Burbank Views Issue 12

Issue 12 - September 08

BURBANK VIEWS

Burbank Group Newsletter

Exciting new Burbank displays open

Contents

Burbank is pleased to announce a range of exciting new displays on show across Victoria for prospective home buyers with locations at The Chase in Berwick, Edenfield in Caroline Springs, Kensington Estate in Leopold, The Rise in Lyndhurst and Bluestone Green in Wyndham Vale.

Exciting new Burbank displays open

>> 01

Burbank launches the Edge

>> 02

What is Metro Village 3175?

>> 03

Sustainability the key to innovation

>> 04

Plumbing wins Hobsons Bay City Council building contract

>> 04

Forrester a top seller

>> 05

Another step towards Great Ocean Green

>> 06

Denton Mills update

>> 06

Reflections Estate update

>> 07

New Cisco telephone system

>> 08

Stage 2 factory release

>> 08

Decades of service

>> 09

New roles report

>> 09

Staff profile

>> 10

Burbank website online

>> 12

MyPlace up and running

>> 12

The Chase Estate, opened in November 2007, was developed in response to new designs and standards in the Estate. It includes four premium-level Ideal Collection display homes which vary in size from the 22.52 squares Rochester to the massive 48.62 squares Monash.

Edenfield Estate in Caroline Springs includes a 6-Star energy rating with all homes (single and double storey), featuring double-glazing and fluorescent down lights. The Estate showcases two homes from Burbank’s Future Collection (Revolution and Evolution), one single storey home from the Complete Collection (Essence); and one double storey home (Verve). Incorporating all new designs, the homes vary in size from 23.19 squares to 30.30 squares.

Buyers have shown considerable interest in the Kensington Estate in Leopold since it opened in November 2007. This growth area Estate along the Bellarine Peninsula coast incorporates single storey home designs including the Salisbury (Complete Collection) and the Generation (Future Collection), varying in size from 26.73 squares to 30.01 squares.

Opened in May 2008, The Rise in Lyndhurst includes three single storey and one double storey design.

There are two Future Collection homes (Generation and Evolution), one Complete Collection (Essence) and one Ideal Collection home (Stoneleigh, which has a standard floor plan). The houses vary in size from 21.97 squares to 38.03 squares.

Bluestone Green Estate is another new venue for the Burbank Collection of homes. On display are two single storey homes from the Complete Collection (Daffodil and Salisbury) and one from the Future Collection (Generation), all showcasing standard features. Sizes vary from 21.97 squares to 30.01 squares. Of some note is the fact Burbank was the first builder to open a display home within this Estate.

Monash 4800

Call 13 BURBANK (13 2872) www.burbank.com.au

Rochester 2700

Burbank launches... the Edge Selection Studio An exciting presentation night at The Strand in Williamstown kicked off launch celebrations for the Edge, with more than 140 suppliers, staff and management attending the major launch held in Burbank House, Franklin Street, Melbourne. Burbank’s Director of Operations, Shane Hicks, said “the event gave suppliers an opportunity to showcase their product range to clients. It also gave them the chance to see the entire concept implemented in an engaging ‘art gallery’ atmosphere complete with painters, artwork, statues, guest speakers and canapés,” he said.

The Edge is a modern product display centre which involves customers in the design stage of building their home. It is a controlled choice environment which provides a real opportunity for customers to make key colour and décor decisions which have been pre-costed and approved.

Regularly updated samples of bricks, tiles, doors, taps, baths and everything else which makes up a home can be viewed at the Edge. There is also a wide range of colour charts and a host of well-informed and friendly staff willing to help people with their decisions.

BURBANK VIEWS 02

The Edge offers the ultimate design edge >> The Melbourne CBD location of the Edge has added even more appeal to Burbank Homes’ new colour studio according to its Director of Operations, Shane Hicks.

The Edge’s state of the art, interactive technology is impressive, particularly so for people with prior exposure to the building trade, like second or third home buyers and associated suppliers.

“The reception from suppliers and industry leaders has been fantastic,” Mr Hicks said.

“Some suppliers have even stated their belief that the Edge sets the benchmark for the entire building industry.”

Metro 3175

What is Metro Village 3175?

Metro Village 3175 is a mixed, detached and medium density housing estate on Cheltenham Road, Dandenong South, close to Dandenong CBD, public transport, schools and shopping.

Burbank is one of only three original builders selected to build within this controlled estate, in conjunction with VicUrban and the Greater City of Dandenong. With more than 400 allotments, the estate incorporates various medium density options: >>

Terraces - side by side double storey townhouses with three bedrooms, study and rear garage access.

>> Mansions

>>

- comprising four apartments each with two bedrooms, generally situated on a corner block.

Up and overs - mini apartments with two tenancies each and rear garage access.

This mode of living offers prospective buyers plenty of opportunities, including: >> Diversity

- a range of architecturally-designed housing options.

>> Affordability

- access to cheaper land and housing encourages renters to consider medium density housing.

>> Smaller

block size - better use of land.

With existing allotments completely sold, the next 50-allotment stage is due for release in October 2008.

Edge Selection Studio

Take a virtual tour of the Edge at www.burbankhomes.com.au/edge.php

The Edge Selection Studio Burbank House @ Level 1, 100 Franklin Street Melbourne Vic 3000 Melway Ref 2B C12

BURBANK VIEWS 03

Sustainability the key to innovation; Paul Puhar “Lays it on the Line” at UDIA Seminar Sustainability is a key tool for innovation in the business sector but only if users adopt sustainable business practices, according to Burbank’s Paul Puhar.

In his keynote speech at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) “Lay it on the Line” seminar earlier this year, Mr Puhar addressed a range of important issues facing the building industry today. These included market attitudes and expectations to the policies and strategies adopted by builders, developers and government bodies.

“Any industry involved in development opens itself to criticism,” he said. “The building industry deserves to be noticed as a progressive industry, reflective of the needs and desires of its market, therefore, if you want to make significant changes to energy use and efficiency, you must set an example which encourages appropriate consumer behaviour. Ultimately, a 6-Star home loses its benefits if the family who owns it has 2-Star habits.”

Mr Puhar explained Burbank Homes’ strong focus on risk management buffers it against potential issues. “We achieve this by setting our benchmarks above the standard. A strong example of this strategy in action is the success of our Future Collection of homes which introduced, as standard, 6-Star energy efficiency rating over the current industry standard which is 5-Star.”

With dwindling available land mass and lot sizes becoming smaller, it is now a necessity for builders to develop smarter and more effective means of home building. Ahead of other volume builders, Burbank specifically tailors a range of homes to suit the land available effectively translating into less energy consumption per area whilst the creation of multi-purpose interiors means none of the sense of spaciousness or volume is lost.

Mr Puhar suggested by attaining a better understanding of what is happening to mainstream Victorians, government bodies would be in a better position to encourage a behaviour and attitude shift in the community. Paul maintains high standards in sustainability and affordability are not mutually exclusive and the key to increasing consumer awareness and changing attitudes is in education and fostering connectivity within the community.

“In relation to compliance and policy, regulating 5-Star is adequate – let developers and builders use their innovation to reach beyond those benchmarks voluntarily and in doing so, use government resources to educate and encourage change as well as increase infrastructure on the greenfields.”

Plumbing wins Hobsons Bay City Council Buildings Contract BURBANK VIEWS 04

Forrester 4300

Forrester - a top seller Released in June, 2008 and the newest addition to the Burbank Homes Future Collection, the Forrester, is an environmentally-friendly 6-Star energy efficient home featuring such initiatives as: >>

Passive solar design

>> Insulation

to 6-Star specifications

>> Gas-boosted

solar hot water service

>> Double-glazed >> Rainwater

Feature voids

>> Long-life

windows

tank systems

fluorescent lighting

The Forrester is the first double storey home in the Future Collection.

It offers ‘urban chic’ living with no compromise on space. At an amazing $219,900, this 43 square home provides good value for money for savvy home buyers. There are currently nine house and land packages available for the Forrester.

Burbank is the only builder to offer a range of 6-Star homes, with the Forrester delivering annual energy bill savings of up to $1000*. Supported by an extensive TV and print advertising campaign, expect to see a Forrester display home in Mernda around late-2008.

Visit www.burbankhomes.com.au for more information.

Burbank’sFutureCollection-comfortable, affordable and it won’t cost the earth. energy rating * Compared to a traditional 2.5-Star home and based on the Forrester 4300.

Burbank Plumbing has once again proven industry leadership by winning a contract to undertake work in the kindergartens, schools, community centres, public parks and toilets of the City of Hobsons Bay.

Project Manager, Aaron Marbus, said the contract came as a result of the Community Water Grant and the positive, past relationship nurtured between Burbank Plumbing and Hobsons Bay Council.

Burbank Plumbing is one of the few plumbing companies in Victoria to have accreditation in all areas of the Green Plumbing scheme. With the Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan currently in development and a clear focus on sustainable initiatives, it is no wonder Burbank Plumbing is Hobsons Bay City Council’s first choice.

“Hobsons Bay Council has put a lot of effort into more sustainable practices across its facilities with an aim to becoming a leader in water sustainability,” he said, also explaining Burbank Plumbing’s role includes an extensive assessment of the municipality’s facilities.

BURBANK VIEWS 05

Another step towards Great Ocean Green

Denton Mills update

The unseen groundwork which takes place before a project gets underway is often a long sequence of small steps, but the result of persistence and an ongoing vision is what makes a successful outcome worthwhile.

Burbank’s commitment to preserving the integrity of our architectural history is a continuing success story at Denton Mills.

Such is the case for the progress of Burbank’s Great Ocean Green project at Apollo Bay. The development will incorporate an 18 hole championship golf course and clubhouse with over 530 residential properties. Mr Eddie Sanfilippo, Joint Managing Director of Burbank Homes is pleased the project is underway and looks forward to its continuing smooth development.

“The Great Ocean Green project has been seven years in planning, from the day we acquired the land and impressed the local golf club with our strategic vision of a brand new golf course,” Mr Sanfilippo said. “The current golf club is on Crown land fronting the Marina Harbour.

The Crown wishes to repossess the land, supporting our arrangement with the golf club.”

A government-appointed panel considered community aspects and environmental implications of the proposed Burbank development. After considerable deliberation, including consultation with the CSIRO and associated authorities, the panel and the Colac Otway Shire Council approved the project in June 2008.

Sandra Spencer, Denton Mills’ Marketing and Sales Manager, states although the Denton Mills Heritage Apartments are sold out, a few residential opportunities still remain, with commercial spaces scheduled for release later this year.

The location of this historically-listed building is outstanding; just 3km from Melbourne’s CBD and walking distance from Studley Park and Dights Falls.

Apollo Bay

Progressively built between 1888 through to the 1940s, Denton Mills housed Australia’s first steam powered hat factory which operated until the 1970s. The impressive Victorian era building was designed by William Pitt, renowned architect of Melbourne’s Princess Theatre, the Rialto and the Older Fleet Building in Collins Street.

Two bedroom apartment Denton Mills

BURBANK VIEWS 06

Denton Mills

See yourself at

Artist’s impression - Reflections wetlands park

Reflections Estate update With wetlands almost five times the size of the MCG playing field and a range of recreational facilities, Reflections Estate is set to become the toast of Tarneit. The new attribute to the City of Wyndham welcomes up to five new families daily, offering them lifestyle benefits including a wonderful place to relax with family amid a picturesque landscape and native wildlife.

Reflections Land Sales and Information Centre is located on Reflections Boulevard (off Sayers Road) in Tarneit (Melway Ref 202 5D) and open 12pm - 5pm daily. The centre features an estate model providing visitors with an overall perspective, as well as a deck to watch construction works transforming the site into a beautiful landscape.

Five of Melbourne’s top builders are currently constructing Reflections Estate display villages which are due to open in Spring. So far, sales have been strong but there are still plenty of great opportunities available.

Reflections Estate is being developed by National Pacific Properties Pty Ltd, the land development arm of the Burbank Group of Companies which undertakes residential land development projects Australia-wide.

Reflections Estate - 1300 BUY LAND (1300 289 526) www.reflectionsestate.com.au

Reflections sales office

BURBANK VIEWS 07

Burbank’s new Cisco telephone system Burbank’s new Cisco IP telephony system was installed in February and, according to IT Infrastructure Manager, Tyson Jansen, the difference it has made already is phenomenal.

The system promises to boost productivity by streamlining business processes whilst enhancing existing resources, saving time and money as well as effort.

“This is the best IP telephony system available.

It enables us to interact wherever we are around the world and all features are contained within the head office building,” Jansen says.

“In the past six months we have implemented a range of system features including new call centre queues, paging systems for customisable

The system facility “Presence” is currently being implemented; an integration between phone, desktop and Outlook, Presence includes instant messaging which can be up-scaled to video conferencing. It also enables users to see whether a colleague is at their desk with similar simplicity to an internet chat site.

broadcasts, front door intercom and the business attendant console – the desktop call-handling facility for Reception. The system also provides detailed reports on all aspects of call costing.”

Gracia Burke at Burbank Reception said the system is extremely user-friendly and has improved time efficiency across the board by allowing her to type through messages as calls arrive. “This is a real benefit, especially when we have to put leads through to the sales team as quickly as possible,” she said. Leah Tolongou agrees, even though it was only her sixth day on Reception.“The system’s ease of use has made learning my job so much more straightforward”.

Additional system features to come include Nokia mobile phone integration and further enhancement of 13 Burbank enabling clients direct access to their administrator whilst simultaneously sending key data to the administrator’s desktop.

Stage 2 factories now leased Moving in leaps and bounds with Factories 9 thru’ 14 now fully leased, Stage 2 at the Burbank Business Park is now complete.

Stage 3 (Factories 15 thru’ 24) are due for development shortly.

NEW FACTORY 11

NEW FACTORY 12

NEW FACTORY 13

NEW FACTORY 14

LEASED

LEASED

LEASED

LEASED

NEW FACTORY 15

NEW FACTORY 16

NEW FACTORY 17

NEW FACTORY 18

NEW FACTORY 19

NEW FACTORY 20

NEW FACTORY 21

NEW FACTORY 22

Watch this space for updates!

NEW FACTORY 10 LEASED LEASED

NEW FACTORY 9

EXISTING FACTORY 8

EXISTING FACTORY 7

EXISTING FACTORY 6

EXISTING FACTORY 5

LEASED

LEASED

LEASED

LEASED

NEW FACTORY 24

NEW FACTORY 23

EXISTING FACTORY 4 LEASED

EXISTING FACTORY 3 LEASED

EXISTING FACTORY 2 LEASED

EXISTING FACTORY 1 LEASED

Burbank Business Park

BURBANK VIEWS 08

Decades of service Sam Failla on his 10 years plus with Burbank: “There have been so many memorable times at Burbank in the last 10 years it’s hard to pinpoint one in particular. Perhaps the biggest highlight has been playing a part of the immense growth Burbank has undergone during my time here. The company has grown from about 18 staff and building about 150 homes a year when I started in early 1998, to the current large numbers of people we have across the group as a whole.

Looking back I realise just how many projects I’ve been part of – from the ’postcode’ we built at Waterford Green in Maribyrnong, the apartment complexes, sprawling unit developments and custom homes to our own office development. I remember so many clients, subbies, suppliers, consultants and staff, all of whom helped make Burbank the company it is today.

The fact I can still call any one of about 100 subbies and suppliers and they’ll be ready to lend a hand to ensure another satisfied client, is simply fantastic. I’ve seen and helped people grow from trainees to fully developed building professionals and am thrilled clients of years ago are happy to call and chat, and know I won’t hesitate to give them further assistance or just provide advice.”

Staff celebrating their 10 years with Burbank: >>

>>

>>

Sam Failla, Building Manager Medium Density and Commercial (commenced employment March 2,1998) Dragan Vuradin, Cost Controller (commenced employment May 5, 1997) Max Hunter, Construction Manager (commenced employment August 11, 1997)

David Borg, Director of Sales (commenced employment November 2, 1998)

>>

New roles report

by Sam Failla, Burbank’s Building Manager Medium Density and Commercial

Burbank Head Office, Altona

Burbank recently completed our first ‘up and over’ medium density development at Metro Village Estate in Dandenong South. Our building supervisor, David Miers, is to be commended for his efforts in overseeing the project. Complementing the team is new building supervisor, Peter Harris, who joins David and his colleague, Ivan Smith, at Metro. The housing division will oversee the completion of all detached homes, while our medium density division will complete the ‘up and over’ products (mansion and town houses) on the site.

Construction recently commenced at The Well in Epping, with seven single storey dwellings managed

by Building Supervisor, Michael Nikolovski.

Michael has recently provided some much needed assistance in the medium density (office) estimating arena, showcasing the diverse nature and skills we nurture within this division.

Stage 2 of the Denton Mills project is scheduled to commence mid-September, 2008.

Departing recently after eight years of service which saw him commence his employment with Burbank as a trainee building supervisor, Strav Atanasovski was farewelled by his colleagues with every good wish for his future career

BURBANK VIEWS 09

Staff profiles Doug Baulch (Building Supervisor) Job description: Responsible for the timely construction of detached housing in the West with a strong focus on quality, safe work practices, customer satisfaction and working within a set budget.

Years/months with Burbank: 2 years 5 months.

Daily job involves: Planning, scheduling, troubleshooting, directing subcontractors and liaising with clients, suppliers and office staff.

Overcoming challenge at work: A continuous challenge at work, and in the building industry in general, is the lack of continuity within the flow of jobs released ready for construction. Overcoming this from a supervisor’s point of view is difficult, but the best way is forward planning, working as a team to manage and maintain the various trades and suppliers involved in the construction of a new home.

Fav sport: Surfing and football.

Fav TV show: Saturday morning ABC “Rage”.

Best restaurant eaten at: Cheese Burgers in Paradise on Waikiki Beach Honolulu “better than any fine dining I’ve experienced”.

Quote that best represents me: I put all my genius into my life. I put only my talent into my works.

What makes you laugh: “Jim Beam Black” and my 4 year old son.

Has anything funny ever happened at work? I always get a laugh out of my fellow work mates but no highlights (my guarded answer).

Hobbies/interests: Surfing, travel, mountain bike riding and the out doors.

Is your current job one you envisaged when you were at school?

No. I wanted to be the next Gary Ablett or Mick Fanning but something went awry when I was introduced to beer.

4 people to your dinner party - who would they be: Joe Strummer ‘The Clash’, Bruce Lee, Ken Bradshaw ‘Bigwave Surfer’ and Aishwarya Raï judged the worlds most beautiful woman (second to my lovely wife Amanda).

Star sign: Cancer – The Crab Man. Fav music: English punk rockers, The Clash, Aussie legends, The Sunnyboys, classic Police and The Fratellis. I just love music!

Fav movie: Big Wednesday and Night at the Roxbury.

Married: Yes. Kids: yes 3. 2 boys and a girl.

Pets: 2 dogs both lab x border collies and 2 budgies.

Generation 2600

BURBANK VIEWS 10

Where would I love to go for a holiday: Joburg, South Africa.

Talent I wish I had: The ability to read, compose and play music.

Daniel Reeves (Carpenter) Job description: Straightening walls, putting the architraves and skirting boards on, hanging doors, fitting knobs, locksets and bath hobs; to name just a few things.

Years/months with Burbank: Roughly 5 years.

Overcoming challenge at work: Starting out with anything is a challenge, but you use your brain and asking other people helps too.

There’s always a lot of trial and error.

Quote that best represents me: I’ll go with what my wife suggested; Procrastination... hard work pays off in time, but laziness pays off straight away.

Is your current job one you envisaged when you were at school?

Yes, for as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to work in this field.

What upsets you? When an easy task at work turns out to be really time consuming.

Is there anything you’d like to share with us?

My wife and I are expecting a baby in early December. It’s our first and we’re thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents.

What makes you laugh: Spending time with friends, a good meal and a few beers.

Star sign: Virgo.

Fav music: Anything from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Fav movie: Rocky.

Married: Yes - 4 years this November.

Pets: A Border Collie cross-Kelpie called Flick who reckons she’s human.

Fav sport: Football. I love to watch it but I played for 11 years and it’s a running joke in the family that I’m the football star.

Fav TV show: Prison Break.

Hobbies/interests: Motorbike riding, jet skiing in summer and snow boarding in winter.

4 people to your dinner party - who would they be: Elvis, Jennifer Hawkins, Charlize Theron and my wife, Christine.

Where would I love to go for a holiday: The Northern Territory. In the last few years Christine and I have travelled to South Australia, Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef and Western Australia. We’d love to see the whole of Australia before going overseas. I’d love to take Christine to Israel to meet some of my relatives but we’ll wait a few more years before that trip.

Talent I wish I had: I’ve always wanted to play the guitar.

Best restaurant eaten at: Garlic Kiss in Mornington.

Daffodil 2200

BURBANK VIEWS 11

New Burbank website online

MyPlace.... up and running

After three months of intensive development, Burbank released its new user-friendly website in July, 2008. The fresh, modern look incorporates an easy to navigate button design and flash imaging technology.

Developed in-house by Burbank’s IT Team, the MyPlace website is Burbank’s latest innovation designed to assist clients in the systematic process of building their home, from the ground up! Providing Burbank clients with a “Key” (username and password) gives them access to the status of their job online, the ability to download important documents and photos, and direct communication with their administrator via their personalised account.

All Burbank divisions are represented; Residential, Commercial and Industrial, Land Development, Investor, Finance, Plumbing, Electrical, Transport, Resorts and Storage. Each can be located on the site via attractive photos and links. www.burbank.com.au also functions as a portal for other Burbank sites, including www.burbankhomes.com.au, which provides links to ‘the Edge’ and ‘MyPlace’. This year’s visitation to www.burbankhomes.com.au has increased by more than 3000 hits compared to the same period last year.

The updated site replaces the existing site constructed in 2006.

Check out www.burbank.com.au for more information.

Key Burbank employees ensure each project stage is updated regularly within MyPlace, enabling on-site supervisors to instantly upload photos of each construction stage and providing customers with ‘real time’ communication.

The principal aim of MyPlace is to deliver the ultimate level of customer service possible; eliminating time wasting and security issues with all customer accounts handled by one specific Burbank administrator.

MyPlace is already providing this great service to over 220 account members, with almost 70 percent of these customers actively accessing the site on a regular basis.

Visit www.burbank.com.au/myplace for more information.

Essence 2900

Topaz 3200

Burbank Business Park Aberdeen Road Altona Vic 3018 Australia Burbank Australia Pty Ltd ABN 91 007 099 872 t +613 9328 0333 f +613 9328 0222 e build@burbank.com.au w www.burbank.com.au