Pitmasters are smokin' it up in Broke

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Robert Thraves and his trusty sidekick, Jolene, at Sydney's Meatstock festival. Picture: Jay Beaumont

Meet Jolene.

She is 6.6 metres long, weighs 4.5 tonnes, has a 1.6 metre-diameter cooking chamber, and will be one of the stars of the show at this year's Smoke in Broke.

You will find her near the Smokin Hot N Saucy demonstration area on June 12 and 13 at McNamara Park.

The good folk of Broke are fired up about the annual festival, none more so than Robert and Randi Thraves.

The owners of Smokin Hot N Saucy at Islington and Taco Shack at East Maitland are also the founders of Smoke in Broke.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring all the community and small businesses together after last year's cancellation," Randi Thraves said.

"It has been difficult to resurrect ourselves - not only to plan and organise, but it has been difficult for all the teams and vendors who have missed out on a year too.

"And now we have two Melbourne teams forced to cancel their attendance.

"This will be the third year of Smoke in Broke and we have more on than ever before - more demonstrations, more music and more barbecue tastings - and we can't wait to share the event with everyone."

The annual two-day event held on the June long weekend features Australasian Barbecue Alliance and Steak Cookoff Association sanctioned competitions, barbecue demonstrations, live music, food and market stalls, and more smoked meat than you can poke a stick at. The mouthwatering aroma alone will be worth the ticket price.

Read more:A fresh Tex Mex take on tacos

Robert grew up on a cattle farm outside of Singleton while Randi was born and raised in Texas. The couple met while travelling in Canada. Identifying a gap in Australia when it came to "good quality food on the go", they decided to try their hand at low and slow smoked meats, Texan style.

The tender meat can be enjoyed on its own, in a sandwich, with vegetables or salad, or in a taco.

Smoke in Broke tickets are capped this year because of COVID restrictions so people are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets for the Saturday or the Sunday, or one of the limited weekend passes. Children aged 14 and under are admitted free. Bus transport from Newcastle is being offered. Go to eventbrite.com.au or smokeinbroke.com.au to book.

Smoke in Broke raised about $8000 for the Broke community in 2019. This year, Tasting Tokens are being sold to raise money for Broke Public School.