By Denise Deason
WYNDHAM’S outdoor chefs are brandishing their tongs and studying their recipes for the fourth annual Heathdale Barbecue Festival in the Wetlands next month.
The celebrity judge will be renowned author and teacher of Chinese cuisine Elizabeth Chong.
Paul Paulino of Spits for Hire and Sale who came second last year, recently challenged members of the Salvation Army team to a face-off with barbecue implements, asking all-comers to register for the competition.
Registrations close for competitors on 8 February, with the festival at the Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands on Sunday 24 February.
Parking will be available off Kookaburra Ave.
Maggie McInnes of the Heathdale Neighbourhood Association said the festival has been going from strength to strength each year, with previous celebrity judges being chefs Gabriel Gate and Iain Hewitson.
This year the festival will have a Chinese theme in honour of Ms Chong.
“The festival is a really big day,” Ms McInnes said.
“It’s alcohol-free and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
“More than 2000 people came last year and we’re hoping for more this year.
“Our aim is to make it an event that people will come to from around the state.
“Although we can apply for government grants, we actually put on most of this ourselves through volunteers and local business sponsorships.”
The barbecue competition will start at noon, with $500 for first prize, $300 for second and $200 for third.
The categories for the competition are meat, whole hog, vegetarian, seafood and chef’s speciality.
The festival will also feature rides, craft sales, stage entertainment and the Wetlands Walk.
Performers will include the Victoria Police Band, a Philippine dancing group, lion dancing, COP This and the Polynesian dancing group, Te Puna Aroha.
From 4pm young Wyndham artists will take part in the Battle of the Talents competition.
Young people are invited to register if they are part of a band, hip hop group or would like to showcase individual talents.
A treasure walk through the wetlands will feature the history of Werribee, Chinese astrology and Australian animals.
The Werribee River Association will be providing information on caring for the river and the environment.
Participants can complete a puzzle to redeem a bag of prizes at the end of the walk.
For a small fee, you can have a marquee set beside the walkways of the festival and use this to sell goods, advertise your business or club, or for any other appropriate festival activity.
For more information on this and about registration for the barbecue competition, contact Jasmina Stanic on 8742 3125 or e-mail jasmina.stanic@wyndham.vic.gov.au.
