Ollie’s Q 2024 – BBQ Year in Review
Can you imagine getting a Spotify Wrapped style review of your year? KGs of meat, most used rub, most cooked cut, number of briquettes, hours of cooking, times you got smoke in your eyes… Unfortunately that doesn’t exist, yet, so I had to manually review my 2024… here goes.
What a bloody year it’s been! Sitting here, reflecting on 2024, I can’t help but crack a beer and think about how far Ollie’s Q has come. This little BBQ adventure of mine started as a passion for good food and smoky backyard vibes, and thanks to all of you legends, it’s grown into something way bigger than I ever expected. So, let’s take a minute to look back on the year that was – the highlights, the lessons, and everything in between.
Smokin’ Good Cooks and Highlights of 2024
2024 saw some absolute bangers coming off the grill. I experimented with a bunch of new recipes, dialed in some classics, and even had a few “what the hell was I thinking?” moments (hey, BBQ is all about trial and error, right?).
It’s hard to pick favorites, but here are some standout moments that made this year unforgettable:
- Epic Recipes That Stole the Show:
- Fathers Day Steak Night had every bodies mouths watering on Instagram.
- Beef Short Rib brought some epic flavours to the grill.
- Adding sides like grilled corn, Hot Sauce Slaw and Skillet Cornbread had everyone coming back for seconds.
- Community Engagement:
- Big Wins for @ollies_q:
- The growth of my Instagram community has been amazing. Thank you for every like, comment, and share!
And let’s not forget the mid-week cooks: quick burgers, chicken wings, and other easy-as recipes to keep the smoker humming without overcomplicating things. Sometimes simple is best.
Partnerships & Big Moments
2024 also marked some incredible collaborations with BBQ enthusiasts, brands, and fellow pit masters. Partnering with brands helps me to share more tips and tricks and bbq content, and I hope to expand these partnerships in the future.
As a content creator, every recipe post, story, and video has been a labor of love. Hearing from you guys, whether it’s how a recipe turned out or how you’re experimenting with new techniques, keeps me inspired to deliver even better content.
The Ollie’s Q Community
Let me just say this: you lot are f***ing amazing. Seriously. The support this year has blown me away. Every time you like a post, comment on a recipe, or share your own BBQ creations, it reminds me why I started this whole thing.
The Ollie’s Q community has grown heaps this year, with more followers on Instagram and Facebook than I ever thought I’d get. But it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the connection. Whether you’re a hardcore pit master or someone just starting out with a Bunnings grill, you’re part of the Ollie’s Q family, and I’m bloody stoked to have you here.
I’ve been toying with the idea of launching a monthly newsletter for a while now, something with early recipes, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Maybe even featured cooks from followers. Let me know if you’re keen because if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that you’ve all got great ideas about what you want to see.
Family, Food & Fun
BBQ isn’t just about the food (though let’s be real, the food is a massive part of it). For me, it’s about the people you share it with. We’ve had plenty of family cook ups, gatherings with mates, and just those quiet moments at the end of the day where you’re sitting by the coals with a whisky in hand. Those are the times that make all the effort worthwhile.
Lessons from the Pit
If there’s one thing BBQ teaches you, it’s patience. You can’t rush a good brisket, and you sure as hell can’t rush personal growth either. This year, I learned to embrace the process, not just in cooking, but in building Ollie’s Q. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing perfection or worrying about what’s next, but at the end of the day, it’s about enjoying the ride.
I also learned (the hard way) that sometimes you’ve just gotta roll with the punches. Not every cook will go to plan, not every post will blow up, and not every opportunity will pan out. But that’s life, isn’t it? You learn, you adapt, and you keep firing up the grill.
Looking Ahead to 2025
So, what’s next? Well, for starters, I’m keen to bring you even more recipes, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. I want to dive deeper into the storytelling side of BBQ, showing you the process, the mistakes, and the wins in all their smoky glory. Longer form content on here, more than you can say in an Instagram comment… not that anyone reads them! lol
I’m also planning more video content, some live cooks, and maybe even a few BBQ collabs. And of course, Meatstock Bendigo is gonna be a massive highlight.
Above all, I want to keep growing this community. Ollie’s Q wouldn’t be what it is without you legends, and I’m so bloody grateful for every single one of you.
Get Involved with Ollie’s Q in the New Year
Want to stay connected? Here’s how you can be part of the journey:
- Follow me on Instagram and Facebook: Tag me in your BBQ posts and share your creations. I’d love to start featuring your amazing work!
- Share your ideas: Let me know what recipes, tips, or content you’d like to see in 2025. Your input shapes @ollies_q.
- Spread the Word: Share @ollies_q with your friends and fellow BBQ lovers. Let’s grow this community together!
Here’s to a killer 2025… filled with good food, good mates, and plenty of smoky, meaty goodness.
Cheers and beers,
Ollie
