GMC 400 2001: The Canberra GMC 400 took place in the Parliamentary Triangle between 2000 and 2003. Image: Supercars screenshot.
Remember the grand old days of Canberra sport with unique events such as the Birdman Rally and the Commonwealth Bank Cycling Classic?
The Cycling Classic had cyclists racing down the East Coast, but the highlight was an evening criterium through London Circuit.
It was a unique sports event as thousands gathered to watch cyclists at high pace make their way around the tight Civic course.
The last time that event took place in Canberra was 25 years ago.
The only significant event with a sports theme outside the norm in Canberra since then was the V8 Supercar race around the Parliamentary Triangle.
By outside the norm I mean events beyond the Raiders, Brumbies, GWS, the Capitals, the Cavalry, the Brave, Big Bash and Canberra United.
Again, the chances of a Supercar race around the Triangle and across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge appear to be non-existent.
Since then, there have been a couple of attempts to resuscitate the Supercar concept, but going through Exhibition Park.
But this proposal seems to be more of a kite-flying exercise than anything else.
In fact, over the years there have been plenty of attempts to fly kites without any actually getting off the ground.
This includes a proposal for a jet ski race in the Central Basin, but the short-lived trial for jet skis on the Lake was pretty much confined to a small section to ensure no other users were impacted.
I also remember being asked 25 years ago whether a race between an Olympic track and field sprinter and a race horse at Thoroughbred Park would attract an audience.
Needless to say, it was a non-starter.
There was also a proposal for a rowing race, with prize money, involving Olympians in the Central Basin, but restrictions on the length of the course apparently proved to be the primary reason behind this not happening.
I am no expert on the course required for dragon boat races, but they are far shorter than rowing distances.
Dragon boat races attract massive crowds across Asia. Is it worth having a look at a similar event in Canberra?
Floriade 2024. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Outside the sports context, there are unique events such as Floriade, Enlighten, the Multicultural Festival, the Canberra Writers Festival and the Folk Festival adding life to the city.
Which brings us back to where this column started: the Birdman Rally. Remarkably, this cultural quirk could be coming back!
At the last election, Labor promised to return the Birdman to Lake Burley Griffin, and despite commonsense suggesting the costs would be prohibitive, especially around liability insurance, a government spokesperson has told Region that “Work has commenced”.
“Events ACT is working with stakeholders including the National Capital Authority and other jurisdictions to identify safety, accessibility, environmental and logistical issues for this study to consider, including engagement with the City of Melbourne who are currently delivering a Birdman Rally as part of the Moomba festival.”
So maybe we shouldn’t give up hope for other events returning to the capital.
