As DIYers, tradies and families pick up paint, a plant or screwdriver, the smell of sausages and onions will be wafting into the store.

Charities and community groups have fired up the barbie at Kembla Grange, Bellambi, Shellharbour and North Wollongong - along with other selected NSW stores.

Read more: Wollongong pool bookings a must to manage visitor numbers during pandemic

At this stage West Wollongong Rotary will kick off the inaugural sizzle at the recently opened mega store at Kembla Grange.

Shellharbour Rotary, Austinmer Otters and Wollongong Roller Derby are expected to be at the helm with tongs and bread at the other stores.

"We know community groups and customers in NSW and the ACT are keen to see community sausage sizzles return and we're really excited to be bringing them back in a way that will keep everyone safe," Bunnings Chief Operating Officer, Deb Poole, said.

"We've had phenomenal customer feedback in states where we've brought the fundraisers back and community groups have done an incredible job prioritising customer safety with the new physically distanced layouts and additional hygiene measures.

"While our community groups are taking a number of extra precautions, what hasn't changed is the great feeling of supporting a local community group and the unmistakable taste of an Aussie sausage sizzle."

The hardware giant suspended community fund-raisers in March.

For community groups that were booked over the following month, Bunnings donated $500 gift cards to these local organisations to assist with their fundraising activities.

Community groups who had sausage sizzles pre-booked during the lockdown are being prioritised for the restart.

Bunnings will continue to consult with government, team members and community groups and continue to follow the latest health advice in regards to the return of sausage sizzles in Victoria.

Changes made to enhance customer and community safety include separate ordering and pick-up points to allow for 1.5 metres' physical distancing; increased cleaning processes and hygiene requirements; increased signage to guide customers and customers can use the Service NSW app to check-in.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.

Subscribe to our newsletters