How many do you do?
Weet-Bix honoured with blue plaque
Member for the Entrance, David Mehan congratulated Sanitarium Health Food Company for its legendary Breakfast of Champions that has been filling bellies for a century on being recognised with a blue plaque to celebrate its unique contribution to NSW history.
Todd Saunders, Executive General Manager, Sanitarium Health Food Company ANZ and David Mehan, Member for The Entrance.
30 September 2026
THE iconic breakfast cereal was introduced in August 1926 by Arthur Shannon, who wanted something sweeter than its predecessor Granose, but still healthy and accessible to the masses.
The famous name came from Shannon’s next-door neighbours and employees at the original Leichhardt factory, who were asked to choose between Sun-Bix or Weet-Bix.
Using revolutionary marketing tactics including selling on delivery rather than grocers paying upfront, and targeted newspaper competitions, Weet-Bix became a staple of the Aussie diet within months.
Since then, it has gone on to coin some of the country’s most famous advertising jingles and catchphrases, including “Aussie kids are Weet-Bix kids”, “Hope he’s had his Weet-Bix", and “How many do you do?” featuring the national rugby and cricket teams.
One of the biggest star endorsements came from Kiwi Sir Edmund Hillary – when he and Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to reach the summit of Mount Everest and chose the cereal for the journey in May 1953.
The Introduction of Weet-Bix was selected by the public as the winner of the inaugural People’s Choice blue plaque. It’s one of 16 blue plaque recipients in the third round of this popular heritage program, which shares the fascinating stories that have shaped NSW.
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said, “It’s remarkable that something as simple as a breakfast cereal has become a national icon and left a stamp on our shared cultural identity.
“From its beginnings in the Sydney suburb of Leichhardt to its home in Berkeley Vale, Weet-Bix has been proudly made in NSW for 100 years and remains a source of pride for the Central Coast.
“This blue plaque celebrates not only a product, but the people, places, and local industry, including the 800 employees that helped turn Weet-Bix into a household name.”
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