Bunnings goes to the movies for PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie

Bunnings, PHD Media Australia, Val Morgan Cinema and Paramount converted a Bunnings warehouse into a fully functional cinema on 11 September, hosting a special opening-weekend screening of PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie for local families.

The activation turned the Bunnings Minchinbury store into a one-off cinema experience, anchoring a broader campaign built around one of this year's biggest family film releases.

Bunnings had asked for a bold, activation-led idea capable of building conversation with younger families this spring, supported by a wider media push. 

With PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie landing at what the partners called the perfect moment, Val Morgan Cinema partnered with Paramount to build the campaign around the release.

The main event

Families attending the Minchinbury screening were treated to a Chase and Marshall meet-and-greet, kids' activities including face painting, and one of Bunnings' community sausage sizzles, along with popcorn and movie treats ahead of the film.

The in-store activation kicked off a broader Val Morgan media campaign, including a Follow Film placement pairing Bunnings directly with PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie on the big screen. 

Val Morgan said the placement was designed to deliver scale, exclusivity and high-attention reach during the film's release window. The campaign also includes a Family Passport offer, giving families deals on multiple tickets.

Guy Burbidge, managing director of Val Morgan Cinema, said the activation was a first for the category. 

"It's not every day you get to turn a Bunnings warehouse into a cinema. 

"It's bold, first of its kind, fun and just a really clever partnership – a testament to a client willing to do something a little bit different, and a team that can sizzle up the perfect idea at the perfect time," Burbidge said.

Michelle Walter, head of community, partnerships and events at Bunnings, said the transformation was a natural fit for the brand. "We love finding fun and unexpected ways to bring families together at Bunnings, so transforming our Minchinbury store into a cinema felt like the perfect way to celebrate PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie. 

"With Chase and Marshall, face painting, popcorn, and of course, a Bunnings community sausage sizzle, it was a really memorable day out for local families – and a lot of fun for our team too," Walter said.

PHD Melbourne general manager Kathryn Weatherlake said the execution reflected the agency's broader approach to client work. 

"We love seeing ideas like this come to life. This execution reflects our collective focus on creating more effective and meaningful connections with audiences by showing up in innovative ways," Weatherlake said.