General News
15 October, 2025
Rainbow buzzed with engine roars
Rainbow came alive with horsepower and excitement on Saturday, October 4, as Round 1 of the Australian Tractor Pullers Association championship kicked off with the annual Rainbow Tractor Pull.
Event organiser, Russell Eckermann, said it was a tremendous day for both competitors and spectators.
“We had 20 tractors, and they came from quite a distance - around Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales,” he said.
“The weather was perfect and we couldn’t have picked that any better.
“Our track was good, and we’ve had only exceptionally positive feedback from the day.”
The crowd watched as tractors battled it out in multiple categories across the clay track.
“There were eight different classes,” Mr Eckermann explained.
“They all run through, so there’s not just one race - it’s eight races within the one day, so there are all sorts of winners.”
While spectator numbers were slightly lower than hoped, the event still generated strong community spirit.
“Spectators were down,” he said.
“We need to do a lot more promotion, but now that people have seen another tractor pull here, word will spread, and we’ll get more next year.
“It’s a growing thing for us all.”
Mr Eckermann believed that the event brought a welcome boost to the local economy.
“A lot of people stayed, including the spectators,” he said.
“Some came on Thursday already, and certainly Friday and Saturday nights.
“We did exceptionally well on the day with food and catering, and it certainly gave a boost to local businesses - the fuel stations, cafes, and accommodation.
“I couldn’t put a figure on it, but there’d be considerable financial gains for the town.”
Reflecting on the day’s success, he noted that the real highlight was the overall atmosphere.
“I think the way we ran the day, the professional approach we took, and the general atmosphere was just really good,” he said.
“People could see we were trying to put on a good show - they were happy and content.”
Mr Eckermann also encouraged locals to keep supporting the event in future.
“We’ve got the expertise and the know-how to put on these Australian events,” he said.
“We just need the community to keep getting behind us - it’s good for our town.”
