Returning to the area that brought him “so much joy” just seven weeks ago was “quite weird” for Supercars champion Jamie Whincup.
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But the professional racing driver who won the inaugural Newcastle 500 also said it was a “good feeling” to be back as he helped to officially open the new Bunnings Warehouse in Heatherbrae on Tuesday.
“To come back to the place where so much joy went down is a good feeling,” Whincup said.
“I drove in [Monday] night and of course did a lap of the track. It was the first thing I did. So many memories came back of the final race.”
Whincup, who has been an ambassador for Bunnings for 12 months, spoke to the Heatherbrae team gathered in the warehouse on Tuesday for the official opening about his bumpy trip from Brisbane on Monday, winning the Newcastle 500 Supercars race in November and being a do-it-yourself handyman when it came to repairs around the house.
With Newcastle Airport being closed on Monday because of bushfires burning in Port Stephens, Mr Whincup flew from Brisbane to Sydney. However, the trip to Newcastle was further delayed when a truck exploded on the M1 causing significant delays on the highway.
Whincup also entertained the Bunnings team members and guests in attendance to the opening with funny stories from the racing circuit.
Michelle Hammond, complex manager of Heatherbrae Bunnings, said it was “excellent” to have Whincup attend on Tuesday.
She added that the official opening was a celebration of the effort her team put in to have the store ready for opening within 10 weeks, less than half of the usual 22 weeks stores have to get opening ready, and its work in the Port Stephens community.
“Team members have already supported a number of community groups and assisted in local community projects including installing a sensory garden at Raymond Terrace Neighbourhood Centre and building a structure at Medowie Public School to keep the children shaded from the sun while waiting for the bus,” Ms Hammond said.
Heatherbrae Bunnings has also supported Raymond Terrace Riding for the Disabled.
While Tuesday’s opening was a private event, there will be a number of activities staged at the warehouse on the January 20-21 and January 26-28 weekends for the public.
Activities, starting at 10am each day, will include face painting, fairy floss, laughing clowns game, balloon animals and a jumping castle.
There will be a special appearance by NRL player Nathan Ross on January 20. Children can meet Minions character Jorge on January 27.
Activity schedule
Saturday, January 20
10am-2pm: Clown and Balloon Animals, Jumping Castle, Laughing Clowns Game, Popcorn, Fairy Floss, Face Painting, Spin n Win Game and lolly Bags
11am-1pm: Celebrity meet and greet with NRL football player Nathan Ross
Sunday, January 21
10am-2pm: Clown and Balloon Animals, Jumping Castle, Laughing Clowns Game, Popcorn, Fairy Floss, Face Painting, Spin n Win Game and lolly Bags
Friday, January 26 (Australia Day)
10am-2pm: Clown and Balloon Animals, Jumping Castle, Laughing Clowns Game, Popcorn, Fairy Floss, Face Painting, Spin n Win Game and lolly Bags
Saturday, January 27
10am-1pm: Live radio broadcast (KOFM)
10am-2pm: Clown and Balloon Animals, Jumping Castle, Laughing Clowns Game, Popcorn, Fairy Floss, Face Painting, Spin n Win Game and lolly Bags
1am-2pm: Meet Minions character Jorge
Sunday, January 28
10am-2pm: Clown and Balloon Animals, Jumping Castle, Laughing Clowns Game, Popcorn, Fairy Floss, Face Painting, Spin n Win Game and lolly Bags
Free DIY workshops for both adults and children are held every weekend to offer advice to residents as well as provide inspiration for projects in the home and garden.