It’s the humble hoodie you wouldn’t expect to cause such a stir—but one overseas visitor spent years trying to get his hands on it.

What made this piece of tradie merch so elusive—and why did it mean so much to someone who isn’t even in the trade?

The answer offers a uniquely Aussie glimpse into the culture of Bunnings, a breakfast event, and a very determined Canadian expat.


Bunnings has long been a beloved Aussie institution, famous for its weekend sausage sizzles and aisles of hardware heaven.

But for 37-year-old Canadian expat Josiah Hein, it represented something more—a cultural rite of passage.

Josiah moved to Australia two years ago and quickly became one of Bunnings' biggest fans, despite being a teacher by trade.


He shared on 9 July: ‘You know how Australians flipping love Bunnings, it's got a cult following element to it. And I’ve just seen these Bunnings hoodies around since I got to Australia. I've always gone up and asked [staff] about them, but they've always run out.’

He added: ‘It just feels like, when they're there, they're there, but they're never there, you know?’

That elusive hoodie became his white whale—a symbol of belonging and a treasured piece of Aussie culture.

So when Josiah heard whispers about a tradies' breakfast event at his local Bunnings in Burleigh Waters on the Gold Coast, he knew he had to act.


Even though it meant getting up at the crack of dawn, he ran—sleep-filled eyes and all—to be one of the first in line.

And this time, his dedication paid off.

‘I still can't believe I got one,’ he said.

The coveted hoodie now sits proudly in Josiah’s wardrobe, but he didn’t keep the joy to himself.

He shared a video of his success online, and fellow Aussies were quick to celebrate with him.

‘Love that you're so excited. You need the straw hat to match now,’ one viewer joked.

Another declared him ‘officially Australian’.



Josiah’s online content originally began as a way to stay connected with his nieces and nephews back in Canada, but his charming curiosity and candid reactions to Aussie culture have captured the attention of a much wider audience.

And while he may not be a tradie himself, Josiah was still eligible to attend the breakfast event thanks to a technicality.

He explained he has his own ABN (Australian Business Number) due to also being a business owner—making him eligible for a Bunnings trade account and PowerPass card.

‘The technicality is that any business owner with an ABN qualifies for a PowerPass card [business account with Bunnings],’ he said. ‘So I requested one and it was granted.’


Those familiar with the trade scene know the Bunnings breakfast mornings are more than just a free feed.

They're a chance for local tradies to connect, share a laugh, grab a coffee, and snag some highly coveted merch.

Eleanor Gleeson, an electrical apprentice, described it last year as a ‘rite of passage’ in the industry—where the freebies are ‘highly sought after’.

And in Josiah’s case, it was the final piece that made him feel like he truly belonged.

If you found Josiah’s hoodie hunt amusing, there’s another story that shows just how far people will go for a bit of Bunnings merch.

One tradie lifted the lid on a surprisingly low-key perk that’s become a badge of honour among regulars.

It’s a fun look at how even the simplest items can carry big meaning.

Read more: Tradies can’t stop talking about this secret Bunnings perk – here’s why it’s a game-changer


Whether it's a hoodie, a sausage sizzle, or a familiar face at your local store, it’s often the little things that make us feel truly at home.

What’s one small but meaningful Aussie tradition that’s made you feel like you truly belong?