Australia Day BBQs are as quintessentially Aussie as burnt snags and arguing about backyard cricket rules. They bring people together for food, fun, and a healthy dose of chaos. But no BBQ is complete without the usual cast of characters - the ones we all know, love, or quietly roll our eyes at. And if we’re honest, these archetypes wouldn’t be out of place in one of Meat and Livestock Australia’s famous lamb ads.

The Grill Master

The self-appointed keeper of the BBQ, they treat the grill like a sacred altar. With tongs in one hand and a stubby in the other, they’re the first to say, “Nothing beats lamb chops on Australia Day!” They’ll fuss over the lamb, turn the snags too often, and tell anyone who’ll listen about “the perfect sear.” They’re convinced the MLA ads were written just for them.

The Salad Overachiever

Every BBQ has the one person who arrives with a quinoa and pomegranate salad, artfully arranged and garnished with micro-herbs. It’s a work of culinary art, sure, but does it hold a candle to a juicy lamb chop? Absolutely not. They’ll be subtly disappointed when their dish is ignored in favour of coleslaw straight from the supermarket.

The Beer Expert

This self-proclaimed connoisseur positions themselves as the authority on all things brewed. Hovering near the esky, they’ll lecture anyone within earshot about the “notes” and “hops” of their artisanal IPA while quietly judging anyone reaching for a mainstream lager.

They’ll proudly declare “Craft beer is the future!” while secretly sipping a humble mid-strength because “hydration is key.” Their real job? Ensuring everyone hears their unsolicited ranking of the top Australian breweries before the lamb comes off the grill.

The Flag Cape Crusader

Draped in the Australian flag (and possibly carrying a small one for waving), this mate lives for the symbolism of Australia Day. They’ll clutch a lamb chop like it’s a patriotic duty and argue that MLA’s ads are “iconic” - even if they haven’t watched this year’s instalment yet.

The Backyard Cricket Captain

While the lamb sizzles, this self-appointed sports legend insists on starting a game of backyard cricket. They’ve already claimed their spot on the MLA team in their imagination, even if their batting average is questionable. If they’re not hitting sixes, they’re sledging everyone else with comments like, “Don’t spill sauce on your whites!”

The Reluctant Vegan

Invited in the spirit of inclusion, they bring tofu skewers and a polite smile, only to be greeted with good-natured teasing: “You can’t have Australia Day without lamb!” They’ll politely nibble on a bread roll and a few salad leaves, while someone inevitably offers them “just a taste” of a lamb chop.

The Story Topper

As the MLA ads have reminded us for years, storytelling is part of Australia Day. But this person takes it too far. You share a tale about your uncle’s burnt sausages, and they counter with, “That’s nothing—my mate once BBQed a whole sheep on a beach!” They won’t stop until everyone’s nodded politely.

The DJ Disaster

They arrive with a Bluetooth speaker and a playlist that starts strong (Land Down Under and a few Cold Chisel tracks) but quickly derails into random 80s ballads. By the time lamb chops hit the table, they’ve managed to sneak in a Disney singalong.

The Sunburned Hero

Wearing nothing but a singlet and shorts, this person arrives declaring, “I don’t burn—I tan!” By the time the lamb is served, they’re the colour of a cooked chop and destined for a week of regret.

Nothing says Australia Day like the sizzle of lamb chops on the grill.

At the heart of every BBQ is, of course, the food. And nothing says Australia Day like the sizzle of lamb chops on the grill, a tradition MLA has celebrated (and cheekily advertised) for years. Whether you’re the Grill Master, the Plate Piler, or just the one holding the tongs for five seconds to feel useful, there’s no denying lamb is the star of the show.

So, this Australia Day, fire up the BBQ, embrace the chaos, and celebrate all the quirks that make a true-blue Aussie BBQ unforgettable. Because whether you’re a salad lover or a cricket tragic, it’s the people, and the lamb, that make the day.

Which BBQ archetype are you?