Returning to the roots of why Mick Blanchard and Linda Moir started taking part in low and slow barbecue competitions is the driving force behind hosting the first Cue for a Cause competition.

“We want to get back to why we started,” Linda said. “Which was the love of barbecue.”

So they’ve decided to run a winter competition at the Lakeside Tavern in Forster on July 29, with all the proceeds going to the Great Lakes Women’s Shelter.

This Australasian Barbecue Alliance (ABA) sanctioned event will run several categories for experienced low and slow barbecue cookers looking to rack up more points in the Barbeques Galore Australian Barbecue Championships.

It will also be holding an additional event for inexperienced cookers called Give it a Go, designed to encourage new people to  get involved.

“Newcomers can get a mentor to help guide them,” Mick said. “We want to welcome new people into the world of low and slow cooking.”

Linda and Mick, together with their son, Ethan Blanchard, normally compete as Highland Q but for this event, as they are hosting it, they will only be cooking to help raise funds and not for competition points.

Their hope is the get the community involved as they are looking for volunteers in all capacities for the event, including judges.

They’re also after anyone interested in trying their hand a low and slow cooking by entering the Give it a Go competition. 

They chose the Lakeside Tavern for the competition partly for the beauty of the location and partly for the size of the lot, which can hold lots of smoking pits. 

Entry to the competition for spectators will be free and samples of the slow cooked goodies will be available for a donation. 

This is their first fundraiser event, but they are hoping it won’t be their last, with big plans to host many more to help many more organisations. 

For more information or to register your interest email cueforacause@bigpond.com or visit the Cue For A Cause Facebook page.