Community fundraiser to return to Melbourne Bunnings stores on December 5

Hardware giant Bunnings is firing up the barbecues across Melbourne, with an iconic Aussie fundraiser set to complete its nationwide return.

The famed Bunnings sausage sizzle is set to complete its nationwide return from December 5 as barbecues are fired up across Melbourne.

The Australian hardware retail giant has confirmed the iconic community fundraiser will be restarted at selected stores across the Victorian capital from December 5.

But the individual stores to be the first to mark its return are yet to be revealed by Bunnings.

Selected stores across regional Victoria are set to fire up the gas cylinders again from this Saturday in a welcome fundraising boost for community groups and sports clubs.

The smell of fried onion has been a notable absence from the hardware store giant after the popular community fundraiser was suspended in March due to COVID-19.

It has since returned across the country with Victoria last in line due to the second wave of coronavirus infections.

Bunnings sausage sizzles will complete their nationwide return on December 5. Picture: Christian Gilles

Bunnings chief operating officer Deb Poole said the retail chain was especially pleased to be bringing the sausage sizzle back to Melbourne stores with COVID-safe measures to keep everyone safe.

The first community sausage sizzle was run 26 years ago at Bunnings Sunshine in Melbourne’s outer west.

“We know our customers have missed supporting community groups through the sausage sizzles, and our store teams can’t wait to help restart this weekend tradition from December 5 in Melbourne,” Ms Poole said.

The fundraiser was suspended in March due to the pandemic. Picture: Supplied via NCA NewsWire

“Everyone in Melbourne has done such an amazing job, and we hope bringing back sausage sizzles will help return a sense of normality to people’s lives.”

Bunnings has put a range of extra safety measures in place to help keep people safe, including a new sausage sizzle layout that promotes physical distancing, increased cleaning requirements and hygiene processes.

Extra COVID-safe measures will be implemented at the Bunnings sausage sizzle. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jenny Evans

There will also be increased signage to help customers, and community group representatives will be required to wear a face mask during sausage sizzle shifts.

“While our community groups are taking a number of extra precautions, what hasn’t changed is the great feeling of supporting a local community group and the unmistakeable taste of an Aussie sausage sizzle,” she said.

For community groups booked in after the fundraiser’s suspension in March, Bunnings donated $500 gift cards to help with their fundraising activities.