Bunnings sausage sizzles set to return by end of July

The iconic retailer was forced to park the barbie for a few months but a return of the charity cook-up has been revealed.

The nationwide lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic was hard enough but the disruption to the weekend jaunt to the local Bunnings and temporary suspension of the sausage sizzle has been a painful bridge too far for many.

At the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in March, the iconic retailer was forced to park the barbecue but the charity cook-up returns to some states from this weekend.

The community sausage sizzles will be fired up on Saturday in select stores in the Northern Territory and Tasmania, while Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, South Australia and Western Australia will be back up and running by the end of the month pending government restrictions.

RELATED: Bunnings to suspend sausage sizzles

Victoria will have to wait a little longer as it embarks on its six-week lockdown after a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

“We know our customers have missed being able to show their support for local community groups by stopping by the sausage sizzle and we know the important fundraising role they play for thousands of community groups across Australia,” Bunnings chief operating officer Deb Poole said in a statement to news.com.au.

“So, we’re really excited to be starting the process of bringing them back in places where restrictions have eased.

“We’ve spent the past few months consulting with community groups, governments and health authorities on how we can bring back our sausage sizzles safely for our customers and community groups.”

Shoppers have missed the sweet aromas of the sausage sizzle.

Back in March, Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider made the “tough decision” to suspend the sausage sizzle.

“Having listened closely to community groups, we’ve learned of the challenges many groups are facing finding volunteers and even supplies to sell given some of the reported challenges being faced by other retailers,” he said in a statement.

“We also want to make sure our team remain focused on helping customers to access the products they need.

“We absolutely understand the important role these sausage sizzles play for thousands of local community groups and charities and that finding alternative fundraising opportunities at short notice isn’t easy.”

The popular cook-up has even made its way to UK Bunnings stores. Picture: Mega/news.com.au

Bunnings sausage sizzles are an extremely popular way for local community groups to raise money, with the retailer’s website stating spots are often booked out six months in advance.

Mr Schneider said that in order to assist community groups that have sausage sizzles booked over the next month, Bunnings will be donating $500 gift cards to these organisations in order to help with their fundraising.

This adds up to an investment of more than $1.2 million to local groups across Australia and New Zealand.

“There’s no doubt that our decision will disappoint some people in the community and we can’t wait to bring this much-loved community program back,” Mr Schneider said.

Typically, about 40,000 sausage sizzles are run each year at Bunnings through local community groups, raising much needed funds.

Changes made to enhance customer and community safety:

• Separate ordering and pick-up points to allow for 1.5 metres’ physical distancing

• Increased cleaning processes and hygiene requirements

• Increased signage to guide customers

• Additional team members rostered to encourage physical distancing

Originally published as Bunnings sausage sizzles set to return by end of July