Sahil Gulati is one of the organisers of the Sunshine Collective Market. He spoke to Sam Porter about how the market was revived after 26 years.
How did you become connected to the Brimbank area?
I got connected with the manager of Westend Market Hotel, Paul Saminaden. I used to work for him a long time ago and when he moved to Westend Market Hotel I went to say hello to him. When I saw the place I was like, ‘Paul, we need to bring the market back.’
How did the Sunshine Collective Market revival start?
It all kind of started from my wife’s business, which is BenBell pet bakery. It’s been about one year since we began doing markets. Once the business was settled, I said to my wife, ‘let’s try something different’. All I could think about was maybe organising a market event. Then when I saw the [Westend Market Hotel] I started connecting my thoughts to the place. I got emotionally attached so I had a chat with Paul and we pulled everything together. I came across a northern event company run by Jessica Clementz and Michael Osczyk. I had my stall in their market — Hume’s tastes, tunes and treasure market — when they were newly-opened. I really liked their organisation and their way of dealing with vendors, and that’s why I approached them. I needed the help of people already organising a market.
Where is your favourite place to spend time in Brimbank?
The Sunshine shopping centre. It’s an amazing place because it’s got everything. The Westend Market Hotel as well because that’s the heritage of Sunshine. They are still preserving that part of the shed. That’s such a credit to Westend Market Hotel and especially to Paul.
Is there anything you’d change about Brimbank?
Definitely that Sunshine McIntyre Road. It needs more attention. It’s a very busy road and I would say we might need something to be added on — which is going to be very hard because it’s congested — but there should be some kind of infrastructure.
What do you enjoy most about organising the Sunshine Collective Market?
People and community. The community’s support is appreciated because without community support, this market is not possible for us. When we started this market we had a lot of people approach us and tell us they used to visit the old market as a child. We also had about three to four applications from vendors that applied who used to come with their parents for shopping, and today, they come to be a vendor. That’s an achievement. That’s special.
What can locals look forward to in the upcoming market day next week?
This month we’ve given the market the theme of ‘Christmas in July.’ We’ve got a Santa coming in who is our official entertainer of the market every single time. And he’s the same guy from back in the day, Manny the Clown. This time he’s performing the role of Santa… multitalented guy.
The Sunshine Collective Market will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 10am to 3pm, at 47 McIntyre Road, Sunshine.
