Latest news with #Bunnings
The Age
a day ago
- General
- The Age
From friend to foe: The possum in my driveway has become a problem
At this point, I should've said something like, 'OK, the possum has gone to sleep now!' aware that to feed a possum once is to encourage it forever. Instead, I said: 'Should we go and get another carrot?' And so we did. Night after night, this became a ritual. I would return from work with a bag of carrots, and we would wedge one in the tree for our new friend (a young male common brushtail possum, thank you, Google) and wait for him to surface – a wholesome exchange between man and marsupial. According to the Reddit thread R/Possums, this was absolutely the wrong thing to do because possums are very territorial and shouldn't be tamed. Admittedly, I had experienced this firsthand growing up: a family of wild, shrieking possums setting up shop inside our roof, much to the frustration of my parents, who spent thousands of dollars having them 'rehomed' (dumped miles away in a park). But our possum wasn't like that, he seemed loveable and charming, cuddly even, the kind of possum Mem Fox had in mind when writing Possum Magic. And anyway, given the possum was already in his own home, there was nothing to worry about; we were dropping off groceries. For a while, the system worked well. I felt confident that a strong bond had been established, and people in the building called me 'the possum guy', a nickname I quite enjoyed. But things took a turn when my son decided to eat the carrot one night rather than share it. Have you ever seen a possum hiss and growl at a two-year-old? It's unpleasant, but not as unpleasant as being stalked down your own driveway by a possum you once considered a friend. The following night, the possum returned, this time with two buddies. Word had clearly spread, and being outnumbered changed the whole dynamic of the agreement; it became less like a brush with nature and more like a debt to be paid. On the advice of every person I spoke to and every possum forum I visited, I stopped feeding them immediately, which only appeared to anger the group. Leaving the house meant wondering if a gang of rightfully upset possums would be waiting for me, my Safe! Reliable! Predictable! suburb now a prison of my own making. Eventually, the only option was to call WIRES and admit what I'd done, which led to a polite-but-firm lecture from a lady named Christine, who had clearly had this conversation too many times to count. 'Firstly, stop feeding them. Secondly, buy some floodlights and possum-repellent spray; that should do the trick. Are you close to a Bunnings?' Of course, I am Christine; I live in the suburbs.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
From friend to foe: The possum in my driveway has become a problem
At this point, I should've said something like, 'OK, the possum has gone to sleep now!' aware that to feed a possum once is to encourage it forever. Instead, I said: 'Should we go and get another carrot?' And so we did. Night after night, this became a ritual. I would return from work with a bag of carrots, and we would wedge one in the tree for our new friend (a young male common brushtail possum, thank you, Google) and wait for him to surface – a wholesome exchange between man and marsupial. According to the Reddit thread R/Possums, this was absolutely the wrong thing to do because possums are very territorial and shouldn't be tamed. Admittedly, I had experienced this firsthand growing up: a family of wild, shrieking possums setting up shop inside our roof, much to the frustration of my parents, who spent thousands of dollars having them 'rehomed' (dumped miles away in a park). But our possum wasn't like that, he seemed loveable and charming, cuddly even, the kind of possum Mem Fox had in mind when writing Possum Magic. And anyway, given the possum was already in his own home, there was nothing to worry about; we were dropping off groceries. For a while, the system worked well. I felt confident that a strong bond had been established, and people in the building called me 'the possum guy', a nickname I quite enjoyed. But things took a turn when my son decided to eat the carrot one night rather than share it. Have you ever seen a possum hiss and growl at a two-year-old? It's unpleasant, but not as unpleasant as being stalked down your own driveway by a possum you once considered a friend. The following night, the possum returned, this time with two buddies. Word had clearly spread, and being outnumbered changed the whole dynamic of the agreement; it became less like a brush with nature and more like a debt to be paid. On the advice of every person I spoke to and every possum forum I visited, I stopped feeding them immediately, which only appeared to anger the group. Leaving the house meant wondering if a gang of rightfully upset possums would be waiting for me, my Safe! Reliable! Predictable! suburb now a prison of my own making. Eventually, the only option was to call WIRES and admit what I'd done, which led to a polite-but-firm lecture from a lady named Christine, who had clearly had this conversation too many times to count. 'Firstly, stop feeding them. Secondly, buy some floodlights and possum-repellent spray; that should do the trick. Are you close to a Bunnings?' Of course, I am Christine; I live in the suburbs.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
The sad reason why a $29 Bunnings buy is selling out across Australia
As concerns over personal safety grow across Australia, a pocket-sized device from Bunnings is becoming a must-have item for women, and now their children too. The Swann Graphite Gen 2 ActiveResponse Personal Alarm, retailing for just $29, is flying off the shelves as more women turn to the affordable gadget for extra peace of mind. But it's not just adults who are reaping the benefits of this modern safety essential, concerned mums are now purchasing the alarm for their kids as they become more independent. Small enough to clip onto a key ring or backpack, the device features two alarm modes: a siren and flashing light activated by pulling the keychain for immediate attention, and a discreet red button that silently sends an SOS message with real-time GPS coordinates to designated emergency contacts. 'Every parent should get one of these for your child,' one Bunnings reviewer raved. 'It's amazing how well it works.' The surge in popularity reflects a broader trend in Australia, where women, particularly mothers, are increasingly investing in personal safety tools amid rising concerns about violence and street harassment. In a 2023 report by Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety, nearly two-thirds of Australian women reported feeling unsafe walking alone at night. It's no surprise then that products like the Swann personal alarm are gaining traction as a modern solution to an age-old problem. 'This is a wonderful product, small and well made,' another reviewer wrote. 'I bought this for my child who has just started high school and has started catching public transport... We've tested it a few times just to be sure and it's amazing how well it works.' For mums like this, the device offers 'a little bit of backup just in case.' 'I'm not paranoid,' she wrote in her online review, 'but you still want that little bit of backup… She barely notices it's there, and I know if anything ever felt off, she could press the button and I'd get the alert straight away.' Unlike traditional personal alarms, the Gen 2 version includes built-in mobile connectivity and GPS, removing the need to pair with a smartphone - a critical feature for younger users or those who may not always carry their phones. The personal alarm also has the tick of approval from New Zealand TikToker Jen Lourdes, who posted a now-viral video on the device. Jen said she picked up the device after seeing other women recommend it as a simple but effective way to feel a little safer. 'There was a lady on TikTok that recommended getting the personal alarm,' Jen said. The small, pocket-size device packs a serious punch when it comes to making enough noise to help ward off danger 'This is really great if you're going runs or you're solo travelling, or if you work night shifts.' The small, sleek, pocket-size device doesn't look like much, but packs a serious punch when it comes to making enough noise to (hopefully) ward off danger. 'What you do is you pull it, and it makes a really loud noise,' Jen explained. Alternatively, you can push a button and it texts a friend or family member. Compact enough to clip onto a keychain or lanyard, the alarm is easy to carry during a jog, stash in a handbag or keep close while walking to the car after a night shift. 'I'm slowly started to get into running so I thought it would be perfect to take with me when I go on a run,' Jen added. 'I also do a lot of solo travelling for work, I feel like it's just a bit of extra security.' While it's comforting to know gadgets like this exist, the surge in popularity sadly reflects a growing reality: women in 2025 are still forced to think about personal safety every time they step outside alone. 'The fact that we live in a world where we need this to feel safe,' one follower commented. 'These should be handed out for free at police stations tbh. Genius!' added another. While the Swann ActiveResponse offers a quick, affordable way to feel more empowered, the hope remains that one day, women won't have to plan their day around personal protection. For now though, many are praising Jen and others like her for spreading the word about such a useful gadget. 'Omg this is such a good idea!! Need this asap.'
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
‘I don't apologise': Bunnings boss responds
Wesfarmers chief executive Rob Scott has hit back at an ABC Four Corners documentary accusing Bunnings of pressuring suppliers, stifling competition and inflating prices, saying he 'does not apologise for trying to build a successful business'. The episode aired last week and put the beloved Australian hardware giant under scrutiny, highlighting supplier complaints and examining the chain's $19bn revenue and $3.2bn profit in 2024, figures that equate to a 16.8 per cent profit margin, nearly double that of supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles. Speaking on Sky News' Business Weekend, Mr Scott defended Bunnings' operations and rejected the suggestion that the company engaged in unfair practices. 'We pay our team members more than well above the award rates, the relationships we have with our thousands of suppliers are very strong and longstanding,' Mr Scott said. Bunnings Warehouse has been accused of stifling competition and inflating prices. NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia 'Now, occasionally, businesses make mistakes and when they do make a mistake, it's important that they own it and face into it.' Mr Scott also acknowledged that Bunnings' presence in certain retail precincts could put pressure on competitors but maintained this was ultimately a benefit to customers. 'There is pressure on the competition, but at the end of the day someone has to be there for the customer, right?' he said. 'Someone has to offer great value to customers and remembering as well that I don't apologise for trying to build a successful business in Bunnings.' He added that the company was contending with major global retailers and remained focused on maintaining local jobs and opportunities. 'We are fighting tooth and nail against some very big and fierce international competitors in the retail space and we would rather that those jobs and those opportunities stay within Bunnings,' he told Sky News. Wesfarmers chief executive Rob Scott said he 'does not apologise for trying to build a successful business'. Credit: Supplied The ABC report also flagged concerns from suppliers who alleged the company marked up products significantly to boost profits, with critics claiming Bunnings' pricing strategy was misleading. In response, Bunnings said its margins weren't directly comparable with supermarkets because of the nature of its stock and slower product turnover. Bunnings' business practices are also expected to come under further scrutiny as part of a federal Senate inquiry into the market power of so-called 'big box' retailers, including Ikea and Costco. In a statement following the Four Corners broadcast, Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider said the company 'strongly rejects any suggestions made in the program that we engage in anti-competitive behaviour, bullying, underpayment of our team or that we seek to limit consumer choice or the application of our price guarantee. 'We want to reaffirm our commitment to the values that have guided our business for decades which is in direct contrast to the characterisations made by the ABC.'
West Australian
6 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
‘I don't apologise': Bunnings boss responds to ABC claims
Wesfarmers chief executive Rob Scott has hit back at an ABC Four Corners documentary accusing Bunnings of pressuring suppliers, stifling competition and inflating prices, saying he 'does not apologise for trying to build a successful business'. The episode aired last week and put the beloved Australian hardware giant under scrutiny, highlighting supplier complaints and examining the chain's $19bn revenue and $3.2bn profit in 2024, figures that equate to a 16.8 per cent profit margin, nearly double that of supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles. Speaking on Sky News' Business Weekend, Mr Scott defended Bunnings' operations and rejected the suggestion that the company engaged in unfair practices. 'We pay our team members more than well above the award rates, the relationships we have with our thousands of suppliers are very strong and longstanding,' Mr Scott said. 'Now, occasionally, businesses make mistakes and when they do make a mistake, it's important that they own it and face into it.' Mr Scott also acknowledged that Bunnings' presence in certain retail precincts could put pressure on competitors but maintained this was ultimately a benefit to customers. 'There is pressure on the competition, but at the end of the day someone has to be there for the customer, right?' he said. 'Someone has to offer great value to customers and remembering as well that I don't apologise for trying to build a successful business in Bunnings.' He added that the company was contending with major global retailers and remained focused on maintaining local jobs and opportunities. 'We are fighting tooth and nail against some very big and fierce international competitors in the retail space and we would rather that those jobs and those opportunities stay within Bunnings,' he told Sky News. The ABC report also flagged concerns from suppliers who alleged the company marked up products significantly to boost profits, with critics claiming Bunnings' pricing strategy was misleading. In response, Bunnings said its margins weren't directly comparable with supermarkets because of the nature of its stock and slower product turnover. Bunnings' business practices are also expected to come under further scrutiny as part of a federal Senate inquiry into the market power of so-called 'big box' retailers, including Ikea and Costco. In a statement following the Four Corners broadcast, Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider said the company 'strongly rejects any suggestions made in the program that we engage in anti-competitive behaviour, bullying, underpayment of our team or that we seek to limit consumer choice or the application of our price guarantee. 'We want to reaffirm our commitment to the values that have guided our business for decades which is in direct contrast to the characterisations made by the ABC.'
