The Melbourne Preview March 2015 by Eview Group

THE MELBOURNE

eview.com.au |

ISSUE 24

KASEY CHAMBERS ON LIFE, LOVE AND BEING A MUM THE WESTALL UFO – AN ENDURING MYSTERY EVER UPWARDS: THE WORLD’S TALLEST BUILDINGS

Welcome... RATE CUT SET TO PUSH PRICES UP

pr vi w THE MELBOURNE

Web: eview.com.au Eview Group Chelsea 436 Nepean Hwy, Chelsea, 3196 Sales: Phone: 8773 1888 Fax: 9772 0198 Email:

Rentals: Phone: 8773 1888 Fax: 9772 0198

chelsea@eview.com.au

Eview Group Corporate 463 Nepean Hwy, Frankston, 3199 Rentals: Sales: Phone: 8781 3877 Phone: 8781 3888 Fax: 8781 3834 Fax: 9781 1547 Email:

frankston@eview.com.au

Email:

rentals@eview.com.au

Eview Group Narre Warren South East Building 2, Ground Level 30-32 Verdun Drv, Narre Warren, 3805 Sales: Rentals: Phone: 8794 1200 Phone: 8794 1200 Fax: 8794 1222 Fax: 8794 1222 Email:

narrewarren@eview.com.au

Email:

joanne.avenell@eview.com.au

Email:

joanne.avenell@eview.com.au

Eview Group Werribee Suite 11/2-14 Station Pl, Werribee, 3030 Sales: Rentals: Phone: 9749 8008 Phone: 9749 8008 Fax: 9749 8002 Fax: 9749 8002 Email:

bryan.hanson@eview.com.au

Eview Group Mornington 38a Main St, Mornington, 3931 Sales: Phone: 0423 144 102 Email:

Email:

Melbourne’s housing market rebounded in the final quarter of last year, with the city’s median house price of $669,000, up 5.3 per cent on the more subdued September quarter. The city’s record–breaking auction boom, which continued until just days before Christmas, helped push prices up. The regional market also rebounded – the median house price in regional Victoria for the December quarter was $344,000, up 5.5 per cent on September. Many homebuyers are looking to regional Victoria for more affordable properties as city prices rise. But while the REIV expects house prices to continue to grow nationally in 2015, the market is likely to be more evenly balanced, although it may be given a boost if the Reserve Bank further lowers interest rates. Of course local factors play a key role in determining house prices. And while the Melbourne median provides a useful overview there can be substantial variations between suburbs. The key growth suburbs in the final three months of 2014 illustrate this: for example, prices in Dandenong North and Thomastown are benefiting from the ripple effect as buyers priced out of neighbouring suburbs closer to the CBD look further afield. Also, Dromana and Mount Martha, both among the top 20 growth suburbs for the quarter, are benefiting from the completion of Peninsula Link. But any predictions are also predicated on macro economic factors, making certainty difficult. While in the next three months we expect the market to remain solid, macro factors such the unemployment rate and low wages growth are likely to have an impact. Consumer and business sentiment will also have a bearing on the prospects of the market in the coming year.

Local factors such as local unemployment levels, infrastructure and transport services and distance from Melbourne impact on local property markets. So, too, unexpected local crises such as Morwell’s mine fire which impacted on its property prices. Enzo Raimondo CEO, REIV

narrewarrenrentals@eview.com.au

Eview Group McCrae - Eview Nepean Rentals 683 Point Nepean Rd, McCrae, 3938 Sales: Rentals: Phone: 5986 8097 Phone: 5986 8097 Email:

With interest rates at an historic low for the 17th consecutive month, the buoyant Melbourne and regional Victorian housing markets in the final months of last year look set to flow on into 2015.

ODDABODES

werribee@eview.com.au

Rentals: Phone: 0423 144 102

jarrod.carman@eview.com.au Email:

jarrod.carman@eview.com.au

Eview Group Somerville Suite 1, 76 Station St, Somerville, 3912 Rentals: Sales: Phone: 5977 6293 Phone: 5977 6293 Email:

sam.bucca@eview.com.au

Email:

sam.bucca@eview.com.au

Eview Group Yarra Valley 299 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 3777 Rentals: Sales: Phone: 5962 1053 Phone: 5962 1053 Email:

yarravalley@eview.com.au

Email:

yarravalley@eview.com.au

Eview Group Melbourne Level 14/380 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, 3000 Rentals: Sales: Phone: 1300 438 439 Phone: 1300 438 439 Email:

melbourne@eview.com.au

Email:

melbourne@eview.com.au

Eview Group Melton - NicholsMills Suite 10 Shop 3 Alexandra St, Melton. 3337 Sales: Phone: Marc Mills 0421 395 555 Disclaimer: Eview Group nor any companies of the Eview Group accept any form of liability, be it contractual, tortious or otherwise, for the contents of this publication or for any consequences arising from its use or any reliance placed upon it. The information, opinions and advice contained within, are of a general nature only and may not relate to or be relevant to your particular circumstances. There are many issues involved with buying and selling real estate so it is important that you get specific advice prior to making any decisions on your next real estate transaction. All information contained herein is gathered from sources we believe to be reliable. However we cannot guarantee its accuracty and interested persons should rely on their own enquiries. Should your home be exclusively listed with another agency, please disregard any information contained within regarding the engagement of Eview Group to sell your property.

Circulation: 54,000 PAGE 2

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Issue 24

This Hobbit-like home, designed by the architects of SeArch and Christian Müller, is situated in the beautiful town of Vals, Switzerland. Choosing not to encroach on the idyllic landscape, the architects used mountain views to produce this underground dwelling.

encompassing scenery, the concrete interior balances rustic oak qualities. The first floor includes the kitchen, living room and library. The second floor has four bedrooms overlooking the tranquil views.

A sense of harmony is created between the structure and the landscape. A natural stone step pathway embedded in the mountainside leading to the inviting oval entrance. Further immersing the house in the

This Swiss Alps villa is thermally insulated and uses only hydroelectric power generated by a nearby reservoir. Residents can enjoy the views privately, from their stone courtyard hot tub.

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Dear Reader, Well here we go! Welcome to our 24th edition. 2015 is here and passing us by! January & Feb to date, as expected, have been very busy indeed. After a short break over the holiday period we were straight back into the action. On the home front…… the continued fast paced 2014 real estate frenzy that engulfed most of Australia looks like continuing. The further drop in interest rates in February by the RBA and mention of maybe another fall this year are now real talking points and catalysts for strong house price growth this year. The mix of low interest rates, strong international interest coupled with the new China / Australia free trade agreements (FTA) now in place, has created a new landscape for Australia on numerous fronts. Our Eview Group members have commented on the activity: most properties in the current market are still experiencing multiple hits within their first two weeks whether it

be private sale or auction! Truly a great time to be selling. And rental department activity is no different, wherever we look across Melbourne the activity and increases in numbers are on the up and up. Positive times. Eview is entering a new phase of continued growth. Undergoing a rebrand and rename last year, we as “Eview Group” are taking the industry to the next level. We’re doing this by encouraging and supporting an Eview Group business model - a business within a business model concept. Proudly presenting ‘Your Brand, Your Business’ (YBYB) where people can benefit from founding their own brand/colour and business level. Each business has access to full support, training, human resources, admin and bookkeeping services. All this is at the ready for those looking to set themselves up in this fantastic industry, new or already established, for a fraction of the usual set–up costs. If this real estate

concept resonates with you, you can find out more at: www. YourBrandYourBusiness.com.au Upon reflection on what was generally a wet and windy summer for Melburnians comes to a close, we enter the beautiful autumn phase. We settle into cooler nights, shorter days and our beloved AFL Footy season where Melbourne comes alive with team colours and spirit. Bring it on! Once again on behalf of the team I hope you enjoy this edition of The Melbourne Preview. It gives us great pleasure to bring you an informative publication for the Melbourne community. As always if you need any real estate advice, please feel free to contact any one of our expert team members found in the inside rear cover of this publication. They are eager to help on any matter big or small and cover most areas of Melbourne. Manos Findikakis - CEO

MARKET WATCH... Maria Findikakis – Melbourne Metro

Paul Duff – Special Projects Division

While Christmas & the New Year may have come and gone, buyers appetite for property remained very strong over the summer break where traditionally a slow down is usually experienced. Obviously the low lending rates, market momentum and general allround positivity surrounding the Melbourne market is fuelling sellers and buyers alike to move around. Some suburbs are showing signs of 2030% price growth inside of 2 years. That’s some strong growth! Fiercely fought & well attended competitive auctions are highlighting strong upward pressure on prices again this year already, so if you’re considering selling, we are ready to step you through the journey to maximise your return.

The development market continues its strong growth trajectory. The current 8% rise above trend reaffirms this activity. Confidence abounds with record low interest rates assisting both new development and investor/owner occupier funding. Continuing buyer interest in the medium density/townhouse and off-the-plan apartment options continue to inspire both established developers and new market entrants. Melbourne has embraced higher density living and the cashed-up and downsizing baby boomers continue to be a fertile market for astute developers. High rental yields on offer provide a compelling motivation for investors to ‘migrate’ from other investment options. Population growth, stable employment and lower costs of living expenses all point towards a buoyant first half of 2015.

“ On the back of a fast paced 2014 - The Real Estate market in 2015 looks still to be set in an upswing mode. Here’s why ….. ”

Peter Gourdouros – Chelsea

Arthur Proios – Frankston

Jarrod Carman – Mornington

Jim Arvanitakis – Narre Warren

Stuart Aldridge – Healesville

Bryan Hanson – Werribee

Peter Nichols – Melton Office

The bayside market areas of Chelsea, Bonbeach, Edithvale, Carrum and Patterson Lakes are extremely active at present with an average of 10 buyers per open home. These high numbers have allowed us the opportunity to exceed the seller’s expectations in most cases. Clearly the shortage of homes physically on the market is attributing to the strong market. If any owner wanted to capitalise monetarily, now’s probably the best time in a quite a while to make an attempt. Past auction results such as 1/69 Field Avenue and 24 French Avenue, Edithvale selling well over reserve, highlight the market strength and price absorption levels.

With the festive season hangover all but over, buyers who missed out on pre-Christmas purchases are definitely still in the market! The usual trend of a 2-3 week lull over this period seems to have been ignored! The scarcity of good quality homes together with a decent amount of buyer activity gave us plenty of recent sales success. More importantly, consumer confidence is still high with the banks passing on yet another fall in interest payments. Moving into February and March, the challenge for most agencies is attracting sellers to list their homes. Those willing to commit have the most to gain.

On the back of a steadily improving 2014 this year started extremely solidly with strong activity over the traditionally quieter holiday period. Sales have been strong and it is shaping up to be a very good year with right now being a great time to sell your property in the Mornington area. The majority of recent sales have had competing parties and the relatively low numbers of properties on the market have led to strong prices being achieved. With interest rates at all-time lows we have seen first home buyers and investors moving back into the marketplace. This, combined with a large influx of buyers, particularly baby boomers, wishing to move to the seaside lifestyle that the Peninsula has to offer from Melbourne suburbs, has contributed to many sales. 2015 is shaping up to be a huge year!

The South East enjoyed a buoyant 2014 with sales exceeding most vendor’s expectations. Not suprising when you compare the investment in facilities such as road improvement, transport, shopping centres, parks and recreation, health the list goes on. In 2015 construction will commence on the $125 million Casey Cultural Precinct. This will be Casey’s largest– ever infrastructure project, and the first of its kind to be undertaken by local government. Our region spans from Cranbourne out to Clyde abutting Berwick and bordering Clarinda Shire. This is the gateway to the growth corridor with an abundance of quality and affordable housing with the infrastructure to support residents and businesses alike. Eview is proud to be working within the South East Community.

Last year saw a very proactive market at all price levels in the Yarra Valley region. It seems that 2015 has started in the same way with buyer activity being strong already in January. I believe that this year will be just as busy with prices holding steady as the Yarra Valley is becoming one of the premium outer semi-rural regions of greater Melbourne in which to live.

It is often touted that the Wyndham City Council is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia. Recent announcements such as the Werribee East project will generate more than 58,000 jobs and more than 7,000 homes as a model 21st century city. The site is one of six so-called national employment clusters and is well placed to attract workers from both Melbourne and Geelong as it is just 25 kilometres from the city and less than 40 kilometres from Geelong. Buyer confidence in the Werribee area continues to grow. This said, we expect a strong year ahead all round.

The Melton property market continues to be ranked amongst the top three most affordable suburbs around Melbourne. Steady sales have been recorded in the established sector however most of the growth is focused on new house and land packages. Median house prices remain steady at around $250,000. 2015 promises to be very exciting with the release of a new master plan community in Rockbank with 7100 residential lots to be released, adding to the 4000 new homes to be built in Melton East and some 3400 new homes in the Melton South precinct. These developments are expected to add 35,000 new residents and will continue to lead the municipality’s growth. We look forward to assisting both first home buyers and investors looking to put their foot on the property ladder at an affordable price.

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ABSOLUTELY EXQUISITE...

This picturesque 3.5 acre (approx.) Langwarrin South property is both breathtaking and extremely rare. Located at a private and exclusive address you feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of life although only moments away from the convenience of Peninsula Link. The main residence boasts four bedrooms plus study. The ground floor master suite has its own private deck/veranda with full ensuite consisting of spa and twin vanities. The formal lounge features cathedral ceilings with dormer windows and open fireplace, and leads to a study/home office. The open plan features a separate meals area with vaulted ceiling which adjoins the family room. Both access the outdoor deck area overlooking the pool. The home features polished timber floors throughout with dado panelling. Upstairs consists of three bedrooms with vaulted cathedral ceilings, all with built in robes and a central bathroom. The property runs instantaneous hot water systems as well as oversized showers, and has a massive solar power capability and huge water tank. The guest house offers incomeâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; generating potential with the one bedroom cottage featuring a kitchenette, open fire place, central bathroom and open plan elevated spa to bedroom. The grounds feature a 23 metre salt chlorinated/heated in ground custom built pool with waterfall, surrounded by sandstone paving & timber decking. A picturesque dam at the front of property, grape vines, self sufficient veggie boxes, and plentiful grassed areas and canopy trees complete the picture. The property is located at 26 - 28 Nirvana Close, Langwarrin South. To find out more about this property, call Jamie Universita on 0400 572 672.

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The Melbourne Preview

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Giving Back...

EVIEW Group back beyondblue ADDICTED 2 LIFE is a charity set up by Sofia Vatos, Director of Eview Group Chelsea in support of the well recognised beyondblue. The Eview foundation in conjunction with Addicted 2 Life in late 2014 held its inaugural event: a themed â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night to raise awareness and help those struggling with

depression, anxiety and suicide among the community.

Everyone who attended left raving about the night and more aware of the cause.

The night was a total sell out; attendees dressed, impersonated and performed like their idols of the vibrant 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s era.

Shortly after, Eview Group was privileged to receive a visit from beyondblue CEO Mr Jeff Kennett who personally accepted a cheque for $17,006 from our corporate office.

Upon reflection this inaugural event was an amazing night and a financial success.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend a big thank you to Jeff Kennett and all our sponsors, especially our major sponsor â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trade Productsâ&#x20AC;?, for supporting this great cause. Keep an eye out for our next scheduled Addicted 2 Life event later this year.

Eview and Westpac Fountain Gate bring alternative solutions to their customers. 6RXUFLQJ QHJRWLDWLQJ SXUFKDVLQJ UHĂ&#x20AC;QDQFLQJ RU LQYHVWLQJ LQ UHDO HVWDWH FDQ EH D GDXQWLQJ SURFHVV DW WKH EHVW RI WLPHV (YLHZ DQG :HVWSDF )RXQWDLQ *DWH DUH SURXG WR KLJKOLJKW WKHLU MRLQW SDUWQHUVKLS LQ RIIHULQJ DOWHUQDWLYH VROXWLRQV WR WKHLU FXVWRPHUV DQG WKH ORFDO FRPPXQLW\ E\ EULQJLQJ HYHU\RQH WRJHWKHU LQ RQH VWUHDPOLQHG SURFHVV <RXU :HVWSDF 7HDP Vicki White Home Finance Manager 30 YEARS BANKING EXPERIENCE 0408 303 478

Sharon Hartley Home Finance Manager 18 YEARS BANKING EXPERIENCE 0427 010 579

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Come on in and meet the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Old style banking is alive and well.â&#x20AC;? Help us assist you in making your dreams and ambitions become a reality. Shop 2101 Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, Narre Warren 3805 The Melbourne Preview

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Feature...

KASEY CHAMBERS PAGE 6

The Melbourne Preview

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By Melissa Walsh Just two days before Kasey Chambers headed back out on the road to start her Bittersweet Tour, she takes the time to chat about life, love, parenting and songwriting. “I’m really excited about getting out on tour again. My voice has had its ups and downs in the last few months but I’ve been really looking after it,” says Chambers who had to reschedule her Bittersweet tour in October when she was diagnosed with voice nodules. “My voice is naturally husky and I had nodules when I was a teenager and went to voice therapy for a while. It was disappointing to have to postpone last year but I’m glad I didn’t need surgery. I had to learn how to look after my voice again; no screaming at the kids for not having their room tidy for a few months,” she says with a laugh. Chambers’ down to earth attitude is infectious as she talks about day-today life with her three children. “Kids have a way of keeping you grounded. We live such a normal life even when they come out on the road with us; it’s just everyday to them. They don’t really have a clue about the awards and albums. When were at home and down at the school, I’m literally just Arlon and Poet’s mum. My life is non–celebrity like, it’s definitely not glamorous.” Just like any other mum, Chambers is dealing with the fact that her eldest son is about to start high school. “He’s super ready, not nervous at all, he’s totally got this. He won’t be able to come on tour with us but it’s not like were away for three months at a time. The tour is set up so it’s away for a few days then home again.” On the subject of balancing motherhood and career, Chambers says she couldn’t get by without the support of her family and friends. “I’m so lucky with my family who come on the road with me. Also one of my best friends lives in our granny flat and she helps out a lot with the kids, and they love her.” One of the family traditions has been for all of them to go to Tamworth at the start of the tour and this year is no different. “The kids don’t come out on the road with me all the time but would be very upset if we didn’t take them to Tamworth,” she says of the 12 year old, seven year old and three year old brood. “It’s a real family event.” With a reputation as one of Australia’s most famous performers, Chambers grew up in a home where listening to country music was a way of life, singing with her family’s “Dead Ringer Band” and travelling all across the country.

maintain a good work life balance, and a healthy attitude to parenting. “I used to feel a lot more guilty and wanted to be a supermum. Then I realized that there’s no such thing. I think it’s a mum thing to want to please all the people all the time but you just can’t so now I weigh up different situations and try to be as balanced and fair as possible. Just like any parent, sometimes there are work commitments, which mean you miss out on things. Last year my son made the rep team at AFL footy and I had a tour planned then but I knew this was important to him so we moved the tour,” says Chambers, who believes that its also important for our kids to see us make mistakes. “When my children first started school I would freak out if I took a note in late. I thought I had let them down but they actually didn’t care. It made me realize the things that are important to our kids are not always what we think. My child doesn’t care if I have a note in late; he cares if I hang out with him after school. It’s unrealistic for our children to see us as perfect. Nobody’s perfect. They just need to see you doing your best.”

A quarter of a century later, she is releasing her seventh solo album, and has no plans of slowing down.

After just taking home another ARIA award for Best Country Album for her record Bittersweet, Kasey now adds this to her collection of 10, so the country singer must be doing something right.

There is a wonderfully natural flow to Chambers’ life, however, with the singer–songwriter determined to

“I believe in positive energy in my life and in my songwriting but I also believe in telling the truth. Songwriting

is my outlet for recognizing all the emotions that we go through in life,” says the woman with one of the brightest personalities in the business. “The reality is that even though I am a positive person most of the time, I do have to recognize the other side. Sometimes my songs come out sounding sadder than I am.”

Shane Nicholson two years ago after eight years of marriage but, in true Kasey style, she remains philosophical.

Chambers says her album “Bittersweet” is a leap of faith, being the first solo album in five years.

“I believe you learn more from the negative things than the positive things in your life,” she says of her new journey and becoming a single parent. “My writing allows me to reflect and use my creative world as an outlet and my new beginning is also reflected in the album.”

“Like all my records, it is still a testament to who I am at the time,” says Chambers, whose new album shows she still has the ability to tap into raw emotion.

Chambers says she learnt a lot about herself as a mother, as a partner and as a failure, with Bittersweet a way to step outside the box and reflect the changes in her life.

On Bittersweet, Chambers teams with some old and new faces enlisting former Powderfinger frontman, Bernard Fanning and acclaimed singer songwriter Dan Kelly to join the band. Her dad. Bill, contributes to backing vocals and good friend and long time band member Ashleigh Dallas co-wrote the first single, Wheelbarrow.

“I wasn’t positive every day. Some days I would wake up and be sad but it’s not my personality to stay that way and eventually I started looking on the bright side. Life is not about being happy all the time but I do believe in positive energy. If you put good things out in the world it will come back to you.”

“I tried to do something different with this album as it signifies a new chapter in my life. I’m sure people will expect it to be a depressed divorce album but it’s not. I really am a positive person but the funny thing is the title song Bittersweet is one of the saddest songs on the album,” says a laughing Chambers, who wrote half the record before the divorce and the other half after.

February 21, Theatre Royal, Castlemaine.

Chambers split from her husband

May 01, Forum Theatre, Melbourne.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

February 22, Live On The Lawn w/ Lee Kernaghan, Werribee. February 28, The Eagles Featuring Kasey Chambers, Woodend. March 19, Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool. April 30, Costa Hall GPAC, Geelong.

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ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

Situated in north–east Victoria, where snow fields, pristine rivers and recreational lakes beckon, “Misty Meadows”, is a stunning rural property of approximately 203 acres. The pastures and undulating hills are interwoven by two seasonal creeks. Tucked away at the end of the long driveway is the beautifully presented Bluestone ranch style homestead with spectacular views from every window. The spacious central lounge room, features vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, atrium windows and a beautiful bluestone fireplace. The home features a quality Tasmanian blackwood kitchen with meals/family area and fireplace, separate elegant dining room, three large double bedrooms each with its own period style ensuite and walk-in robe, plus an office. The house is serviced by ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling, while two external storerooms and a two bay carport offer ample space. The farm is 203 acres on two titles of approx 100 acres, each with road access. The Yellow Creek flows through one title and its tributary flows through the other. Both streams feed in and out of large dams. An airconditioned American style barn offers office/barn stay/teenage retreat options. There is excellent fencing throughout the property with 13 paddocks of improved pastures, many interconnected by a pipe and trough watering systems. 12,000 mature native trees form pasture shelter belts and hilltop plantations. The property is located a 90 minute drive north east of Melbourne, close to Taggerty, Alexandra and Lake Eildon, and boasts spectacular views of the Cathedral Range. The property is located at 51 Yellow Creek Road, Taggerty. For more information contact Cynthia Chow on 0401 282 808. PAGE 8

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Agent In Focus... LIFE’S NOT MAYHEM FOR THIS REAL ESTATE AGENT Michelle Braggins has sales in her DNA. Her childhood holidays were spent in the car, accompanying her salesman dad around the country. It struck her that all his clients were more like friends. Inspired by him, her dream job has always been in real estate sales. However, it’s been a long journey. At the tender age of 23, after skydiving, bungy jumping and white water rafting her way through the South Island, New Zealander Michelle ventured to our Australian shores to pursue her dream. While working in hospitality management she sought her first role in sales in NSW. Out of 300 applicants, she was runner up for a real estate sales role; however by default, she was offered the role as property manager instead, where she excelled over the next five years running a team with both permanent residential and holiday rent portfolios. Michelle, now with a young family of her own, moved interstate and started building her ideal home in the Woodlands Estate Langwarrin. Michelle discovered her hidden talent for building and renovation throughout this period. Unfortunately a divorce meant selling the family home and starting afresh. It was at this time Michelle was recruited into sales and marketing by a major cinema group. It was here in Victoria where she met the love of her life – her partner Stuart. A ‘Brady Bunch’ family was instantly created, with Michelle’s two girls, his three children and their fat cat, Mayhem. They have large crazy family outings together to the peninsula’s stunning beaches, the movies or sometimes they even manage a family holiday. They are renovating a family home in Frankston South, and with Michelle’s extensive knowledge they have acquired several investment properties along the way. Having the DIY bug, she’s quite often coated in paint or handling power tools whilst still finding time to make the family favourite – sausage rolls and cafe scones. It’s with this zest for life, family support and never ending multi-tasking that enabled her to finally land her dream job in real estate sales. Michelle has been with Eview Group for over three years now. Having a family means flexibility is key to having

a good family and work life balance, and luckily her real estate company was built on a foundation of family values. What makes it special is how much they care, not only about the clients, but also about the people within the company. With regular family-friendly events, her company understands the importance of living life to the max; moreover, they encourage a healthy balance. Michelle couldn’t imagine working for a better company. The key to Michelle’s success is her passion, her caring and thoughtful nature, and her excellent business acumen. Combined, they deliver the perfect outcome. Choosing to give back to the community, she is a proud contributor to the Frankston Business Network and WomenConnect Frankston. Using her real estate skills, and her engaging, bright and bubbly personality she has hosted charity trivia nights and auctions for charities such as The Frankston Mayor’s Fund, MiLife and Dress For Success. Most real estate agents know that any house will sell, no matter what condition. For Michelle, it’s about the people, not the property. What she does is aim for the best price for her clients. It’s about presentation, timing, marketing and negotiation, and due to her varied past she is extremely well placed to do this. She takes care of all the details to make the process as seamless as possible for her clients. It’s something in which she takes great pride in and is incredibly dedicated about. To wrap up this insight into a real estate agent’s life, the best moment of Michelle’s career? Well, it was when she found her perfect match in her assistant. Melanie is one of her closest friends and she has enabled her to take her career even further. Allowing a more client–focused working practice has made a happier and fully committed real estate agent. Michelle is ready to help you find your dream home. Call her on 0405 512 999. Likewise, if you think you are up to the challenge like Michelle, call Maria Findikakis 0417 301 875, and kick start your career into real estate.

AR Revolutionary e revolutionary volutionary new newR Real Real eal E Estate Estate state P Platform Platform la atform ffor o for r tthe h the ep progressive progressive rogressive iindependant nindependant dependant a agent. agent. gent. Curious? Call Call David David B olton o n: 0423 0423 598 598 101 101 for fo r a p rivate d iscussion. Curious? Bolton on: private discussion.

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510 Robinsons Road, Langwarrin Sold for in excess of $1 Million Sale type: Private sale Comments: After having been on the market with another agency for 18 months, the switch to Michelle & team at Eview saw the sale take place in a more timely period of 9 weeks. Michelle still managed to meet the owners price expectation, the difference was in the level of marketing and handling of enquiry. The owners are rapt, now they can move on with their next stage in life. AGENT – Michelle Braggins. 0405 512 999. Office – Frankston

53 Carpentaria Crescent, Point Cook Sold for $600,000 Sale type: Private sale Client testimonial: Karin was very professional and always on the ball. Our property was on the market for just 2 weeks before it sold where previously we had it on the market for 9 months with another agent without any success. Karin always kept us in the loop with what was going on. Overall we had a fantastic and pleasant experience with Karin. We are very glad we made the decision to put our property on the market with Karin. S C Perera - Point Cook

Agent: Karin Walters – 0403 746 686. Office – Werribee

3 Almurta Road East, East Bentleigh Sold for $910,000 under the hammer Sales type: Auction Comment: It’s easy to see why this area has grown strongly in median values in recent years with the activity around all house sales in the area. With great marketing and handling of the campaign, this property saw 50 - 60 groups through over 4 weeks. Auction day saw 3 bidders battle it out with 48 bids received to sell for the end result. Very happy sellers. Agents – Peter Goudouros. 0428 234 155 & Sofia Vatos. 0421 328 255. Office – Chelsea.

21 Bayview Street, Altona Sold for $642,500 Sale type: Private sale

Client testimonial: I cannot speak highly enough of Karin as our agent in the sale of our property. Karin is an extremely hard working lady who got us the best sale we could have ever hoped for. Nothing was ever too hard for her and she always made the time to listen to what we wanted. Karin is extremely professional and fantastic at what she does. We will definitely not hesitate to use Karin again when selling a house. Tara & Michael Kennedy—Altona Agent – Karin Walters. 0403 746 686. Office – Werribee

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The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24

1 Robins Road, Narbethong Sold for $1.8 Million Sale type: Private sale Comments: 523 acres of sheer country bliss. Own lake, Acheron River frontage, ample shedding, stables with a delightful country residence. Surrounded by mountains, close to Eildon and the snowfields of Victoria. Fantastic example of a lifestyle Central Victorian farming property. AGENT – Stuart Aldridge. 0402 464 511. Office – Yarra Valley

highlights

LAST QUARTER RESULTS

15 Tarana Avenue, Upper Ferntree Gully Sold for $508,000 Sales type: Private sale Comment: Sold in just 8 days, 29 groups through and 3 competing offers on the table. The eview multiple offer process extracted the highest price the market could absorb and as result the owners were delighted with the speed & unexpected outcome. Agent – Jeremy van der Beek. 0421 963 468. Office – Narre Warren

1 Ballarto Road, Skye Sold for $508,000 Sales type: Private sale Comment: This was 2nd time round for the owners having been on the market for 90 days with another agency. Sold after just three days on the market with Eview. Agent – Arthur Proios. 0414 676 641. Office – Frankston The Melbourne Preview

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PAGE 11

Wyndham Harbour is a $440 million marina development located 30 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, and will be the only safe boat harbour between Williamstown and Geelong.

a lifestyle of health and wellbeing with fresh sea air, local organic produce, parklands, trails and fitness areas.

across Port Phillip Bay, the Wyndham Harbour Marina and the city of Melbourne.

The Lighthouse Apartments are now selling Wyndham Harbour is the only place in the from $355 000 for a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, area with direct access to Port Phillip Bay. 1 car park apartment. Two and three Wyndham Harbour – the playground of bedroom apartments are also currently the West. Wyndham Harbour is a seaside A proposed ferry from Wyndham Harbour to available. playground that offers relaxed bayside living Melbourne’s Docklands will be a relaxing trip with a touch of glamour. across the bay. Wyndham Harbour will be a new centre for recreational boating in the west, Once complete, Wyndham Harbour will be Townhouses, land and apartments offer offering world-class facilities to local and a world-class development and a major stunning waterfront living adjacent to international sailors. boating and lifestyle destination. superb outdoor spaces with beaches, parks, wetlands and walking trails Marina Berths ranging in size from 10 metres It will feature up to 1000 wet berths and dry to 30 metres are now selling, with a limited boat storage for up to 390 boats – making The Lighthouse is the second and final number of long term leases now available. it the largest marina in Victoria and the apartment building at Wyndham Harbour second largest in the country (due for and will commence construction in mid Once operational the marina will feature completion in 2016). 2015. The striking architecture, conceived wet berths and visitor berths with a by SJB Architects, features a bold, angled proposed range of major boating events, This exceptional bayside location also offers façade to maximise the spectacular views regattas and regular race days. PAGE 12

The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24

artists impression

For more information, contact your Werribee based Eview Specialist Bryan Hanson on 0477 100 111 or bryan.hanson@eview.com.au The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24

PAGE 13

A GRAND FAMILY HOME A seaside residence of distinction only minutes from Mt Martha’s stunning South Beach, this character–rich, craftsman– built four bedroom plus study home enjoys absolute serenity and magical bay views surrounded by half an acre (approx.) of park-like gardens. Tucked away down a quiet road with wonderful ambiance, no expense has been spared – from the beautiful Sydney redgum floors that line the gracious formal entry, superb granite-topped kitchen with European appliances and sparkling inground pool adding a touch of resort–style luxury. The elegant proportions of the large formal lounge and dining room are enhanced by a magnificent open fireplace, while a traditional bay window draws your eye to a picture– perfect outlook across the water. French doors connect the family/meals area to the wraparound balcony where a shade awning extends at the touch of a button, while the timeless pairing of black and white gives the modern kitchen with soft-close cabinetry, plate warmer, dishwasher and illuminated pantry a classic feel. The master bedroom features a walk-in robe and charming Federation style ensuite with twin shower, while two more bedrooms share the main bathroom complete with spa bath. Downstairs, a huge rumpus or games room with self-contained accommodation including a full kitchen and third bathroom offers wonderful versatility. Outdoors, you will enjoy sweeping green lawns studded with specimen trees offering welcome shade and beautifully groomed garden beds. Additional appointments include ducted heating/cooling, security system and a double garage. The property is located at 56 Fairbairn Avenue, Mount Martha. For more information contact Patrick Cornish on 0438 238 453. PAGE 14

The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24

Investors... EVIEW GROUP ASSET MANAGEMENT AREA TEAM LEADERS

FOUR REASONS INVESTORS SHOULD CLAIM DEPRECIATION IN THE NEW YEAR As we enter a New Year, many investors might be formulating their annual New Year’s resolutions. Investors often think about the ways they can reduce the costs of owning an investment property and wonder how they could boost the cash flow earned. However when they do so, the deductions they can claim via depreciation are not always at the top of their list when it comes to saving money. Around 80% of investors still do not maximise the depreciation deductions available from their investment property, so this is a very good reason why investors should add requesting a tax depreciation schedule to their annual resolutions for 2015. To assist investors, here are four great reasons why investors should request a schedule today: 1. Claim an average of $5,000 to $10,000 in the first year Property depreciation is a non-cash deduction which can be claimed due to the gradual wear and tear of both the building structure and the plant and equipment items contained within the property. On average, investors can claim between $5,000 and $10,000 in deductions within the first financial year alone. The Australian Taxation Office allows investors to claim depreciation for forty years. By claiming property depreciation, investors are essentially reducing their taxable income and therefore may benefit by receiving more in their annual tax return or avoiding having to pay additional taxes. 2. Every property investor can benefit from a depreciation schedule Some investors think that because their investment property is old, they won’t benefit from claiming depreciation. This is untrue. Both new and old properties will attract depreciation deductions for their owners. Depreciation deductions can be claimed

for all types of investment properties including residential, commercial, industrial, retail, manufacturing and hotel and tourism accommodation. 3. Adjust the previous two years tax returns If you haven’t been claiming or maximising depreciation for your investment property, the previous two years tax returns can be adjusted and claimed back. 4. The fee is 100% tax deductible Although there is a cost involved in arranging a depreciation schedule, the fee is 100% deductible. Investors who arrange their schedule prior to the 30th of June each year can claim the fee back in the same year, while investors who arrange and pay their schedule in the new financial year can claim in the following year. This is all the more reason why investors should arrange their schedule in the lead up to a financial year rather than wait until tax time. Investors who own or are planning on purchasing an investment property should speak with Paul Duff, Eview’s Head of Special Projects Division. Paul will assist investors to liaise with one of the expert staff at BMT Tax Depreciation. Eview have worked with BMT Tax Depreciation for a number of years. BMT Tax Depreciation has an agreement in which they will offer Eview clients a tax depreciation schedule for a special reduced fee. If BMT Tax Depreciation do not find double their fee worth in deductions, they don’t charge for their services. Investors who would like to learn more about depreciation can contact Eview Group’s Head of Special Projects Division, Paul Duff, on 0400 463 007 or email him at paul.duff@eview.com.au Article provided by BMT Tax Depreciation. Bradley Beer (B. Con. Mgt, AAIQS, MRICS) is the Managing Director of BMT Tax Depreciation. Please contact 1300 728 726 or visit www.bmtqs.com.au for an Australia-wide service.

Frankston office

Chelsea office

Cheryl Keher & Jodie Harwood

Loretta Rossborough & Peter Goudouros

Phone: 8781 3877

Phone: 8773 1888

Mornington office

Narre Warren office

Jarrod Carman & Liz Garrett

Jim Arvanitakis & Julie Lunt

Phone: 5971 0300

Phone: 8794 1200

Werribee office

Southern Peninsula office

Yarra Valley office

Taryn Gauci & Lesley Hanson

Fiona Lowe & Joanne Avenell

Stuart Aldridge & Jodie Young

Phone: 9749 8008

Phone: 5986 8097

Phone: 5962 1053

The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24

PAGE 15

YARRA VALLEY VIEWS ESTATE Once in a life time, a truly unique development offering presents itself. With vistas reminiscent of Tuscany or the Italian lakes, this property is less than one hour drive from Melbournes CBD, and is located in the world renowned Yarra Valley wine growing region. The magnificent home impresses with a sweeping spiral staircase, reception foyer via the portico entrance and huge formal lounge family area adjacent to the entrance. Other features include a kitchen and adjoining dining area (that could comfortably seat 12 people), six very large bedrooms, four bathrooms, wet bar, study, enormous open plan living areas on each level and a games/ drawing room. Huge top and lower deck balconies suitable for alfresco dining that would easily accommodate/ seat 60+ people in comfort completes the package. With all this space and infrastructure, this magnificent residence certainly lends itself to an ideal fine dining restaurant layout, cellar door winery reception and/or entertainment reception complex. Adjacent to the three storey Italianate mansion is placed a very large commercial grade shed. The property is located at 16 Airlie Road, Healesville. For more information contact Stuart Aldridge on 0402 464 511 or Paul Duff on 0400 463 007. OFFERS CLOSE APRIL 30 AT 5PM, ALL OFFERS PRIOR WILL BE CONSIDERED, ALL INSPECTIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT. PAGE 16

The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24

Design...

A RACE TO THE TOP, WHERE SECOND IS JUST THE FIRST LOSER By Cameron McCullough There was a time when all the effort was worthwhile. The large sums of money and manpower could be expended, and there would be plenty of time to sit back and say “we did it”. I’m not talking about winning an AFL premiership here, but the far less worthy pursuit of building the world’s tallest structure. It took up to 20 years to build the Great Pyramid of Giza. It was back breaking work for thousands of workers who had to toil without many of the technological advances we enjoy today, such as cranes, power tools and ipods.

“We encapsulated the design from the evolution of young flora as new shoots spring up from the desert.”

BURJ KHALIFA IN DUBAI

Again, a 1000 metre baby cactus would be a frightening sight, but good on them for the hard–sell. One thing is for sure, with the concept picture below, many of the residents will never have to worry about rainy days indoors. KINGDOM TOWER’S ‘NO RAIN ZONE’

There must have been times when they wondered if it was all worthwhile. What the builders would have been sure of, though, is there wasn’t someone elsewhere building something identical, but just a little bit bigger. Times have changed, and while the technology of the day (ie lack of radio, television or mobile phones) meant that there wasn’t the tempation for a neighbouring pyramid builder to just “whack an aerial on top” of their structure to take the title of “worlds tallest”, now there are glory snatchers everywhere. Indeed, while the Great Pyramid of Giza remained the worlds tallest structure for nearly 4000 years, now you hardly have time to ring Guiness Book of Records before someone has stolen the title from you. Take the Burj Khalifa for example. Building started in 2004 and was completed in 2010. The finished product was a staggering 829.8 metres tall. It holds the following records: Tallest building in the world Tallest free-standing structure in the world Highest number of stories in the world Highest occupied floor in the world Highest outdoor observation deck in the world Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world Tallest service elevator in the world Most hotdogs eaten in a minute (It is believed this may have been a misprint though).

It is only a matter or time before another oil–rich country announces an even taller structure. While Burj Khalifa will end up only holding the “worlds tallest” title for a decade, Kingdom Tower should make hay while the sun shines and watch for the next attempt at the title sure to be sooner rather than later. It could be worse. You could be China. They announced they would build “the worlds second tallest tower”, the Shanghai Tower. Let’s face it. First is the winner, and second is just the first of the losers. Why bother, except that the building looks the most like a piece of licorice of all of them. Maybe there is a place in the record books for that. Quick, get Guiness Book of Records on the phone! SHANGHAI TOWER: THE BUILDING MOST LIKE A PIECE OF LICORICE

The builders hardly had time to “crack a coldie” and get the last of the skips picked up when Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed bin Talal announced plans to build the world’s tallest building in Jeddah. Over 1000 metres tall, the new “Kingdom Tower” will have 161 “inhabitable floors” and will cost a lazy $20 billion to build. The designers have stated “the actual design of the new Kingdom Tower is an elegant sleek and streamlined form that is inspired by nature.” That is hard to imagine, as not many things in nature are one kilometre tall. The Melbourne Preview

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Meet some of our people Ross Baron I 0412 301 622 Describe your area… Beach culture, semi-holiday resort lifestyle Favourite restaurant? Harba in Mornington Areas favourite activities? Port Phillip Bay for water based recreation Real estate career highlight Securing a very much loved property for a seriously ill relative of a friend Favourite architectural style? Modern style beachside homes Favourite hobby? Automotive history Favourite holiday destination? Canadian Rocky Mountains

Clare LaFontaine I 0428 165 597 Areas I work in include... Frankston Tips for selling/leasing? Communication. To be open and available to talk to the landlords and tenants Vendors/landlords should choose Eview because... the property managers are caring, hard working and competent Favourite hobby? I love to be active. My favourite things to do are going to the beach, dancing classes for fitness and going to the theatre and seeing live music

Sheree Farrington I 8794 1200 I’ve been with Eview for... Four years

Favourite holiday destination ? Any beach destination

Real estate career highlight? Winning the Property Manager of the Quarter Award twice in 12 months Vendors/landlords should choose Eview because... We are professional Agents who give the best service at all times Favourite hobby? Shopping, fine dining & spending time with loved ones Favourite holiday destination? Bali. I was recently married there and have travelled to Bali eight times

Simon King I 0402 245 292 Area you grew up Frankston I love working at Eview because... of the support I receive from people who work there Areas favourite activities? Beach, boating, jet skiing, any water related activities Real estate career highlight? My first sale within 24 hours of becoming a real estate agent Vendors/landlords should choose Eview Group becuase... Of our great service Favourite hobby? Riding my bike and keeping fit

Jodie Harwood I 0427 235 786 Real estate career highlight? Managing a team and assisting in achieving record results every month and with great benefits to both our landlords and tenants

Joanne Avenell I 0419 358 312 Areas I work in include... Safety Beach, Dromana, McCrae, Red Hill, Rosebud, Rye Describe your area… Great beaches and wineries Area’s favourite activities? Boneo Park Equestrian Centre. A great venue where I keep and train my dressage horse. It continues to hold world-class competitions which brings many spectators to the peninsula

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The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24

Tips for selling/leasing? Presentation is paramount and a property with a few extra comforts, like air conditioning and a dishwasher, are usually more desirable to a prospective tenant Vendors/landlords should choose Eview because... Of the dedicated team, with outstanding experience and customer service Favourite hobby? Spending time with my family and friends and renovating my house Favourite holiday destination Hawaii

Paul Murphy I 0411 356 255

Carmen Ruiz I 0411 121 070

I’ve been in Real Estate for... 27 years

I’ve been in Real Estate for... six years

Areas I work in include... Patterson Lakes, Carrum, Frankston, Frankston South, and Mt Eliza

Areas I work in include... Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Somerville, South Frankston, Safety Beach, Dromana and Rosebud

Describe your area… A great lifestyle close to the beach, good restaurants and shopping. Great private and state schools

Favorite restaurant? I love Max’s Restaurant at Red Hill Estate

Areas favourite activities? The beaches and the walking tracks along them

Real estate career highlights… are the times when my clients become life-long friends. The relationships are the most important to me and how I can service their needs

Real estate career highlight? Getting a record price for the vendors and seeing the smile on a purchasers face when they move in to their new home

Tips for selling/leasing? Presentation! This is a must in order to achieve the best possible outcome

Vendors/landlords should choose Eview because... of the professionalism and the right advice every time

Favourite hobby? I love any kind of beach activities and extreme sports

Favourite holiday destination? France, Italy and New Zealand

Leah Young I 0402 841 458 I’ve been in Real Estate for... 23 years I grew up in ... Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula Real Estate experience? Sales, property management, and licensing training of new and experienced agents I specialise in... Growing and developing people and their skillset through industry training Real estate career highlight Selling multi million dollar waterfront mansions in Sanctuary Cove Vendors/landlords should choose Eview because... the demeanour of the agents is that of genuinely wanting to help people rather than thinking of their commissions Favourite hobby? Car racing and greyhound rescue

Mark Sherrard-Griffith I 0413 242 277 Describe your area… The whole Chelsea area is just amazing as there is so much to do there. Amazing transport, beautiful beaches and close to East Link. Just a really happening vibe

Waasi Khan I 0433 960 006 Areas I work in include... Endeavour Hills, Doveton, Narre Warren and neighbouring suburbs

Real estate career highlight? Every day in real estate is a highlight as no day is ever the same and I get to meet amazing new people every day

Describe your area… Very multicultural, great area with beautiful parks and views. Easy access to the freeway and great distance from city, shopping centres and most amenities

Tips for selling/leasing? Work with your agent. Favourite holiday destination? Merimbula NSW; have been going there forever. Love the beaches. A lot like Chelsea

Real estate career highlight? Meeting my first vendor. I Met him walking his dog and just had a general conversation with him about the weather and then he mentioned that he had a property to sell. We listed it that week and sold it within a day with a short settlement which he was very happy with

Favourite hobby? Three massive passions of mine are training in mixed martial arts, AFL Football and I am a huge Star Wars collector

Catherine Buchan I 0497 123 123 I specialise in Residential real estate sales I grew up in... Aberdeen, Scotland Why I love working at Eview is... the family team culture Areas I work in include... Mt Eliza Describe your area… Beautiful beaches, great village lifestyle and family area Favourite restaurant? Quercus, Mornington Favourite Architectural style? Blobitecture Favourite hobby? Shopping Favourite holiday destination? The south of France The Melbourne Preview

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History...

The Westall UFO mystery By Neil Walker IT wasn’t a bird. It wasn’t a plane. Westall residents who saw an unidentified flying object hovering over the suburb in 1966 are still convinced they saw something extraordinary on 6 April of that year. A flying saucer–shaped object was seen by more than 200 witnesses in broad daylight. The UFO flew without making a sound and Westall Primary School and Westall Secondary School students and teachers were among those who saw the unexplained event almost five decades ago. At about 11am, more than 200 students and teachers at two schools witnessed an unexplained flying object descend into a nearby grass field. The paddock was adjacent to a grove of pine trees in an area known as The Grange (now a nature reserve). According to reports, the object then ascended in a north-westerly direction over the suburb of Clayton South. Witness descriptions were mixed: Andrew Greenwood, a science teacher, told The Dandenong Journal at the time that he saw a silvery-green disc. Another described it as being a grey saucer-shaped craft with a slight purple hue and being about twice the size of a family car. After a short period (approximately 20 minutes) the object - with witnesses now numbering over 200 - then climbed at speed and departed towards the northwest. As the object gained altitude some accounts describe it as having been pursued from the scene by five “Cessna-type” aircraft which circled the object. A check later showed no records for commercial, private or RAAF aircraft in the area at the time. Adding to the conspiracy of a cover up was the scant coverage given by the daily newspapers with no mention of it in the Sun News Pictorial or the Herald, except for cartoons deriding the sighting. The Age only ran this small item the following day on page six: “Object Perhaps Balloon - An unidentified flying object seen over the Clayton-Moorabbin area yesterday morning might have been a weather balloon. Hundreds of children and a number of teachers at Westall School, Clayton, watched the object during morning break.” Channel Nine interviewed a student, Joy Tighe, who described the event for the reporter. However, it is claimed that this footage was removed from their archives and never returned. The incident was covered at length by one of Australia’s oldest local newspapers, The Dandenong Journal, which dedicated the front page to the incident for two consecutive weeks, on April 14 and April 21 1966. The Weather Bureau released a balloon at Laverton at 8:30am on 6 April and the westerly wind blowing at the time could have moved it into the area where the sighting was reported. Canberra-based historian Shane PAGE 20

The Melbourne Preview

Close encounter: An illustration of the 1966 encounter as drawn by Bill Chalker. Below, the front page of the Dandenong Journal the week following the UFO sighting.

Ryan became intrigued by the mystery when he heard about it while working as a teacher in Melbourne. “Back in 2005, I was looking around for a subject for a book for young adults and I remembered this flying saucer story when I lived in Melbourne, centred on a couple of schools out at Westall,” Mr Ryan said. He set up an internet site to try to find out whether the truth was out there. “Many people contacted me and before I knew it I had several witnesses who were happy to talk to me about it,” he said. “So many people were telling the same sort of story about the event that I decided to change tack and tell a factual story to try to find out what actually happened on behalf of those people.” His sleuthing led to a 50-minute documentary released in 2010 called “Westall ’66: A suburban UFO Mystery” co-funded by Film Victoria and Screen Australia. Mr Ryan was amazed by the large number of people who saw the UFO fly over the two schools. “Hundreds of people saw it and not only did they see the object in the sky – it came down to the ground and landed. It was on the ground for some time at The Grange.” Some of the students got over to The Grange in time to see it hovering very close to the ground before it quickly took off. A huge circle of flattened grass was left in the paddock. What happened next made witnesses to the event believe there was more Issue 24

to the UFO sighting than met the many eyes who saw it that day. “There was a large response by the authorities – police, military, fire brigade, ambulance service, civil defence organisation – to whatever it was that happened that day,” Mr Ryan said. “There are witnesses who remember seeing people in uniform responding to both the school and The Grange that afternoon.” Witnesses were allegedly told not to talk about what they saw. The move backfired and locals still wonder what happened. “A Monash University engineering student called Kevin went down to The Grange on the day it happened with his uncle and saw the huge circle of flattened grass,” Mr Ryan said. “He went down the next day with mates from university and there was a military cordon.” “Soldiers getting equipment out of the back of trucks told Kevin and his mates in no uncertain terms to stay away. He went down a week later to discover the grass had been cut and burned to not leave any trace of what had been there.” Mr Ryan is now determined to try and find an answer for people who wonder what they saw that day in 1966. “It involves somehow finding a paper trail that presumably would have been created since there was such a big response from government personnel,” he said.

Saucer secret: Kingston Mayor in 2013, Paul Peulich (centre), with Westall Primary School pupils Victoria (left) and Ruben, at the opening of the playground on the site of the 1966 UFO landing. Picture: Gary Sissons

He has tried to obtain documents from the National Archives, Office of Air Force History, Department of Defence, Victoria Police, metro and country fire authorities and Victorian Department of Education without success. “So far, we’ve come up against a blank wall – mostly it’s been that there’s no information in the archives. But in a couple of cases the freedom of information act does not apply to

an incident which happened so many years ago so government agencies are not required to do a search. Victoria Police, for example, responded in that manner.” Mr Ryan has an open mind about what was seen over Westall but does think it was something “unusual”. “I think there is still some sort of cover–up going on as to what happened that day in Westall. Some people would prefer it not to be

talked about. There is the suggestion of either continuing national security implications or documentation no longer being in Australia. It could be in another country possibly involved in the incident that day,” Mr Ryan said. That day in 1966 has not gone without official commemoration, as Kingston Council opened a UFO themed playground on the site of the UFO landing in 2013.

Puzzles...

ACROSS 1. Precious metal 5. Yacht 7. Public persona 8. Enthusiastic devotion 9. Citrus tree 10. Tropical fruit 11. Mauve flowers 13. Drew 14. Stupefying 18. Military students 21. Uterus 22. Made airtight

24. Awkward 25. Clothing 26. Fencing sword 27. Fill with joy 28. Baron’s title 29. Sprites DOWN 1. Fried noisily 2. Italian country house 3. Circles 4. Extremist 5. Tardy

6. Side of chair 12. Tin container 15. Guacamole ingredient 16. Partook of alcohol 17. Entrance 19. Gorilla or chimpanzee 20. Jockeys’ seats 22. Sheer 23. Fasten (to)

Sudoku and crossword solutions

The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24

PAGE 21

Meet the team... Manos Findikakis

Maria Findikakis

Arthur Proios

David Politakis

Andrew Melas

Joanne Avenell

Sam Bucca

Jarrod Carman

Licensed Estate Agent

0438 230 465

0417 301 875

0414 676 641

0438 779 735

0409 920 917

0419 358 312

0412 755 544

0423 144 102

Could this be you?

Bryan Hanson

Jim Arvanitakis

Stuart Aldridge

Anastasia Arvanitakis

Peter Nichols

George Findikakis

Peter Gourdouros

Sofia Vatos

Jodie Harwood

Licensed Estate Agent

0477 100 111

0416 267 803

0402 464 511

0414 267 830

0411 652 421

0418 397 268

0428 234 155

0421 328 255

General Manager Property Management

Pamela Meagher

Stacey Stringfellow

Oscar Ciernohorsky

Leah Young

Julie Anderson

David Bolton

Marketing & PR

Design & Marketing

IT Administrator

Training & Development Strategist

Human Resources

Operations & Finance Manager

8781 3888

0402 841 458

8781 3888

0423 598 101

Nevil Brewer

Paul Duff

Max Pisano

Special Projects Division

Licensed Estate Agent

0400 463 007

0418 378 900

Could this be you?

0427 235 786

Ameal Alkawasmi

Joy Allan

Vic Apakian

Sandra Bardebes

Ross Baron

Evelin Bekins

Rajen Bhatia

Michelle Braggins

Sales Consultant

Licensed Estate Agent

Sales Consultant

Licensed Estate Agent

Sales Consultant

0404 891 288

0418 373 244

0431 597 450

0414 707 455

0412 301 622

0411 600 768

0433 775 699

0405 512 999

0402 955 254

Caitlin Broomhall

Catherine Buchan

Maryanne Cardillo

Robert Cecere

Kikei Chan

Cynthia Chow

Gayle Christoforou

Badiha Cook

Patrick Cornish

Sales Consultant

Property Manager

Sales Consultant

0422 411 013

0497 123 123

0418 948 287

0410 890 505

0432 261 387

0401 282 808

0458 552 332

0438 352 456

0438 238 453

Andrea Davey

Rachel Blackshaw

Janice Dunn

Rebecca Dunn

Janan Erdem

Sheree Farrington

Thekla Findikakis

Kerry Fisher

Liz Garrett

Sales Associate

Property Manager

Owner / Sales Consultant

Sales Consultant

Property Manager

Sales Consultant

Licensed Estate Agent

0404 795 375

0429 231 313

0402 285 698

0437 259 079

0458 550 171

8794 1200

0409 133 923

0407 140 834

0417 532 558

PAGE 22

The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24

Rod Gatt

Taryn Gauci

Paul Gilderdale

Steve Granger

Andrea Hannah

Lesley Hanson

Frances Harkin

Melanie Hills

Joel Hood

Sales Consultant

Property Manager

Sales Consultant

0450 655 597

9749 8008

0417 697 233

0488 333 117

0417 400 660

0407 740 948

0425 766 799

0403 195 357

0429 886 188

Andrew Incoll

Jarod Joseph

Cheryl Keher

Grant Kersley

Waasi Khan

Dena Kibblewhite

Simon King

Gary Kohlman

Tony Ladiges

Sales Consultant

Business Development Manager

Sales Consultant

0451 100 972

0427 051 084

0419 577 700

0418 516 536

0433 960 006

0404 406 740

0402 245 292

0402 117 077

0414 905 873

Brooke Lowery

Julie Lunt

Angela Mawhinney

Administration

Property Manager

8781 3888

0428 233 738

0458 550 168

Clare LaFontaine

Derek Lea

Renna Leventis

Gina Lithotomos

Fiona Lowe

Property Manager

Sales Consultant

Business Development Manager

Sales Consultant

Property Manager

0428 165 597

0412 204 036

8781 3877

0430 084 991

0466 632 357

Michael McClure

Daniel McGlashan

Alana McGuinness

David McKee

Ridzwan Merican

Simon Michaelis

Marc Mills

Tahnee Milner

Stewart Montgomery

Sales Consultant

Sales Associate

Sales Consultant

Administration

Licensed Estate Agent

0403 736 761

0407 545 243

0450 048 075

0419 150 009

0435 826 593

0434 556 877

0421 395 555

8781 3888

0437 090 010

Jonathan Rivett

Could this be you?

Paul Murphy

Andrew Nguyen

Mike Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill

Paul Organtzidis

Liane Owen

Don Peters

Leanne Poulton

John Rault

Licensed Estate Agent

Sales Consultant

Licensed Estate Agent

Sales Consultant

Property Manager

Sales Consultant

Licensed Estate Agent

Sales Consultant

0411 356 255

0411 735 776

0428 548 201

0431 646 115

8781 3877

0416 164 001

0437 441 127

0407 303 858

0421 026 520

Aviva Rotstein

Carmen Ruiz

Elias Salimi

Kim Saunders

Mark Sherrard-Griffith

Rebecca Sullivan

Bec Tavcar

Jamie Universita

Ian Vine

Licensed Estate Agent

Sales Consultant

Administration

Sales Consultant

Property Manager

Licensed Estate Agent

Sales Consultant

0433 923 332

0411 121 070

0412 676 898

8781 3888

0413 242 277

0458 550 198

0439 089 214

0400 572 672

0488 179 767

Steven Walsh

Karin Walters

Leah Whetton

Elise Wishnowsky

Robert White

Sales Consultant

Administration

Property Manager

Sales Consultant

Jeremy van der Beek Property Manager

0407 789 877

0403 746 686

8773 1888

0400 520 835

0402 006 553

0421 963 468

If you would like more information about joining this exciting team, please call Maria Findikakis on 0417 301 875 The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24

PAGE 23

Time to upgrade? Find a home that suits your individual needs. Call us today to find out how on 1300 4 eview (1300 438 439).

eview.com.au PAGE 24

The Melbourne Preview

Issue 24