Rodney Stevens
A large crowd of locals and visitors enjoyed the Clarence Valley’s quirkiest annual event The Rotary Club of Iluka Woombah Pignic Races at Club Iluka on January 2.
Rotary Club of Iluka Woombah President, Craig Budd said the 2025 Pignic Races were the 10th year the of the prestigious event, which raises money for children’s charities.
“Things went really well, we are really happy with the whole event,” he said.
“We were happy with the numbers of people who attended, there was lots of money spent and lots of money raised.”
Mr Budd said without the ongoing support of Club Iluka and the generous sponsorship of major sponsors LJ Hooker Iluka, Maclean, and Yamba the event wouldn’t be the annual success that it is.
He said the seven Noah’s Thoroughbred Racing Piglets that raced around the course were also generously sponsored by local businesses LJ Hooker Iluka, Maclean, and Yamba, First National Real Estate Iluka, OTG, Club Iluka, and the Clarence Head Caravan Park and Iluka Motel.
Five races sponsored by local businesses were held throughout the day from 12 noon, the Chez Basho Boatshed Café International Plate, the Iluka Bait and Tackle Maiden, the Anchorage Snorting Hogs Holiday Park Stakes, the Iguana Beachwear Gifts and Home Décor Iguana Iggy Piggy Welter, and the Peter Campbell Physiotherapy Sprint.
Mr Budd also thanked sponsor Andrew Fisher for his valuable assistance.
Before the first “official” race the “fresh batch” of 7 racing pigs were introduced to the growing crowd and sent on a trial run of the course.
Racing around a specially designed obstacle course on the grass at Club Iluka to see who is first to get to the milk-based treat, the pint-sized piglets wear designer-coloured sequined vests which local businesses can adorn with their sponsors logo.
Excitement then built before each race as each pig is auctioned off to the highest bidder and bids come flying thick and fast as the races progress and the pigs improve their performances and value to the punters.
While the
are still tallying up what was raised, Mr Budd said the club will be able to commit to donating to all of their charities and this year’s Pignic Races exceeded the fun of last year’s event.
“There was a couple of syndicates of local concreters and builders that put on a few bets, they w
on the last race,” he said.
“They form their syndicates each year and bid on pigs, and they said they have their money to spend because they know its for donation and if they win anything that’s great.
“We will have enough money to offer all of the annual scholarships that we offer again in 2025 and contribute to some children’s hospital fundraising.”
Club Iluka General Manager, Nicola Donsworth said the club was delighted to hold the annual P
ignic Races to support the Rotary Club of Iluka Woombah.
“It’s always a wonderful annual event and a great day and we always enjoy holding it and supporting the Rotary Club of Iluka Woombah because they support great causes in the community,” she said.
“We are lucky to have the facilities to hold the Pignic Races and are looking forward to the 2026 event.”
