Goanna Pulling must be one of the weirdest sports around. Two people get down on all fours, strike a pose like a goanna and put a leather belt around their necks. They use all their upper body strength to pull their opponent over the line.
Prize money for the day totals $5300 and the biggest win is $500 for the heavyweight goanna pulling champion. All divisions of goanna pulling, brick carrying and foot races attract big cash prizes on 3rd October, the Sunday of the long weekend at the Wooli Sports Ground, Wooli (seaside town, 40k east of Grafton on the north coast of NSW).
It’s our 25th anniversary this year and all the prize belts will be in silver. We hope this year will be our biggest and most fun event ever.
The unspoilt fishing village of Wooli will swell with visitors to join the fun of the National Goanna Pulling championships. Wayne “Tank” Phillips, the retiring champion will judge the winner of the various categories (heavyweight, middle weight and lightweight men’s and women’s) of Goanna Pulling.
From 9am on Sunday 3rd October, visitors can see the fierce battle of the goanna pullers, watch the wood chopping, Tug-of-War, foot races for all ages, brick carrying and climb a rock wall. There will be lots of market stalls and a variety of food and drink available.
It’s a fun day for all.
At 10.30am on Saturday 18th September in Grafton Shopping World, Luke Hartsuyker, Nationals Federal Member for Cowper will Goanna Pull against Steve Cansdell, Nationals State Member for Clarence. Sue Hughes, Clarence Valley Councilor will pull against Cathy McCaughey from Wooli. Wayne “Tank” Phillips, long time heavy weight champion, will adjudicate.
Brad Milne from Tucabia won the heavyweight championship last year, after Wayne ‘Tank’ Phillips retired. Brad had previously won the light weight and was runner-up in the middle weight division.
Everyone will be watching John Reynolds of Coffs Harbour who won the middleweight division last year – will he challenge Brad this year, Wooli wants to know!
Clarence Valley Council is the major sponsor and our website is now live and active with many thanks for development assistance from the Clarence Valley Council and Yoohoo webdesign www.goannapulling.com.au
Stallholders are welcome – please contact Claire on 66498255
For further information contact Margy Hewetson on 66 49 7750 or Wayne “Tank” Phillips on 0404 380 801
Please feel free to use any photo from our website www.goannapulling.com.au
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