Green and gold will take centre stage at Sirromet Winery on Saturday, 14 March 2026, as some of Australia’s top sporting talent swap their uniforms for aprons at the Great Aussie Athlete BBQ.
The community festival aims to celebrate sport, mateship and grassroots spirit while raising critical funds for the Aussie Athlete Fund, which supports emerging athletes struggling with the rising costs of training, travel and competition.
Organisers say the need for support has never been greater, with nearly half of Australia’s representative athletes living below the poverty line. New data also reveals that 39 per cent of female athletes report earning nothing from their sport.
Hosted by five-time Olympian Nat Cook OAM OLY, the Sirromet Great Aussie Athlete BBQ Festival will feature a strong lineup of sporting talent, including two-time Olympian and decathlete Cedric Dubler, alongside a host of emerging athletes representing the next generation of Australian sport.
Set against the winery’s bushland surrounds, vineyards, Cellar Door and Tuscan Terrace dining precincts, the event will invite guests to explore the estate while enjoying Sirromet’s Queensland-made wines, a staple of the region’s food and wine scene.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, athletes will share personal stories on stage, participate in Q&A sessions and meet-and-greets, and sign autographs in a bid to connect directly with the community. The event is open to the public.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to get involved in interactive sporting experiences, with local clubs hosting “come and try” activations designed to give attendees hands-on exposure to different sports.
Food will be a major highlight, with a gourmet BBQ and food trucks serving up signature sausages and other BBQ-themed fare. A donation from each sausage sold will go towards supporting Aussie athletes.
Live entertainment, including a DJ, stage presentations, giveaways and family-friendly competitions, will add to the festival atmosphere. Around 40 market stalls are also expected, showcasing local products, merchandise and interactive activities for all ages.
Adding further sizzle to the day, Weber will provide a premium barbecue to be won by one lucky attendee.
Tickets are priced at $20 per adult and $10 per child, with each ticket including a drink on arrival — Sirromet wine or beer for adults and soft drinks for children — as well as free parking. Importantly, $5 from every ticket sold will be donated directly to the Aussie Athlete Fund.
Australians who want to get involved beyond the festival can register as a BBQ Captain, choosing between a Backyard BBQ Kit for $99 — which includes a green and gold apron, BBQ tongs, spatula and fundraising materials — or a Business BBQ Kit for $999, tailored to workplaces and corporate teams. Kits are available online and delivered directly to purchasers.
The Sirromet event forms part of a national series of Great Aussie Athlete BBQs supporting a more sustainable athlete economy. Upcoming events include a 15 April barbecue with the Walker Corporation Group in Maroochydore and a 23 April event at the Green and Gold Gala at BOS Restaurant.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, 14 March 2026 | 2pm – 8pm
Where: Sirromet Winery, 850–938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton QLD 4165
Cost: $20 per adult | $10 per child (includes drink on arrival, parking and $5 donation per ticket to the Aussie Athlete Fund)
On-site contact: Dave Bruhn – 0418 857 503 (Nat Cook will also be available for media)
Media interviews: J Johnstone, Aruga – 0404 188 615
Social: #PassTheTongs
Website: www.sirromet.com/pages/aussie-athlete-bbq-2026
