Booval.  Bunnings provided the marquee, bar-b-q, gas and one table.  The setup process and OH&S requirements were clearly conveyed to us to ensure a smooth, safe and hygienic operation. Our sincere thanks go to Bunning’s Booval for their support.

The seven hours of at times frantic cooking and serving were well worth the effort and personal sacrifices made by our committed volunteers.  It is a veritable licence to print money, if you are prepared to put in the time and energy!  We intend to apply for a return to Booval as soon as possible.

What did we learn from the day?

1.  The day was a learning process.
2.  You can only have one co-ordinator / organiser / chief if you want to limit confusion, conflicting processes, mistakes and omissions.
3.  Negotiations, consultations and enquiries with Bunnings must be via the one person.
4.  We may not necessarily agree with or see the need for some of the ‘rules’ and requirements set by Bunnings, however, it is their venue and equipment and therefore we must comply.  There is no scope for debate or discussion.
5.  OH&S is a priority with Bunnings.
6.  Hygiene is paramount.  Food handlers must wear gloves. Closed toe footwear is required and if you handle money, you do not handle the food.
7.  Team work is critical.  We have to support each other, take scheduled breaks when advised to do so and keep the immediate area clean.
8.  You must be constantly aware of your surroundings, especially where ‘colourful’ jokes, language and politically incorrect remarks are concerned.  Someone could take offence and lodge a complaint with the store management.  That would compromise our future relationship with Bunnings.
9.  Our Insurer requires that individual members must sign in when starting their shift and sign off when completing their shift.
10.  We need accessible, safe storage for our equipment and food.
11.  We need to consider purchasing a number of items (eg, trestle tables, urn, large tea pots, etc) to give us some measure of self-reliance.
12.  We will design a check list (steps to undertake & equipment required) for similar future events.  This will remove some of the uncertainty for those volunteering down the track.
13.  Sausage sizzles are fun and a great opportunity to get to know each other better and to advertise our club.