Great BBQ Challenge

Age: 49 Lives: Far North QLD Signature dish: Tender loin rib fillet steak marinated in tropical BBQ sauce, garlic potatoes, coconut rice and fresh salad

Bona started cooking at a young age on the Marquises Islands where his mother is still a chef today, cooking in her own restaurant and catering for the cruise ships travelling the Polynesian Islands. Bona has been an Aussie for 30 years and has cooked his way around Australia. Bona is also a combined therapist and healer. His friends and family say that he lights up when behind the BBQ plus they also know they are about to get the best feed with a variety the average BBQ’er couldn’t handle.

He loves cooking under pressure. He also loves a challenge, asking his wife to enter him in Survivor, Fear Factor, and Idol. She hasn’t taken him seriously until now, running out to the car in excitement after seeing the ad for Great BBQ Challenge. “I thought I’d never get the chance to entertain behind the barbie again and after my audition in Townsville, I’m hooked.” Bona’s trademark is his red cap, he has been wearing it for 24 or so years. He even wore it getting married. I'm Australia's Best BBQ'er because: “I can cater a whole wedding from my hotplate or create a five course meal. I make the most amazing sauces and when I heat up my grill the neighbours come from miles, following the aromas! We’ve even had a few Port Douglas tourists follow their noses to our yard. I love to entertain, the bigger the crowd the faster I fry.”