Every day, thousands of customers walk through the doors of Sunshine Marketplace — and keeping them safe, calm, and supported are the quiet professionals behind the scenes: our security team.

We spoke to two of the guards who help make Sunshine a secure and welcoming place — Mohammad and Suk — to learn more about the work they do, and what they enjoy most about being part of the team.

Mohammad, who’s been with the centre for around eight months, comes from a high-paced role in the Melbourne CBD. Since joining the Sunshine team, he’s found a refreshing balance in the workplace.

“The team here is great — there’s a lot of trust and independence. The management’s supportive, and it’s a really healthy environment.”

What some might not realise, Mohammad says, is how much goes on behind the scenes.

“There’s a lot of responsibility in keeping people safe. You need to be alert, adaptable, and calm — that’s what gives me a sense of accomplishment each day.”

He especially enjoys seeing the same faces regularly — helping people he now recognises, offering directions, or stepping in when needed.

“It’s about protecting people and giving them a safe space — that’s rewarding.”

For Mohammad, his three words to sum up the job?
“Fulfilling, dynamic, and healthy.”

Suk, a familiar face after more than three years at Sunshine Marketplace, keeps things simple when asked what makes for a great day:

“No incidents! That’s a good day.”

He also highlighted a lesser-known part of the role — having to calmly handle moments of tension.

“People don’t always come in with good energy. Sometimes they argue for the sake of it. You learn to have difficult conversations without letting it escalate.”

While the job can be unpredictable, it’s that very nature that keeps it interesting. Suk describes it in three words:
“Freedom, unpredictable, fun.”