A hive of activity for more than four decades, Bunbury City Kart Club has grown into one of Western Australia’s leading karting organisations. With a strong focus on youth development, a variety of race day events and a 1.2 km state-of-the-art track, the club caters to the different skill levels of its approximately 300 members, aged from six to 70.
The club has received strong support from Healthway in recent years, recognising its commitment to nurturing the health and wellbeing of young people in a safe, family-friendly environment. This support has enabled the club to embed positive health messages throughout its programs, encouraging healthy lifestyles in every aspect of the participants’ lives.
After just two years, 16-year-old Perth karting competitor Charlotte Philp is one of the club’s rising stars. She swapped her trackside role as a motorsport photographer to get behind the wheel – and found immediate success and a sense of belonging at Bunbury City Kart Club.
“The first time I got behind the wheel, I absolutely loved it…the passion and the adrenaline… and I knew that I wanted to take it as far as I could. The club was super supportive. People gave me lots of advice and guidance, and all the drivers in my category were really friendly. As a bonus, I secured a podium in my first race,” Miss Philp said.
Miss Philp and her family live and breathe karting. With Bunbury as her home club, they travel across the state to race events three out of four weekends. Her mum, Cara Philp, wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I think it’s a wonderful sport for young people. It’s a big commitment, but they share something they’re passionate about – and it keeps them away from every other distraction. It also gives Charlotte a healthy focus, and we choose healthier options as part of that lifestyle,” Ms Philp said.
With support from Healthway, Bunbury City Kart Club has stepped up its promotion of healthy options and now offers a range of nutritious foods and free water. The club has also reinforced its messaging about being a strictly smoke-free and vape-free environment. These messages are clearly visible in large-scale signage around the track, on officials’ uniforms, and through regular announcements at each race event.
The club is also committed to making the sport more inclusive. It participates in the Girls Race Too program – a national initiative breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women and girls to get involved. Guided by the principle “you can’t be it if you don’t see it,” the club is increasing the visibility of women who are already succeeding as racers, officials and volunteers. Miss Philp has proudly stepped up as Bunbury’s Girls Race Too ambassador.
“I think it’s an awesome sport, but it’s very male-dominated. Having girls and women race is really important to create an equal playing field,” she said.
Between training, maintaining her own kart and travelling, Miss Philp is fully committed. Her immediate goal is to win the Bunbury Championships, with a long-term dream of racing professionally in Europe’s GT circuit. She is already well on her way to becoming a future champion.
