'Devastating': Bunnings to suspend sausage sizzles from tomorrow

Bunnings has announced it will be suspending its popular sausage sizzles from tomorrow amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Bunnings Managing Director Mike Schneider said it made the tough decision after listening closely to community groups and the challenges they face finding volunteers and supplies.

“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,” he said.

“To assist community groups who have sausage sizzles booked over the next month, our store teams will donate $500 gift cards to these local organisations to assist with their fundraising activities.

“Across Australia and NZ, this represents an investment into local communities of over $1.2 million.”

Mr Schneider said he was aware the decision would disappoint some people and was looking forward to bringing the sausage sizzles back.

Bunnings said in relation to challenges sparked by coronavirus, it was continuing to follow government advice and apply a common-sense based approach to its operations.

The hardware giant also announced other activities planned in store would be cancelled, including its Easter and Mother’s Day Family Nights, school holiday workshops and trade breakfasts.

Aussies have been vocal about now losing their beloved sausage sizzles, with some dubbing it “un-Australian”.

“This is single most devastating news since this pandemic started. Devastating news,” one joked in a tweet.

“First it was cruises, then international flights, workplaces, schools, unis, galleries and events. But this. This might just be the final straw, coronavirus,” another wrote.

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