The underground car park of Bunnings Palmerston was transformed into a racetrack this week as more than 20 Clontarf academy members from six Darwin-area academies raced their custom-built billy carts in the 2025 Top End Billy Cart Derby.
Teams from Dripstone, Sanderson, Nightcliff, Palmerston, Taminmin and Haileybury Academies put months of teamwork, creativity and craftsmanship to the test as they raced for bragging rights — and this year, a Halloween-themed trophy that went to the boys from Taminmin Academy.
The event attracted strong community support, with special guests Chief Minister Hon. Lia Finocchiaro MLA, Hon. Marie-Clare Boothby MLA, Matthew Kerle MLA and Clinton Howe MLA joining the fun and cheering from the sidelines. Clontarf’s corporate and community partners, including Bunnings, Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation, Woolworths, Big W and Barpa, were also in attendance, underscoring the strength of local partnerships that make these hands-on learning experiences possible.
In the weeks leading up to the race, Clontarf members visited Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation’s Holtze workshop, where Ironbark supervisors Sal, Lee and Andrew guided them through the design, construction and decoration of their karts using materials supplied by Bunnings. Back at their academies, the boys added finishing touches, incorporating spooky decorations and creative designs that reflected their teamwork and sense of fun.
Nightcliff Academy member Isaak Schroeder told The NT News in its video coverage of the event, “Making the billy carts brings everyone together, all the partners come down, everyone has a feed, it’s just a good community event,” Isaak said.
The annual derby has become a highlight of the Top End Clontarf calendar, growing each year since its inception three years ago. Inspired by a similar initiative that began in Alice Springs over 10 years ago, the event blends practical skills with friendly competition and community spirit — showing how teamwork and creativity can drive positive engagement both in and out of the classroom.
