Now that we had a cause and an obvious our first initial response was to head over to the Sunshine shed and speak to the patrons and the coordinators in charge of this mission.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the excursion, and these are the notes I was given by my team members on the meeting with Casey O’Brien, the manger of the Lentara at the Sunshine Mission.

  • The Sunshine mission is home to Brimbank’s Men’s Shed and workshop. The location also includes a church, a communal garden, a meeting room (available for hire), work offices and a food storage room with food provided by Foodbank, Aus Harvest and occasionally Woolworths.
  • The Sunshine Mission is host to several people from Work For The Dole, including the waiter from the cafe.
  • Funding of the Men’s Shed comes mainly from the Uniting Church congregation attached to the Sunshine Mission.
  • The Sunshine Mission run 3 different activities: Tool Program (about 30 regulars involved), Socialisation (30 people) and Asylum Seeker program (10 people), which provides acclimation assistance to Asylum Seekers.
  • People who go to the Men’s Shed are aged from 50 to 70
  • The 3 main ways people find out about the Men’s Shed and the other programs are through referrals, word of mouth and website.
  • Casey suggested that a three year investment with a corporate partner will sustain the mission’s programs for the next three years
  • Casey also suggested that profile building would be beneficial in securing corporate partners and financial support.
  • Casey describes the Sunshine Mission as “A goldmine”, believing it can eventually be self sufficient and it’s success can be a “Gateway to different things”
  • Funding of the Shed goes towards publicity (i.e. brochures and organised events), employment of Co-ordinator, Anthony Lai and materials
  • Casey emphasises Anthony’s importance to the shed, due to his experience, understanding and expertise
  • Casey and Anthony previously visited a Men’s Shed in Glen Waverley and points that being an example of a successful Men’s Shed
  • Heather, an employee we met indicated the communal justice program could also use a bit of attention.