Latest news with #Bunnings
News.com.au
13 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Bunnings' surprise move could kill off big power bills
Bunnings is known for its sausage sizzles and hardware bargains, but the retail giant is now aiming to revolutionise the way Australians power their homes. Forget forking out a fortune upfront – Bunnings is offering a new subscription service that could make solar energy and battery storage accessible to everyone. The hardware giant is launching a full-scale assault on the energy market with its new 'Zelora' subscription service. Forget the crippling upfront costs that have kept solar power out of reach for ordinary Aussies – Bunnings is offering a revolutionary way to power your home without emptying your bank account. 'Zelora – backed by Bunnings and powered by Intellihub' is a bold move that could finally democratise renewable energy. Instead of shelling out tens of thousands of dollars for solar panels and batteries, homeowners can now access these technologies through a simple, all-inclusive subscription. It comes as latest Climate Council research confirmed what we already knew: upfront costs are the biggest barrier to solar adoption. Little-known rule could save you $800 Now Bunnings is aiming to smash that barrier to smithereens. 'Our new Zelora offer, developed in partnership with Intellihub, gives customers access to a broader range of battery and solar packages – including larger rooftop systems and home batteries – all available through a simple subscription model and supported by an app,' Bunnings' Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Baker said. The service is currently being trialled in Newcastle and greater Sydney, NSW. Customers can choose from a range of solar and battery systems, all managed through the Zelora app. MORE NEWS: Why Aldi, Costco keep snubbing this Aussie state The subscription covers everything, from installation to ongoing maintenance, providing peace of mind and predictable monthly payments. 'The Zelora partnership with Bunnings will remove the complexity and big upfront cost that often comes with solar and battery systems to make it easier for households to reduce their electricity bills,' Intellihub Executive General Manager Australia, Alastair McKeown said. The launch follows the release of the second PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report earlier this year, which surveyed 4800 Aussies. The report found more than half of Australians (56 per cent) plan to improve their home's energy efficiency within the next five years as they see it as a way of saving on their electricity bills. When homeowners were asked the reasons why they would switch to more energy-efficient appliances, 68 per cent said it was due to cost of living and the price of energy, outweighing the 55 per cent who cited environmental concerns. On average, households intend to spend $7950 on energy-efficient upgrades over five years, indicating a potential $80 billion in national investment. While the initial upfront cost can appear daunting, savings estimate by the Climate Council show Victorians could save $1301 a year by shifting gas appliances to all electric and removing gas supply charge fees. Bunnings: More than just hammers and nails Zelora is part of a broader push by Bunnings to embrace sustainability. The company has also launched a range of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions and is trialling EV charging stations at select stores across the country. Bunnings has introduced in-store sustainability initiatives to support community members who are looking to be more environmentally conscious, including a battery recycling program at all stores. Earlier this year, Bunnings announced it had achieved its 100 per cent renewable electricity target milestone across its Australian and New Zealand store network, as part of its commitment to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
$30k makeover on its way for club
The Harbour Rugby Football Club's division 1 team, who played in the final at Forsyth Barr Stadium at the weekend, enjoy plenty of community support. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A grassroots club has received a hefty helping hand to develop its facilities. Harbour Rugby Football Club was recently awarded $30,000 in supplies from hardware retailer Bunnings as part of its Rugby Assist initiative. Club representative Zachary Martin said it planned to install a new kitchen, update indoor lighting and improve heating in its recently refreshed children's playroom. It was more than just a rugby club, it was a part of the community, he said. "We are here to grow this game, support our players and create a space where everyone feels welcome." The club had big plans for the future and it was exploring the return of a women's rugby team to the club, he said. "With 172 registered players across all grades, we may be one of the smaller clubs in Dunedin but we see that as one of our greatest strengths. "Our size enables us to genuinely support every player and foster a close-knit, positive club culture." Bunnings Rugby Assist is a joint initiative between Bunnings Warehouse and New Zealand Rugby to help grassroots clubs upgrade facilities. In a statement, New Zealand Rugby general manager of community rugby Steve Lancaster said judging was difficult because there were so many worthy applicants. "Congratulations to all the clubs receiving support this year. "We look forward to seeing the positive difference this will make for your clubs and communities." Grassroots rugby played a vital role in the game. "It is where future All Blacks and Black Ferns take their first steps and communities come together around a shared love for the game." Bunnings New Zealand general manager Melissa Haines said over the past four years team members nationwide had "rolled up their sleeves" to help clubs transform facilities, from changing rooms to kitchen fit-outs. "We have together tackled projects that genuinely make a difference." Harbour Rugby Football Club is one of 10 winning clubs across the country that will share $300,000 worth of Bunnings products and materials.
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Magic': The $5 Bunnings item Australians just can't get enough of
A US based cleaning expert has detailed a new hack to clean her trainers, and it is found in the aisles of a titan of Australian retail. Caroline Solomon shares cleaning content to her social media channels, including a thread of videos that have show her trying to clean dirty trainers. A But there is one video that she has posted which has led to a popular product sold in Australia repurposed as a cleaner for dirty trainers. 'I'm sharing two easy ways to make your white leather sneakers look brand new again,' Caroline said at the start of the video that she posted to her TikTok. 'The first thing you need of course is a Magic Eraser,' she told her followers on the video sharing sight. In Australia, the item in question is sold as a Mr Clean Eraser pad for $4.98, or a four pack which sells for $7.49. Caroline explained the method to clean dirty white sneakers with the Magic Eraser, starting by first running the melamine sponge under water to get it 'damp, but not soaked'. Then, she demonstrated gently scrubbing the foam block along both 'the sneaker and the rubber sole of the shoe'. The result? Instantly refreshed looking sneakers. Commentators were quick to praise the self-styled home guru. 'This worked for me,' read one reply. Another read 'I cut mine in half to get more use out of them that way! They get worn faster when wet so I also only wet half of sponge.' On the Bunnings website, the Mr Clean Eraser Pod Block has a 4.9 stars rating, with many reviews raving about how it 'works great' to remove scuffs and marks from walls and floors. However, none of the reviews made mention of its bonus use to clean up dirty sneakers.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Perth Now
‘Satan's Spit': Man's fate after fart prank
A former mine site chef who claimed he was planning a fart prank at a Bunnings store when he instead sprayed a chilli substance called 'Satan's Spit' — injuring multiple people, including children — has been jailed. The Northam store, in Western Australia's Wheatbelt region, was evacuated on Anzac Day last year amid fears of a dangerous chemical spill. Two children were among the 15 people affected, with 11 taken to hospital for treatment. They suffered burning sensations in their eyes and nose, sore throats and coughing. Paul Andrew Hart sprayed a chilli substance called 'Satan's Spit' at a Bunnings store. Credit: Supplied CCTV footage shows father of three Paul Andrew Hart enter the store wearing a black T-shirt, shorts and thongs. Shortly after, staff and customers are seen coughing, and covering their mouths and noses as they head for the exit. Hart, 52, claimed he intended to spray 'Liquid Ass' as a joke, but instead used 'Satan's Spit', which was also in his pocket. But WA District Court Judge Felicity Zempilas said the footage showed him look down at the pepper spray twice, including just before he used it. 'Even if you had taken a bottle of Satan's Spit and a bottle of fart spray, it would have been immediately clear to you which one you had in your hand on either of those occasions when you looked at it, because those bottles appear totally different,' she said. The incident cost Bunnings an estimated $16,000 in lost earnings and $3048 in workers' compensation. Customers and staff suffered injuries. Credit: Supplied 'You knew what kind of substance you'd released and you were waiting to observe its impacts,' Judge Zempilas said. 'I find that you intended, for whatever reason, to annoy others in the store that day, with this noxious substance.' The online product description of Satan's Spit says it is one of their 'hottest and most dangerous products'. 'Spray with caution, as it can travel through the air and get in eyes. Use in small doses,' the description reads. Hart was arrested the next day and told police he had bought the product six weeks earlier but had not used it or read the label. He said he had woken up that day from distressing dreams, and began drinking alcohol in the morning before going to the shops. It cost Bunnings an estimated $16,000 in lost earnings. NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia One victim said she suffered an asthma attack and was embarrassed at having to go through the decontamination shower process at the hospital. Another person described the ordeal as 'traumatic'. A teenage victim said of the incident: 'It stole my peace.' 'She's still grappling with the fear and the humiliation and the trauma,' Judge Zempilas said. Hart pleaded guilty to wilfully and unlawfully, with intent to injure or annoy, cause poison or other noxious thing to be administered to or taken by another. Judge Zempilas sentenced Hart to 16 months in prison. He must serve eight months behind bars before he can be eligible for parole.
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
‘Satan's Spit': Man jailed for spraying chilli substance at Bunnings
A former mine site chef who claimed he was planning a fart prank at a Bunnings store when he instead sprayed a chilli substance called 'Satan's Spit' — injuring multiple people, including children — has been jailed. The Northam store, in Western Australia's Wheatbelt region, was evacuated on Anzac Day last year amid fears of a dangerous chemical spill. Two children were among the 15 people affected, with 11 taken to hospital for treatment. They suffered burning sensations in their eyes and nose, sore throats and coughing. CCTV footage shows father of three Paul Andrew Hart enter the store wearing a black T-shirt, shorts and thongs. Shortly after, staff and customers are seen coughing, and covering their mouths and noses as they head for the exit. Hart, 52, claimed he intended to spray 'Liquid Ass' as a joke, but instead used 'Satan's Spit', which was also in his pocket. But WA District Court Judge Felicity Zempilas said the footage showed him look down at the pepper spray twice, including just before he used it. 'Even if you had taken a bottle of Satan's Spit and a bottle of fart spray, it would have been immediately clear to you which one you had in your hand on either of those occasions when you looked at it, because those bottles appear totally different,' she said. The incident cost Bunnings an estimated $16,000 in lost earnings and $3048 in workers' compensation. 'You knew what kind of substance you'd released and you were waiting to observe its impacts,' Judge Zempilas said. 'I find that you intended, for whatever reason, to annoy others in the store that day, with this noxious substance.' The online product description of Satan's Spit says it is one of their 'hottest and most dangerous products'. 'Spray with caution, as it can travel through the air and get in eyes. Use in small doses,' the description reads. Hart was arrested the next day and told police he had bought the product six weeks earlier but had not used it or read the label. He said he had woken up that day from distressing dreams, and began drinking alcohol in the morning before going to the shops. One victim said she suffered an asthma attack and was embarrassed at having to go through the decontamination shower process at the hospital. Another person described the ordeal as 'traumatic'. A teenage victim said of the incident: 'It stole my peace.' 'She's still grappling with the fear and the humiliation and the trauma,' Judge Zempilas said. Hart pleaded guilty to wilfully and unlawfully, with intent to injure or annoy, cause poison or other noxious thing to be administered to or taken by another. Judge Zempilas sentenced Hart to 16 months in prison. He must serve eight months behind bars before he can be eligible for parole.
