THE VIETNAMESE MUSEUM

AUSTRALIA IN SUNSHINE

The announcement of the Vietnamese Museum Australia (VMA) marks a significant

milestone for both the Brimbank City Council and the Vietnamese community in

Sunshine. With the confirmation of the land sale and plans for construction, the

museum is poised to become a nationally significant cultural institution, celebrating

the rich heritage and contributions of the Vietnamese diaspora in Australia.

As the sixth multicultural museum in Victoria, the VMA will serve as a prominent

landmark, sharing stories that represent an important chapter in Australian modern

history. With exhibition spaces showcasing both temporary and permanent exhibits,

a resource centre, and a multicultural hall, the museum will provide a space for

education and celebration.

REVITALISING

OUR TOWN

CENTRE

BRIMBANK.VIC.GOV.AU

SUNSHINE

RISING

ISSUE 50, AUTUMN 2024

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

• The Vietnamese Museum

Australia in Sunshine

• Shine a Light -

Youth Junction

• Year of the Dragon -

Lunar New Year 2024

• Sunshine Place

Manager Update

SHINE A LIGHT ON YOU –

YOUTH JUNCTION,

BENNET STREET SUNSHINE

The Youth Junction resource centre in the Visy Hub building,

on Bennet Street Sunshine, serves as a vital resource hub for

the community’s youth. The centre offers a range of support

programs and services, which aim to empower young people

and equip them with the skills and resources that they need.

Some of the programs offered at Youth Junction include:

These workshops use

food preparation as a vehicle to bring young people

together, teaching cooking skills and techniques to support

independent and healthy living.

A rapping and song writing

production workshop providing progressive lessons on

making music, finding one’s sound, and expressing oneself

through voice and music.

Practical courses for beginners and

advanced participants, preparing them for work in the

hospitality industry by providing vocational skills and

knowledge in various areas.

During January and February, Youth Junction hosted the

Summer Sundown events on Friday afternoons, transforming

Bennet Street into a lively gathering place for over 300 young

individuals. These free activations provided an opportunity

for youth to come together, engage in live mic sessions, enjoy

popcorn, participate in games and interact with the youth

support workers, and find out about the youth programs

available to them. Council’s Enjoy Local program provided

a popcorn making machine as a contribution towards the

Summer Sundown program.

COVER STORY CONTINUED

The Brimbank City Council’s plans for a ‘Welcome Plaza’

adjacent to the VMA site, on Council-owned land at the

eastern end of the Durham Road Car Park, will also enhance

the community open spaces in this area.

Key components of the ‘Welcome Plaza’ project include:

The development of a concept design

for the plaza, which will be informed by consultation with

Traditional Owners and multicultural groups.

The retention and protection of two

large trees during construction to preserve the natural

environment and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the plaza.

Provision of support for the delivery

of the ‘Welcome Plaza’ following the completion of the

adjacent Vietnamese Museum Australia (VMA), contingent

on securing the estimated budget of $850,000.

Actively seeking funding for the

‘Welcome Plaza’ through advocacy to State and Federal

Governments and local members.

The proposal includes measures to manage parking and

traffic implications resulting from the development, including

the creation of a new car park entry at the western end

of the Durham Road Car Park and the consolidation and

relocation of existing bus stops. These measures aim to

mitigate any potential impacts on parking availability and

traffic flow in the area.

The proposal has garnered support for its potential to provide

community benefits, celebrate cultural heritage, foster civic

pride, and stimulate economic growth in the Sunshine CBD

and southern village areas.

SUNSHINE

RISING

YEAR OF THE DRAGON

- LUNAR NEW YEAR 2024

This year’s Sunshine Lunar New

Year Festival was nothing short of

spectacular, drawing in an impressive

crowd of over 40,000 people to

the Sunshine Town Centre. The

attendees enjoyed cultural displays,

culinary delights, carnival rides, roving

performances and music.

The street stalls were lined with

colourful banners and decorations.

From cultural gifts to tasty food

offerings, attendees had the

opportunity to immerse themselves

in a sensory journey, experiencing the

sights, sounds, and flavours of Lunar

New Year traditions.

The town centre’s restaurants were

busy as diners savoured the diverse

cuisine on offer, adding to the festive

atmosphere. Against the backdrop

of beautiful weather, the evening

culminated in a spectacular display

of fireworks, illuminating the sky and

adding an extra layer of excitement to

the festivities.

The survey conducted at the festival

revealed insightful findings. Notably,

40% of attendees indicated that it was

their first time visiting the Sunshine

Town Centre, with many citing the

festival as their primary reason for

coming. The survey also indicated a

high likelihood of return visits, with

65% expressing their intention to come

back to Sunshine in the future.

Visitors to Sunshine spent between

2 to 5 hours at the festival, indicating

a high level of engagement and

enjoyment. Among the various

attractions, the fireworks, food and the

stage entertainment emerged as the

program favourites.

In the weeks leading up to the Sunshine

Lunar New Year Festival, the town

centre’s businesses and restaurants

hummed with activity. Shops in the

town centre saw a surge in demand as

shoppers sought out auspicious blooms

to adorn their homes and businesses.

The grocery stores and fresh food

markets experienced a flurry of activity

as shoppers stocked up on essential

ingredients and delicacies for their

Lunar New Year feasts. From fresh

produce to traditional snacks and

treats, the aisles were filled with a

myriad of culinary delights.

The bustling atmosphere in the

Sunshine Town Centre served as a

prelude for the upcoming festivities.

As shoppers filled their baskets with

flowers and groceries and diners

savoured delicious meals, the Sunshine

Town Centre came alive with the spirit

of Lunar New Year, paving the way for

a memorable celebration ahead.

The

are being held again.

These awards acknowledge and reward outstanding

businesses within the Sunshine CBD. Proudly presented by

the Sunshine Business Association, these bi-annual awards will take

place from the

.

For enquiries on how to participate contact Tracey Cammock on

email

or mobile

and keep an eye on the SBA’s website and social media channels.

BRIMBANK.VIC.GOV.AU

BRIMBANK.VIC.GOV.AU

Telephone

9249 4000

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The Summer Enjoy Local program in

Sunshine hosted musicians at the Civic

Green entertaining the shoppers, diners

and workers.

Ania, a skilled saxophone player,

delighted visitors during the SBA’s

Friday markets, adding a touch

of sophistication and flair to the

market atmosphere.

The International Women’s Day

celebrations on 8 March were a day

filled with cultural richness and musical

enchantment. Xuhi, a talented violinist,

serenaded the crowd Jules, adorned

in traditional Vietnamese Áo Dài,

distributed roses from Gasko’s House

of Fresh to people passing by. QiQi

took centre stage, outside the Sunshine

Library with a mesmerizing performance

on the Guzheng.

As the day transitioned into evening,

the Sunshine City Band took the

stage to kick off the long weekend

with an energetic performance. Their

lively tunes and infectious rhythms

put an extra pep in the step of people

passing by.

In mid-March a West Side Wander,

part of Melbourne Food and Wine

Week was held again, in partnership

with the Enjoy Local program and the

Sunshine Business Association (SBA)

in venues along Dickson, Clarke Street

and Devonshire Road. Over 20 guests

enjoyed a culinary adventure, which

featured Salama Tea House, Gojo

Ethiopian Café, and NNB Desserts,

an after-dinner nook specialising in

Vietnamese delights. Here, the guests

indulged in deserts like a creamy

coconut pandan pudding and refreshing

iced coffees.

If this activity is held again in 2025, the

SBA will be taking applications from

restaurants in Sunshine who would like

to participate. Check out

https://www.

sunshinebusiness.com.au/events/

sunshine-food-fever-2024

In the last week of March, another Enjoy

Local activity “B is for Bunny” was held

for the second year. The two-day Easter

themed activity took place at the RT

Pollard Gardens on the corner of Corio

Street and Hampshire Road, Sunshine.

Over 600 school children, local

residents and visitors spent hours in the

park over two days, participating in the

Easter show, with Trixie the Easter Pixie,

enjoying afternoon tea with the Easter

Bunny, making Easter bonnets, chasing

big bubbles and playing table tennis with

the roving performers.

The afternoon tea, included an Easter

cookie each, made especially by Kim

at B&T Bakery on Hampshire Road.

Attendees were also treated to a free

sausage sizzle, with the meat provided

by NC Food in Hampshire Road.

Over 620 sausages were cooked to

perfection by the Sunshine Lions Club.

SUNSHINE PLACE MANAGER UPDATE