Celebrating 60: The First 20 Years (1965-1985)
As we celebrate Christie Barbecues’ 60th anniversary, we are excited to share our rich history. Firstly, we will look back at the first 20 years of our journey, where we laid the foundations for what would become an iconic symbol of Australian culture. While Paul Hogan’s famous line “slip an extra shrimp on the barbie” may have made Australian BBQ internationally known, Christie brought the communal BBQ into the heart of Australian life.
The Beginnings: 1965-1975 – Innovation Born from Necessity
The story of Christie Barbecues begins not with the BBQ itself but with electrical engineering. In 1965, the late Mr. David Alexander (Sandy) Christie OAM founded the D.A. Christie company, initially focusing on electrical equipment and control systems for public spaces and the tourism sector. However, Sandy’s vision for Christie was always about more than just engineering – it was about creating something that could bring people together safely, conveniently, and sustainably.
In the early 1970s, Sandy recognised a growing need for safe and reliable outdoor cooking solutions. Charcoal and wood-fired barbecues were widely used in public spaces but posed serious risks. In addition to public safety concerns, they contributed to bushfires, environmental pollution, and damage, especially during fire ban periods. Sandy was determined to provide an alternative allowing Australians to enjoy the great outdoors while reducing environmental risks.
Thus, in 1974, Christie introduced the first-ever coin-operated community electric barbecue. This innovative product provided a reliable, safe, and environmentally friendly cooking option for public spaces, setting the stage for the next 60 years of growth and success. The electric BBQ was an instant hit, offering a sustainable solution that made outdoor cooking accessible to everyone. Sandy’s commitment to providing a barbecue that could bring communities together was evident from the start, laying the foundation for Christie’s long-standing reputation as an industry leader.
Overcoming Challenges and Fuelling Growth: 1975-1985
Innovation is never without challenges. As Christie Barbecues expanded, so did the hurdles. Changing public sentiment and the risk of vandalism prompted Christie to introduce a free-to-use, push-button version of our electric barbecue in 1975. This new model was a game-changer, quickly becoming the preferred choice for municipal councils across Australia.
Christie’s success wasn’t just about providing a safe cooking option; it was about offering something that brought people together. Our barbecues quickly spread from regional parks to bustling metropolitan areas, finding homes along the Yarra River in Melbourne, in the parks of Brisbane, on the beaches of Sydney and Perth, and in popular tourist destinations like the Gold Coast.
By 1978, Christie had produced more than 1,000 barbecues. This milestone marked the growing demand for our product, and to meet this demand, we introduced a more efficient aluminium hotplate design. Some of those original barbecues are still operating today, a testament to the lasting quality and durability that Christie has always strived to provide.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Christie Barbecues’ first 20 years, we look forward to the following chapters in our journey. From our humble beginnings in 1965 to the introduction of our first electric BBQs in the 1970s, Christie has always been about more than just providing a product. We’ve been about creating spaces where communities can unite, forge connections, and enjoy the best of what Australia has to offer.
Stay tuned for the next instalment of our 60th anniversary celebrations as we take you through the next 20 years of Christie Barbecues and the continued evolution of an Australian icon.