It is a sentiment shared by the majority of the Riverina, who are mincing trends of turning to alternatives and instead tucking into traditional meals of beef and lamb more than ever. 

Tolland Meat Centre owner Andrew Nelson said Meat and Livestock Australia’s successful Australia Day advertising campaigns of recent years had made way for a resurgence in locals wanting to buy produce from their own backyard. 

Australia Day has now become one of the busiest times of the year for local butchers.

Among the top of people’s shopping lists ahead of Tuesday’s festivities are lamb sausages, lamp chops and lamb roasts headed for the Weber, according to Mr Nelson.

“Basically, barbecue meat is always popular,” he said.

“People are really starting to make Australia Day like Christmas.

“I think the best way to spend it is to get together with a good bunch of people, cook a good meal and have a good laugh.”