Tough up for Push

IS THERE a rule which says you can’t be competitive and still have fun?
Not according to organisers of the Healesville Toyota Bush Push.
The Bush Push pits the strength and wits of registered timber workers and truckies in a competition to see who are the toughest and fittest bushmen.
The race is straight forward… with just enough rules to ensure safety and not enough to spoil the fun.
One team member uses a chainsaw to cut three wheels in the space of four inches from the sawing stand.
The next member of the team splits three 10” rounds of wood into quarters using an axe.
Kersten Gentle said although this sounds like the easiest part of the competition, it has proved the most difficult task over the years.
“I think the bushmen get their wives to cut their firewood!” she joked.
The third member of the team loads the split wood into a wheelbarrow and is joined by the other crew members to push the wheelbarrow over 30 metres.
The whole crew then pushes the Toyota 4WD Hilux, full of firewood, 30 metres to the finish line.
One of the reasons competition is so fierce for the Bush Push is the prize – $1000 worth of Toyota parts donated by Healesville Toyota, a set of Hankook Tyres donated by Fast Freddies and Hankook, oils and plenty of cash – total value $3100.
The infamous Jimmy Young returning to Healesville from his posse over the Black Spur to call the race.
Jimmy’s phantom calls of the Healesville Gateway Festival wheelbarrow races have gone down in Healesville folklore and spectators can expect a Bush Push call that is not only fun to watch but hilarious to listen to.
Healesville Toyota will also be displaying its range of vehicles.