Sporting legends around Australia are getting behind STIHL’s search for Australia’s best backyard in time to celebrate Australia Day. Sporting legend Matthew Hayden – along with Andrew McLeod, Dermott Brereton, Matthew Pavlich and Brad Fittler – is leading the charge in celebrating the importance of what Australians do best – being outdoors.

STIHL’s competition, This is My Backyard, is inviting Australians to nominate their backyard as the perfect place to celebrate, with the sporting stars selecting the most appropriate backyard from the entries. Each will attend one of five traditional Australia Day BBQs in the winners’ gardens, hosted by STIHL, along with 20 of their friends and family. “

We are really excited about giving everyday Australians the chance to meet their heroes, get outside and get real,” said Rob Ross, marketing manager from STIHL. “This is My Backyard is about celebrating the spaces that make us Australian. We recognise that each and every backyard – from tiny courtyard or balcony, to 100 hectare property – represents us. Our stretching natural environment is the backyard that belongs to all of us.

“My backyard is an essential part of my family and the way we live,” said sporting icon Matthew Hayden. “It represents who we are in a number of different ways. Not only does it represent the children’s interests and hobbies that change with their growth but also a place where I know my things such as my boat and tools will be safe and sound.

“For my family, the backyard provides an environment away from things like work or cricket or school. It gives us a private environment where we can just be ourselves. All worries seem to fade away with having our own patch of turf where the love and security of family can evolve”

The competition launched this week with a micro-site at thisismybackyard.com.au, and will be open until Friday 20 January. Every Australian nationwide is invited to nominate their backyard, with Rob welcoming “every weird and wonderful submission – from Broome to Hobart. We want to see the everyday, the beautiful, the ordinary and the simple.

“Our backyards are a precious place to enjoy life, and we want to celebrate the lives Australians lead.”