Our People
21 July, 2026
Colin is officially a BBQ legend
ARARAT District Junior Football Association volunteer Colin Prior has been recognised as one of Australia’s local footy heroes after being crowned one of Australia’s local BBQ legends in Bunnings’ nationwide Legend of the Tongs competition.
Now in its second year, the initiative celebrates the volunteers who help keep grassroots football clubs running throughout the AFL and AFLW seasons.
As part of Mr Prior’s win, the Ararat District Junior Football Association will receive a barbecue package valued at more than $585, including a Jumbuck six-burner barbecue and a Bunnings pop-up marquee.
Mr Prior is now in the running to win a trip for two to the Toyota AFL Grand Final and be crowned the overall “Legend of the Golden Tongs”, which carries a prize of $25,000 worth of Bunnings products and materials for the club.
The award recognises Mr Prior’s dedication to the Ararat District Junior Football Association and the role he plays in bringing the community together each week.
Mr Prior first became involved with the club five years ago, volunteering on the barbecue before taking on additional responsibilities as a team manager.
After being nominated by his daughter, he said he was humbled by the recognition.
“I try to embrace it now because I see that as a big opportunity. It’s about the kids.”
Mr Prior said the major prize on offer would make a significant difference to the club.
“We’ve got some promo stuff that can be used here, but the big picture stuff is that if we could get $25,000 worth of Bunnings vouchers, we can really do a lot of work here,” he said.
“We rely heavily on volunteers, not just me. We’ve got a lot of projects we’ve got in mind, but it’s all about money. So something like that would give us a massive bonus to be able to actually deck the place out.”
He said country football relied on volunteers willing to give up their time.
“A lot of the bigger leagues, they’re professional. This is under-13s, run by volunteers, no one’s getting paid anything. It’s purely doing it so our kids can have a good time,” he said.
“There is always a job for someone, so I tend to do the watering of the ground and I cook the barbecue on the weekends.”
Bunnings Ballarat manager Adam Sapiano said the award was designed to celebrate the people who make local sport possible.
“From firing up the BBQ to bringing the community together, volunteers like Colin are the heart and soul of grassroots sport,” Mr Sapiano said.
“For years, Colin has been a familiar face behind the grill, cooking for players and families week in, week out and helping turn match day into a community tradition. His dedication and consistency are what make local footy clubs so special.”
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