What a day! The annual Big Aussie BBQ returned to Rockefeller Park at Battery Place, hosted by the ever-fantastic America Josh. With blue skies, sunshine, sizzling sausages, a few cold Aussie beers, and a backyard full of sports and games, it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon celebrating the Australian community in New York City.
As always, Australian Women in New York (AWNY) was thrilled to be part of the festivities, bringing along plenty of fun activities and opportunities to connect with the community.
Amazing Raffle Prizes
One of the highlights of the day was our raffle, featuring an incredible lineup of prizes including a Bunnies Straw Hat, Bluey merchandise, Aussie goodies, Rationale skincare pack, a Camilla voucher, a Tiffany & Co. candle, and much more.
Even better, every raffle ticket purchased helped support the amazing work of Australian Women in New York, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and connecting Aussie women across the city.
Fun for the Kids
The little Aussies (and honorary Aussies!) were kept busy all day with temporary tattoos featuring Aussie flags and adorable koalas, coloring books, and sticker activities with everyone’s favorite Australian animals including platypuses, crocodiles, kangaroos, and koalas.
A big thank you to the Airtasker team, who added even more excitement with face painting and a talented balloon artist. From start to finish, there was no shortage of smiles and fun.
New Connections and Friendly Faces
One of the best parts of the day was meeting so many women who stopped by the AWNY booth to learn more about our community. It was especially wonderful to connect with newcomers who have recently arrived in New York and are looking to build their networks and find their Aussie community away from home.
Until Next Year!
The 2026 Big Aussie BBQ was another huge success, filled with sunshine, laughter, new friendships, and plenty of Aussie spirit. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, supported AWNY, and helped make the day so special.
We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Thanks to our supporters for donating the raffle prizes – we raised a total of $4,500 that will go towards our activities for the year. If you would like to donate to the Australian Women in New York please do so here and in the notes site AWNY
And, the winners are…..
| Ferrer Rocher basket (valued at $140) – donated by Kat Ng | Amy Potter |
| Theatre tickets to the Australian Theatre Festival | Andrea Hargrave |
| 4 mixed bottles of Aussie wine (valued at $120) – donated by America Josh | Bec Twist |
| Jets v Giants Preseason Game on August 28 (valed at $300) – donated by Alexia Crawford | Billy Wilson |
| Bluey and Bingo mini plush – donated by Alita Singer | Cassandra Martin |
| Bluey Lunch Box Set (valued at $70) – donated by Alita Singer | Cassandra Mather |
| Othership 5 class pack (valued at $285) – donated by Alexia Crawford | Deborah Warren-Smith |
| Autographed Paris Locked book (valued at $20) – donated by Jennifer Harris | Hilary Van Herwaarden |
| Bunnings Straw Hat (value priceless!) – donated by American Josh | Jason Bennewith |
| Autographed Mad Mabel book (valued at $35) | Jennifer Dorre |
| Kove Studio (Spa) – $200 voucher | John Glover |
| Kove Studio (Spa) – $200 voucher | John Wagner |
| Glasshouse Candle (valued at $45) – donated by Nicole Eckels | Leila Hansen |
| America Josh package of hats and Aussie goodies (valued at $80) – donated by America Josh | Lynne Odin |
| Camilla $500 voucher plus clutch (valued at $600) – donated by Camillia | Morgan Cowling |
| You Are What You Sleep – 2 x Merino wool Sleep Masks (valued at $100) – donated by Belinda – BJ – Jackson | Riley Brown |
| Treats From Oz Hamper (value – Priceless!) | Rob Leeds |
| Bondi Lager Slab 24 cans (valued at $80) – donated by America Josh | Shelly Rivas |
| Autographed Pub Choir book (valued at $30) | Shweta Khare |
| Tiffany & Co Candle (valued at $150) – donated by Jenni Glover | Sian Suthers |
| RATIONALE skincare basket (valued at $703) | Stefania Lipiec |
| Glasshouse Paradise Screensaver themed basket – donated by Nicole Eckels | Tim Hand |
| Anthropologie Jewelry by Beth Ward (valued at $100) | Zoe Lee |
