Let’s see if their tongs are as quick as their tongues when local politicians Mark Coulton and Adam Marshall spice up the Blokes on the BBQ Competition at Moree on a Plate.
And while things get heated in the Parliamentary bear pit, and they’ve dealt with a few pork chops in their time, their policy on the competition seems a little weak.
State Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall concedes he’s probably better with a bureaucrat than a BBQ hotplate.
“I’ve cooked my share of chops in the backyard, but the ‘steaks’ will be higher than ever before.
“I’ve got no idea what I’m walking into – I think parliament is even easier to predict!”
He admitted he would be playing it safe this year, choosing simple meats that he could cook well.
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, said he was looking forward to the challenge of the barbecue grill.
Conceding that the art of cooking was still a mysterious process, Mr Coulton is planning a feasibility study in the most suitable method of turning raw protein into a delicious and tasty meal.
“Adam and I will be looking forward to an entertaining and enjoyable day at the cook-off,” he said.
Well versed in giving our pollies a grilling, local Mayor Katrina Humphries will be one of the judges of this year’s event.
“I’ve worked over the hotplate at my business Fishabout for a very long time now so I know all the tricks of the trade – but a little tip for the day – I hate mushrooms!” Katrina hinted.
Greg Cumberland & Col Pring of WMG Agri services will see Greg return to the competition to defend his 2016 winning title. Other competitors include Paul Fisher and Rob, Sandy Cosh and Jared Snook, Drew Hawkins and Marco Cicchelli of Rabobank and Greg Bell and Mark Simpson from Gwydir Chiropractic
These local pairs will take to the tongs for a blazing BBQ showdown, with a few ingredient twists to spice up the competition.
Organiser Marianne Pollock said the competition has proved a fun and lighthearted drawcard for event, with each team to receive a cut of their choice from South Moree Butchery and Reados Butcher, pantry staples from Coles, and a mystery local ingredient allocated on the day.
“Last year this really kept the teams on their toes and certainly sorted out the men from the boys.”
Initially introduced to the Festival to get more men involved, Marianne said there was now a strong call for women to be involved also.
“Who knows, next year we could include some Girls on the Grill, then we’d really know who really is King, or Queen, of the Barbeque.
Teams will cook off for the crowds on Weber barbeques, with the winners receiving their own Weber Baby Q kindly donated by Mitre 10 Moree.
Quick-witted and sharp of tongue, popular local Anthony Diprose of Dipper’s Home Hardware will MC of the competition.
The Blokes on the BBQ competition, proudly supported by B&W Rural, will begin at 2.00pm during the festival.
For more information see www.moreeonaplate.com.au
By Georgina Poole