On the tongs: Amanda Ingham, Lachlan McKenzie and Jane Tremellin were manning the barbecue on Saturday. Photo: Max Stainkamph
Bunnings Shepparton celebrated its fifth birthday on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, marking five years of trading and some three years of helping community groups raise funds through what has become a cultural icon.
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Sausage sizzles were off the menu during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but for three years people from various club have been able to stand out the front, tongs in hand and sauce bottles at the ready.
Members of the Shepparton Wanderers ten-pin bowling club were on the tongs on Saturday and Jane Tremellen said the barbecues were a great source of fundraising.
“We’ve done two or three this year and have come away with about $2000 which is fantastic,” she said.
GV Woodworkers is another community group which has held barbecues throughout the year but, on Saturday, members were inside Bunnings showing off their wares.
Great display: John Shannon, Pierre Bullock, Emily Slaughter, Emma Hofmeyer, Frank Matthews, Len Taylor, Wayne Richards and Joe Gamino on the tools in Bunnings on Saturday.
President Emily Slaughter said the barbecues were important, but having the chance to be inside the store showing off what members could do behind lathes and with wood engraving on Saturday was also exciting.
“Like a lot of community groups we certainly need as much fundraising opportunities as we can,” she said.
“So this is a great opportunity for lots of community groups to come up on a Saturday or Sunday morning and raise some money.”
Bunnings Shepparton complex manager Trish Fedley said staff at the store were excited to be celebrating the fifth birthday.
“We love being part of the Shepparton community and it’s a great milestone that myself and the team are really proud of,” she said.
“Helping customers with their DIY and project needs, and supporting our local community groups through the sausage sizzle and other hands-on activities, has been the highlight for us.”
