Great BBQ. Real People. Meaningful Connections.
 

The Smoke & Soul Project began with one simple question: Could I take something I love — BBQ — and use it to make a genuine difference in people's lives?
 

In June 2026, that idea became reality. Together with my family, I set off on a journey across Australia, travelling more than 7,000 kilometres, hosting 18 community BBQs and serving around 1,400 meals to people experiencing homelessness, hardship and disadvantage.
 

The goal was never to solve homelessness. I simply wanted to provide people with a great meal, treat them with dignity and create opportunities for genuine human connection. Working alongside organisations including The Salvation Army, Vinnies, BaptistCare, Micah Projects and many incredible local charities, we brought people together around the BBQ.
 

What started as a project about feeding people quickly became something much bigger. At every stop, I met people with extraordinary stories. Some were experiencing homelessness, others were facing financial hardship or difficult personal circumstances. I quickly learnt that homelessness doesn't have one face, and you can never truly understand someone's situation without taking the time to listen. I also discovered the incredible generosity of volunteers and community workers across Australia. These were people who showed up day after day, often without recognition, simply because someone needed their help. Their dedication was one of the most inspiring parts of the entire journey.

As the kilometres rolled by, something became increasingly clear. The food was bringing people together, but the conversations and connections were what really mattered.
 

The support we received was overwhelming. Businesses, sponsors, individuals and communities embraced the project, helping us raise just under $35,000. After covering the costs of the journey, the remaining $10,552 was donated back to organisations that had supported us along the way. But the biggest impact of Smoke & Soul wasn't measured in kilometres, meals or dollars raised. It was measured in the people we met, the conversations we shared and the lessons we brought home.

I returned with a completely different understanding of homelessness, community and the importance of treating people without judgement. I learnt that sometimes making a difference doesn't require a grand gesture. Sometimes it's simply about showing up, sharing a meal and making someone feel welcome.

The experience also changed what BBQ means to me. I've always loved the fire, the smoke and the challenge of creating great food. But now I see BBQ as something even more powerful — a way of breaking down barriers and bringing people together, regardless of their circumstances. The journey doesn't end here.

Today, Smoke & Soul continues as the community and charitable arm of Dave Meadows BBQ, ensuring that giving back remains at the heart of everything I'm building. The national tour may be over, but the purpose behind it remains stronger than ever. Because if there's one thing those 7,000 kilometres taught me, it's this: The BBQ gets people to the table. What happens around that table is what really matters.
 

That's the Smoke & Soul Project.