By Cassie Maher
PUBLIC toilet sitting became acceptable on Sunday as participants in the Great Australian Dunny Race got down to ‘business’.
In its fifth year running the event, part of the Weerama Festival was bigger and better than ever, raising $7500 for local charities.
“When people think of Werribee they normally think of the sewage so this race is an opportunity for us to have a bit of a laugh and poke fun at ourselves,” said Rotaract president Kash Bryar.
“This was the largest race so far in terms of participants and the crowd. It just gets bigger each year.”
The hundreds of spectators sang the national anthem with pride before the black and white undie flag was waved and heat one began.
Nine toilet bowl sitters held on tight while their “pushers” guided the loos down Watton st and back again.
Water balloons flew across the street, rarely missing their targets.
“Save that balloon, for when they come back around,” Werribee man Robert Krotz told his daughter.
“We just love this event,” he added, with a smile.
With heat one and two completed, the Dare to Dream Dancers performed a Grand Prix inspired routine, complete with hot pink sequined outfits and high kicks.
Four teams then took to the final with the Homestead Financial Group taking first place for the second year.
“It was pretty competitive this year,” said Homestead team’s Con Nakas.
“We’re all pretty unfit and the only training we’ve done is drinking beer and spirits.”
JBA Consulting Engineers were a close second and third place went to Werribee Rotaract.
Winners received gold, silver, and bronze toilet brushes and seats.
Money from water balloon sales and the $500 per cart entry fee helped to raise $2500 for adult disability organisation, Mambourin Enterprises.
Strict dunny tests and helmet checks made sure there were no casualties.
One cart was scratched before the race due to a cracked seat.
