Australia Day 2017: Camooweal Lawn Mower Races |Photos, Video

About 250 Camooweal residents attended the Post Office Hotel Lawn Mower Races to determine the best of the best.

In its second consecutive year, locals had the chance to prepare their mowers to be the fastest in the outback.

Co-organiser of the event and Sergeant Officer in Charge of Camooweal Police Station, Dan Baker, said eight teams nominated for the great race which consisted of businesses and stations from around the township.

“We used Australia Day as a celebration of our community, Camooweal as a whole. Where everyone comes together and puts on a good afternoon of fun and festivities,” he said.

The main race saw all entries compete against each other for the grand title of Camooweal’s 2017 Mower Champion.

Starting on Freck’s Crossing racers went around Crocket’s corner, down to keg turn, around the tennis court and back up the road into pit lane where teams changed drivers. The second driver then had to complete the same course before crossing the finish line.

Mr Baker said it was a tricky battle trying to swap drivers.

“The lawn mower could cut out and stall, due to no weight on the seat. This can be an ultimate lead changer halfway through the race,” he said.

Camooweal locals John Drake and Willy Miller successfully claimed the trophy and bragging rights for the 2017 Mower Champion.

The rest of the afternoon saw minor competitions including the John Deere championship, push mower races for the children and backyard cricket.

Mount Isa PCYC also jumped on board with a blow-up waterslide to keep the children entertained and cool in the 40 degree heat.

Mr Baker said the event was definitely growing.

“With the promotion and publicity of last year’s event, businesses in Camooweal and surrounding areas have sponsored us,” he said.

“Everyone saw the success of the event in 2016 and have supported us more in 2017.

“I think we have laid good foundations to host the event next year and future years to come.”