JANUARY 26 is a day when Australians can take time out from work and other hassles to appreciate their beautiful country.

This year is no exception.

The Bendigo Advertiser and the Bendigo Marketplace are giving readers a chance to win big with the My Australia picture competition.

A barbecue, offered by Big W, is up for grabs along with meat trays from Lenard's and Erindale Farm Butchery.

To enter the competition, simply send us a picture of My Australia - what our great country means to you.

Send your pictures to addynews@fairfaxmedia.com.au and we will compile all the entries in a My Australia gallery.

You can also send your My Australia and Australia Day celebrations pictures to the Bendigo Advertiser via our iPhone or Android smartphone app.

The picture we judge best shows My Australia will win a new barbecue to the value of $298 and a meat pack worth $100.

Five runners up will get a $30 Lenard's Australia Day meat pack and five more $25 Erindale Farm meat packs.

We also have some White Magic barbecue cleaning packs to give away.

Lenard's franchise owner Simone O'Sulllivan said the business offered 10 different sausages over the Australia Day period.

Erindale Farm Butchery worker Scott Franklin said the 'cheesymite' sausages would be popular this year.

"We will sell a lot of lamb on Australia day and sausages," he said.

"It's such a huge day for us - we have been doing it for 10 years."

The Bendigo Marketplace is supporting the campaign to encourage Australians to submit their My Australia stories

Bendigo Marketplace marketing manager Dannielle Downs said the centre was proud to be sponsoring a competition that invited the community to express what being Australian meant to them.

“Bendigo Marketplace is donating a barbecue and meat packs as prizes for this competition as there’s nothing more fitting than a barbecue with friends and family to celebrate being Australian," she said.

The centre will offer free Australia Day workshops for children where they can make cardboard didgeridoos, all Australian cork hats and decorate pavlova nests.

Bookings can be made online at www.bendigomarketplace.com.au

The winner will be announced during the Bendigo Advertiser's coverage of Australia Day.

THE month of barbecues with mates is upon us and safety has never been more important.

Before you fire up the barbie there are some simple steps Craig Jones from White Magic suggests you do to ensure a smooth Australia Day celebration.

Check your gas burner before lighting up the barbecue to ensure it is a safe age. 

Most burners only last two seasons.

Mr Jones said it was important to clean your barbecue after each use and to give it a thorough clean once a year.

Next up, Mr Jones said inspect the tank by running a leak test, which involves coating the regulator, valves and hoses with soapy water and looking for bubbles.

After replacing anything that is not up to scratch and purchasing some fresh sausages the barbecue should be ready to get sizzling.