UPDATE: Brimbank City Council has just announced an exciting new public artwork, titled “The Birds (Sunshine),” set to transform the H.V. McKay Memorial Gardens in Sunshine. Scheduled for installation in mid-2026, this innovative project will be created by Monash Art Projects (MAP) and aims to enhance local engagement with the area’s rich cultural and natural history.
The artwork will feature six stunning birdbaths crafted from honed granite, bluestone, and bronze. Drawing inspiration from the industrial legacy of the Sunshine Harvester Works, the birdbaths will not only serve as functional art pieces but also as habitats for local birdlife. This initiative promises to enrich the community experience in Sunshine, giving residents new ways to connect with their environment.
Brimbank Mayor Thuy Dang expressed enthusiasm about the project, emphasizing its deep connection to the site’s history. “The Birds will connect deeply with the legacy of H.V. McKay and the site’s industrial past while looking forward,” said Mayor Dang. “Public art brings people together, sparks conversation, and helps us see the world differently.”
The sculptural forms will be inspired by the original parts catalogue of the Sunshine Harvester Company, reimagined as modernist compositions that echo Cubist collages. This artistic approach serves as a poetic response to the machine age, transforming industrial designs into vessels that nurture care, regeneration, and connections with nature.
This announcement builds on MAP’s previous project for the Monash University Museum of Art, which featured carved boulders designed to collect water for birds. The Sunshine project will expand on these concepts, incorporating new research into local avian life and site-responsive design, according to the council.
Collaborating with MAP on this groundbreaking artwork are renowned artists Callum Morton, Jen Berean, and Linda Tegg. Their collective expertise promises to create a work that not only beautifies the space but also fosters a sense of community among Sunshine residents.
With the introduction of “The Birds (Sunshine),” Brimbank City Council continues to invest in public art that resonates with the community and enriches the local environment. As anticipation builds for this installation in 2026, residents and art enthusiasts alike are encouraged to share their excitement and engage with the upcoming developments.
Stay tuned for more updates as this transformative project unfolds!
