Barbecuing — or as we call it here in Australia, The Barbie — is pretty much a national pastime. It’s more than cooking; it’s connection, conversation, and that unmistakable smell of possibility in the air.

I first got back into BBQing during my early rehab days in the Spinal Unit in Brisbane. Our monthly barbecues were a group effort. Patients would help organise the shopping, do what prep we could, and cook with staff lending a hand. It was less about being a master chef and more about being part of the action (and making sure nothing got burnt).

These days at home, things run a little differently — but the BBQ is still very much in business. With a modified cutting board, an adaptive knife, and a trusty support worker as my sous chef, I can prep salads, skewer meat, and experiment with different flavours. Once everything’s ready, I hook the spatula under my splint and get flipping.

Being the “Quad Chef” is about working smarter, not harder. I still enjoy trying new recipes — from classic snags to marinated chicken skewers or even grilled apple, with ice cream and cinnamon. The BBQ isn’t just about the food; it’s about keeping the tradition going, having a laugh, and proving that with a few tweaks, you can still run a pretty good Barbie.

Because the BBQ isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about being part of it.

Thanks, Lindsay, A.K.A. QUADCHEF

About the author

Lindsay, who was born and grew up in Brisbane, Australia, obtained a spinal cord injury several years ago which sees him getting around on four wheels instead of two legs. His injury hasn’t stopped him from making the most out of what he refers to as "my beautiful life". Lindsay's journey began on the last day of grade 12 at the age of 17 when he went for a celebratory swim at Southbank, Brisbane and broke his neck at vertebrae C5. Over the last 28 years, Lindsay has done public speaking at universities, conferences, fundraisers, and within health care settings. He also works part-time, travel, attend the gym and volunteers as a peer support mentor for the newly injured and their families. Lindsay is an advocate for disability awareness and his goal is to help people and their families who are in similar situations.