the Cart Club and the Men’s Shed will have chassis kits available so sheds can design their own bodywork.”
Members of the Motorcycle Men’s Shed turned out to support the event, cheering on as one of their own tried to keep up with more-modern carts, which over the course of the day reached speeds of up to 38 km/hr.
The Wundowie & Districts Men’s Shed was back on the hill for the second year running, racing a cart proudly built by its members. For them, it’s more than just a race, it’s a rewarding mental health project that brings together retired engineers, tradesmen, and tinkerers to share skills and camaraderie.
The Shed also welcomed the Hills Billy Cart Club as members under their umbrella this year, strengthening local connections and sparking new opportunities for creativity and teamwork. Looking ahead, the team has taken on a new challenge for 2026 and is looking for small donations – to design and build a wheelchair-accessible cart for a young local girl who was thrilled to learn she’ll be able to race too.
“It’s not only fun for the shedders, but also for the kids – and the big kids who race,” said Ken. “What could be better than building a cart with your grandkids? It’s fun for all ages and genders, with plenty of female drivers this year.”
“It’s time for shedders to get rid of their image as coffee drinkers and see how much fun we can have. Plus, there’s no reason there couldn’t be an interstate Men’s Shed challenge in future; Wundowie even has an RV park right next to the race hill.”
The Billy Cart Race is a crowd favourite at the Wundowie Iron Festival, which celebrates the town’s unique history as Australia’s only charcoal iron-making plant. The festival has been running for decades and is a much-loved community event, bringing together families, local groups and visitors with markets, entertainment, and plenty of country spirit. This is the second year Wundowie Shed has been involved.
From classic wooden crate carts to fully engineered racers complete with touchscreens and cameras; creativity is always on display. And now, with a growing call for Men’s Sheds to join the fun, next year’s race promises to be even bigger.