meet
At Red Gum BBQ, we’re all about good vibes and great partnerships!
We’re a proud B Corp certified business – Read more here! We join forces with community groups and awesome tourism associations like the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board, Mornington Peninsula Hinterland Tourism Association to showcase the best of our stunning region. Supporting local women-led initiatives with Women in Business Mornington Peninsula is a passion of ours, and we love making a difference with i=change!
Our connections with VTIC, Gourmet Brands & Lifestyle, Samba Fire & BBQ, Go Beyond Melbourne, and local tour operators (see our list) help us deliver exceptional experiences and flavours. Join us on this delicious journey of community and collaboration!
meet
It might sound corny (did anyone say corn bread?) but at Red Gum BBQ, we really are one big family. Together, we are the perfect blend of optimism, enthusiasm, reliability, generosity, effervescence, with a dash of fire and sauce to keep it interesting.
Martin Goffin
Pitmaster and co-owner
Born in Norfolk England, it wasn’t until 2002 while visiting Melissa on a trip to the US that Martin felt a fire in his belly and a desire to learn all things Southern-style barbecue. Fast forward to 2012 when Martin decided it was time to quit his government gig as a youth projects officer, and channel his passion into learning everything there is to know about the craft of being a Pitmaster.
Melissa Goffin
Managing Director and co-owner
Miami-born and bred, Melissa is a former high school teacher whose love of wood-smoked American barbecue was instilled by her family’s long-standing food heritage. After a decade-long teaching career (with some detours along the way), Melissa quit her job in 2016 and went all in to ensure Red Gum BBQ continues to be the ethically-based ‘good’ business she and Martin envisioned.
Katrina Barrionuevo
Director of Sales & Marketing
Katrina joined the team in 2017, bringing 20+ years of experience in the Tourism and Hospitality industry, with expertise and flair for sales and marketing and a passion for regional destinations (and American BBQ). Having worked across multiple sectors, from ski resorts in the USA to hotel chains like Marriott and Accor, her passion for driving sales, partnerships, and unforgettable events is unmatched.
Jeffrey Sickert
Director of finance
Jeffrey joined the Red Gum BBQ crew in November 2022 and brings his love of numbers, spreadsheets, and all things finance to the team. Originally from Adelaide, he’s a dad to three, once ran a publishing company, and now crunches the numbers while enjoying the irresistible aroma of BBQ. It’s safe to say he’s a perfect fit!
kyle downward
Head Chef
Born and raised in Mornington, Kyle’s love for food started at the ripe age of 6, spending Friday and Saturday nights around the fire with his father. By 14, his talent in the kitchen had him fast-tracked into an apprenticeship and VCE cooking program. After a break to pursue other passions, he discovered American BBQ in 2012 and never looked back. Twelve years on, Kyle now leads the kitchen as Head Chef at Red Gum BBQ, bringing dedication, fire, and a whole lot of smoke to the pit.
Laura Stetter
People & Culture Lead
Mornington Peninsula born and bred, Laura began her career as a Registered Nurse before moving into Human Resources more than a decade ago. Her background in healthcare shaped her people-first approach, and today she brings that same care and empathy into HR. Passionate about supporting and empowering the team, Laura is dedicated to creating positive workplace experiences and believes every workday should be as rewarding and enjoyable as possible.
Rachel Baker
Events & Catering Lead
Gippsland-born and raised, Rachel grew up with a love of good food and drink passed down from her parents. After moving to Melbourne to study design and business, she discovered a passion for hospitality, building nearly a decade of experience across weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. Rachel loves using her creativity to bring people’s event ideas to life — and yes, she cries at every wedding she works or attends.
we believe in
Are you hard-working, reliable and nice? This is our trifecta of qualities we seek in new employees. They are not just a list of job-seeking babble for you to skip over but to seriously consider.
Red Gum BBQ is committed to being an inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace. Not only do we want to have fun, but we are kind and considerate and encouraging of people of all backgrounds and experiences to come along for the ride. We are seeking like minds – committed to an amazing workplace – with passion, joy and authenticity.
Are you hard-working?
Do you aim to do a job better than is expected? Do you find work Do you feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in giving your best to things?
Are you reliable?
Do you do what you say you’re going to do? Are you there when you’re expected to be? Do people count on you to have integrity, be trustworthy and dependable?
Are you nice?
Do you enjoy smiling? Do you seek ways to support those around you through kindness and action? Do you hope that people who encounter you feel heard and appreciated?