Debate sizzles over 'outrageous' price for common snack at this event— ‘Un-Australian, that is’

Food prices at popular events often spark conversation, and a recent festival has taken this to another level.

Attendees have expressed shock at the steep cost of a beloved snack, highlighting the growing trend of rising food prices at major gatherings.

This situation raises questions about value and affordability, particularly when it comes to enjoying a day out.

As festival-goers weigh their options, the discussion around food pricing continues to heat up.


The iconic Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in Sydney is a cultural highlight for many, offering a stunning array of artworks along the scenic Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk.

However, this year, the event has been overshadowed by a controversy that's left a bad taste in the mouths of some attendees—and it's not from the art.


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Sydneysiders were outraged by the $6 price of a sausage sizzle at Sculpture by the Sea. Credit: Facebook / 7NEWS Sydney


Visitors looking to enjoy a classic Aussie sausage sizzle were met with what many are calling an ‘outrageous’ price tag.

The Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club, a fixture at the event known for its fundraising efforts, set the price for a sausage in a hot dog roll with onions at a whopping $6.

This revelation quickly sparked outrage among the public, with social media users voicing their disbelief and frustration.


One visitor took to social media to express their shock, posting a photo of the sign advertising the $6 sausage sizzle.

‘Sausage sizzle prices are getting ridiculous,’ they lamented, capturing a sentiment shared by many others who felt the cost was exorbitant, especially in the current economic climate where every dollar counts.

‘This was today in Tamarama.’


The Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club, in a social media post, encouraged patrons to support their cause by purchasing the ‘classic Aussie snag’.

They emphasised that the proceeds would help keep the volunteer-run club operational.

‘Every weekend during the exhibition, Tamarama SLSC will be hosting a sausage sizzle at the clubhouse,’ they wrote in the post.

‘Stop by, grab a bite, and help us raise funds to keep our club running strong!’


Despite this noble cause, many commenters were more concerned about the impact on their wallets.

‘Our culture is slowly disappearing before my eyes,’ one commenter wrote.

‘B***** un-Australian, that is,’ another added, with others humorously demanding a ‘Royal Commission’ to investigate.

Others described it as an ‘outrage’, ‘steep’, and a ‘f****** joke’.

‘The upper class is not really that in touch with the working class cuisine,’ quipped another, alluding to the wealthy Eastern Suburbs.

The medium property price in Tamarama is a staggering $7,662,500 for a house and $2,050,000 for a unit, which may contribute to the perception that the event caters to a wealthier demographic.


However, supporters of the SLSC argued that the price was fair, considering the club's reliance on volunteers and the important services they provide to the community.

‘C’mon. That’s a fundraising snag,’ one pointed out. ‘You know how many people they have to fish out of the water every summer? A lot.’

‘Crazy that this fundraiser is trying to raise funds rather than feed you for cost price,’ another sarcastically remarked.

‘Sausage rolls are $4-$8 at a bakery or cafe. What’s the big deal?’ a third added.

Other users stated they would be open to paying $6 if the sausage was of high quality and the ‘bun to sausage’ ratio was appropriate.


On another note, some believed the main problem was the item being referred to as a ‘sausage roll’.

‘I’m more offended they’re calling it a sausage roll! That is not what that is,’ one commented.

‘And the picture is a hot dog. It’s like they didn’t even try,’ another replied.

‘Who calls ‘em a sausage roll?!’ a third questioned.

‘If I order a sausage roll and get a hot dog, I’m not happy,’ someone else quipped.


This isn't the first time Sydney has seen a sausage sizzle price hike at a major event. Earlier in the year, during the Vivid Light Festival, locals were charged $8.50 for a similar offering.

‘Can we talk about Vivflation?’ a commenter said.

‘I don’t care what the reason is, but when you can buy sausages for about $6kg, onions for $3kg, and a loaf of bread for $3 (retail, so cheaper buying wholesale bulk for an event like Vivid), $8.50 is disgusting.’

‘And it doesn’t come with a free beer,’ they added.


Many individuals concurred, stating they wouldn't pay more than $5 for a sausage sizzle, even if they were starving, meaning they would never be desperate enough to spend $8.50.

‘For that price, you can buy sausages, bread and sauce yourself and have multiple sausage sandwiches!’ someone pointed out.

However, many quickly noted that vendors frequently encounter ‘exorbitant’ fees imposed by event organisers to set up food stalls at festivals.

‘It’s not just Vivid. It’s all food carts and stalls. The prices have gone s***** at every event,’ one person remarked.


As discussions around the steep price of a sausage sizzle at a recent Sydney event continue to stir debate, it's clear that rising food costs at popular gatherings are becoming a broader concern.

This sentiment echoes in another notable instance involving the beloved Bunnings sausage sizzle, where price increases have sparked similar outcry among shoppers.

With consumers increasingly vocal about their frustrations over food pricing, it raises important questions about the value and accessibility of these iconic Australian staples.
Key Takeaways
  • Sydneysiders were outraged at the high price of a sausage sizzle at Sculpture by the Sea, with a sausage in a hot dog roll costing $6.
  • The Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club, which ran the sausage sizzle, defended the price as a fundraiser to support their activities.
  • Some attendees of the Sculpture by the Sea criticised the cost amid the current cost-of-living crisis, with various sarcastic and humourous comments shared on social media.
  • There was also confusion and annoyance at the misuse of the term 'sausage roll', with the item being sold actually being a hot dog.
What do you think is a fair price for a sausage sizzle at a community event? Have you encountered similar price shocks at local festivals or fundraisers? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take on this sizzling topic!
 
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A Bunnings snags on the weekend is still a bargain when you consider the price rises for all the ingredients. It is also a charity fund raiser, staffed by volunteers and obviously no site fees. It's a win for the charity and for Bunnings. You have the choice to buy or not. There's always a queue for snags at my local Bunnings and no pressure sales, just the aroma of cooking as you enter and exit the store. 😄
 
Bunnings, in a notice on its website, the hardware giant confirmed that it increased its sausage sizzle drink prices from $1.50 to $2.00 for a can of soft drink or a bottle of water. But thankfully, the company confirms “The price of a sausage in bread will remain at $3.50 (with or without onions)”.
The difference between the $6.00 and the $3.50 is the location. Not very Australian is it?
 
Bunnings, in a notice on its website, the hardware giant confirmed that it increased its sausage sizzle drink prices from $1.50 to $2.00 for a can of soft drink or a bottle of water. But thankfully, the company confirms “The price of a sausage in bread will remain at $3.50 (with or without onions)”.
The difference between the $6.00 and the $3.50 is the location. Not very Australian is it?
The difference is at Bunnings they don't pay the extortionate rent and labour costs.
 
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The difference is at Bunnings they don't pay the extortionate rent and labour costs.
I think you will find that Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club owns the premises and pays no rent. They definitely DO NOT pay the people selling the sausage sizzle as it is carried out by all volunteers. I assume that the only higher costs would be the land rates for that area. Being a volunteer organisation, I also assume that the rates are either heavily discounted or possibly FOC.
 
Never buy a sausage sizzle no matter who it's for as I can't justify spending $3.50 on a sausage in a slice of bread, to me it is a rip off so would never consider spending $6.00 on a roll with a snag in it.
 
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The surf club seems to be trying to make a lot of money very quickly by charging those prices for the humble BBQ sanger...that's not necessarily going to happen when people think that they are being ripped off......WIPEOUT !!!
 
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please note also bunnings sets the price of the sausage sandwiches and drinks not the groups, I presume its so that all bunnings stores are the same
Hi, "Inferno4256"

You're so correct. They set the price regardless which "Charity or Club" the BBQ's for, &, of who buys, cooks & serves.
There is a line up of institutions who want to have have a turn at running one.

"Novezar"
 
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