Urban Life Magazine Issue 5

SEPTEMBER 2016 VOL. 1, ED. 5

k c a b g n i v i g s r e d l i B u he c ommunit y to t

A COLOURFUL EXISTENCE • MODEINA MAGIC DRAFT TALK • BUTLER’S SECRETS • DISPLAY HOMES & LAND ESTATES DIRECTORY

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contents

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SEPTEMBER // 2016

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FEATURES 6

COLOURFUL LIFE I nterior stylist Julia Green helps you get in touch with the magic of colour THIRD TIME LUCKY A couple rediscover the beauty of Burnside at Modeina in Melbourne’s west GIVING HOPE Creating a sense of community comes at a cost for builders and developers, but they don’t mind contributing to a happier life SHELF-CENTRED The history of the butler’s pantry continues to evolve FIRST DRAFT Copyright of floorplans is no laughing matter.

It’ll pay to know your obligations

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REGULARS 2, 47 16 34-35 48-49 50-53

INSIDERS OBJECTS OF DESIRE PRACTICAL MAGIC INDUSTRY NEWS LAND ESTATES, DISPLAY HOMES DIRECTORY

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WELCOME

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DDING colour to a new home can present many challenges to the uninitiated, but celebrity stylist Julia Green has solutions to tackle almost every issue that you may face.

Read about what she can do for your home.

Speaking of issues, buying an apartment or townhouse off the plan has potential pitfalls for those who rush in. Fortunately, Victorian chief executive Danni Addison from the Urban Development Institute of Australia explains five ways to minimise risks with off-the-plan properties.

In our cover story, we examine the role that builders and developers play when building new communities. Their generosity with sponsorships, donations and support in health, sport, community projects and the workplace oftens underpins the strength of new estates.

Our Estate Pioneer delves into the experiences of a couple with older kids who built their first home in Burnside 18 years ago, left for another place, and returned last year to Modeina Estate with what they hope will be their final home.

If that’s not enough, try our feature about the butler’s pantry, environmentally-friendly building products, and spruce up your living room with Practical Magic.

Please enjoy the read.

Ross McGravie EDITOR

SCAN ME! Download the Urban Life app and scan when you see this icon throughout the mag with a mobile device for a unique interactive experience (see page 46 for details)

PUBLISHER Ross Copeland // MANAGING EDITOR Ross McGravie // SUB-EDITOR Cassy Polimeni ART DIRECTOR Kylie Mibus // NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Steve Kunesevic // ADMINISTRATION Gina Copeland

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INSIDER

What attracted you to the industry?

As a child I was never attracted to dolls, only blocks and things I could build with. Always blocks, I was obsessed with them. The custom in my Italian village was to enter the family business, which in our case was hospitality. I followed my father into the restaurant but it was obvious I wanted to do something else and soon I was flying the 1100km to Milan to start my degrees in architecture and engineering. I enjoyed studying engineering but after a couple of years needed to concentrate on architecture so that’s what I did, completing my Masters with first-class honours.

What do you most love about the industry?

Architecture can have such a positive impact on people’s lives. I feel very lucky to be in a position to translate a vision into a design.

This industry is constantly evolving with new materials and construction methods and I enjoy that challenge.

Working exclusively in apartments I’m also conscious of the effect we have on the city itself. We work hard to create attractive, inclusive environments.

Best change?

Design is always evolving and I really enjoy the inspiration and challenges that brings. As a community we’ve become more accepting of change and creativity. Already I’ve seen the difference that’s made to Melbourne since I arrived here from Italy.

How would you improve the process of building?

I would like more people to be more mindful of the legacy they are going to leave behind. And perhaps the major decision makers being more capable of looking at a project on its merits, rather than being caught up in politics and bureaucracy.

What is the biggest misconception people have when building a home?

That the architect is always right!

You are the person who has to live in your home so it must be what you want and what suits the way you live your life. These are the major things to think about and what should be the focus in the design of your home.

Giuditta De Santis CAYDON PROPERTY GROUP

What do you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement in the industry?

I’m always excited when our projects are completed, so the first building going up created a sense of achievement. I think I can say my proudest moment is still coming. There’s always an opportunity to do something better. In 30 or 40 years I’ll probably say the same thing.

Biggest regret?

I can honestly say I don’t have any. I love challenges and changes, so I’m not scared of having regrets. They just don’t enter my life.

Worst trend?

Extravagant facades that are not concerned with context, that have no relationship to the existing environment. I believe architecture should nourish people on all levels.

Tips for future proofing a home?

I know this refers mainly to technology, but I would consider future proofing for your own needs in 20 or 30 years time.

What should people look for in a builder?

Obviously it should be a registered builder but it should also be someone they feel comfortable with. Ask for recommendations and make sure they are someone who listens and, most importantly, responds to you. If you can’t get hold of them or they don’t return calls before the project, then look for someone else.

What will building a home be like in 2030?

Home will most likely be an apartment. Our space will be more compact and creative in its living options. I think one of the best motivations in life comes from not knowing what the future will hold.

Head of Architectural Design & Documentation 2 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

What feature would you most like incorporated in your home?

A creative blurring of the exterior and interior.

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STYLE

Colour bind?

Celebrated interior stylist Julia Green provides some simple advice on how to live a harmonious domestic life with colour CAMPAIGN: ARTHIDE • STYLING: JULIA GREEN ASSIST: NOËL COUGHLAN, EMILY WHITNEY AND ALICE ATKINS • PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNETTE O’BRIEN

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INSIDER

Even though it’s all around us, why do we lose touch with the impact of colour?

It’s a mystery to me how anyone could lose touch with the impact of colour as it’s my second language. You need to really tune into it and feel it. For me colour is everywhere, from the smallest hints of it to the largest expanses of it. And it comes in all shapes, sizes and forms, with nature playing one of the biggest influences of all. In a nutshell, colour is emotive. For me, I don’t just see it in its pure form, I feel it. It creates mood, ambience and can dictate your whole demeanour. Maybe people lose touch with it, as they are scared of it.

What is your favourite colour and why?

That is seriously like asking me to choose my favourite child. I can’t. I like all colours for different reasons, and they all make me feel something different. If I need a boost of happiness, I will paint the front door yellow. If I want things to be subdued and calm, I will opt for cool blues. Colour is something you can turn the dial up for loud, and down for quiet. And that is what I love about it. It’s the rainbow of versatility. (I do have a penchant for anything green right now- in all shades).

How do colours change people’s perceptions? What benefits do they bring?

Who needs drugs when you have colour? Colour can make you feel happy, relaxed, invigorated, stimulated, excited and energetic. Colour is my drug, and there are no dangerous side effects - no overdosing - and it’s free. How amazing is that?

I remember a Reese Witherspoon movie, Pleasantville, in which everyone lived in a 1950s black-and-white sitcom world before the 1990s teens literally bring colour into their lives. Is that how some people feel?

Some people find colour frightening. They are scared of it, don’t

know how to use it, worried they will get the combos wrong.

But that’s the crazy beautiful thing about colour - there is no right or wrong. It is entirely subjective and what you like - and how it makes you feel - is what is right for you. Some people like black and white, the symmetry and order, the ‘can’t get it wrong’ factor, the safeness and timelessness, and that is perfectly OK too.

Do Australians naturally embrace colour?

Overall, as a nation, we embrace colour more than many of our western friends. For instance, whenever I have done trade fairs in America, they consider us to be ‘colour nuts’, and find our unabashed use of it a little confronting. But when I think about countries like Italy, Greece and much of Africa, they are the opposite and not afraid of it at all. Some people just need a little guidance. But if they truly asked themselves how certain colours made them feel, many of the answers would lie within.

What is the No.1 piece of colour advice you provide?

Do it in stages. Decide how much colour you want to live with, and gently introduce it rather than assault all senses at once. If you want to paint all of the walls black, try one wall in a trial room and live with it for a bit before going the whole hog. Always be true to the colours you love, rather than follow trends. Trends come and go and can be expensive to follow.

Conversely, what is the biggest mistake made with colour?

The combinations. For instance, a recent warehouse conversion I worked in had exposed red brick and the owner wanted to use more red in furnishings and art. I felt this would make the space ‘angry’ and that it needed softening. I ended up talking them into soft pinks and lilacs (the complete juxtaposition to red) and the combination was perfect. It still felt strong and masculine but not angry.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 7

INSIDER

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STYLE Your topic is How to Live Your Life in Colour. Please tell us about that.

Living life in colour is an entirely personal journey and different for everyone. There is no right or wrong. You need to ask yourself how each space needs to feel, how you want to feel on a daily basis, and decorate it accordingly. For instance, my own home is a neutral carcass of concrete and raw materials but is heavily accented with colour that makes it come alive with bursts of energy. But my bedroom is the polar opposite, with dark mood lighting and soft tones with a distinct absence of colour, as I wanted it to feel muted, soft, and quiet – a restful retreat.

Many minimalist interiors can be white and current bathroom trends emphasise black and white. How should we introduce colour without it dominating the look?

My signature style is to work within a neutral framework and add ‘pops’ or ‘accents’ of colour to the space, and you can be very measured in this. Towels are your canvas for the bathroom and if you want to use colour, that is a safe way to introduce it.

But if you are feeling a little game, you could consider coloured tapware or tiles, or a wallpapered ceiling in a bedroom, or just a mix of coloured accessories and soft furnishings. The key is to introduce it one by one, piece by piece. For me, when I am styling a home, I strip it back, and generally add to it one piece at a time until it feels balanced. Feeling overwhelmed is enough to make people frightened and put them off their colour journey. So take it slow. Live with it for a bit. Then decide if you love it.

What has been the biggest transformation you have made in someone’s home?

Mmm, that is a matter of where you measure the baseline. I had one client who wanted to live in a white shell, and in the end I convinced her it should have been black. It was quite a mindset change for her, but ended up being one she was utterly delighted with.

The colour schemes in new homes are selected by buyers at colour studios or display centres. Given the never-ending choices, any tips for first-time buyers?

Always bring home samples of your wares. Build a mood board and make sure it all ties back together. If you are very unsure of this yourself, outsource it to a designer or decorator as the cost of getting it wrong will always be more than the fee you have paid an expert. Finding a decorator that understands your style is equally imperative.

Bringing older furniture into a new home can be challenging. Any advice?

Yes, it can (be challenging). It’s funny how the other way round is less of an issue, i.e. taking new furniture into an old house is less of a challenge. Again, often the older pieces may need a revamp. I had a client who could not let her grandma’s chest of drawers go despite living in an uber modern space. We ended up painting them hot pink, and it gave the piece a whole new lease on life. And she felt great that she had managed to retain an important family heirloom. It’s all about balance. Mixing old and new is not an easy task, and so it needs to be very carefully considered. Composition is everything.

When natural light is scarce, how can you create a lighter feel in a room?

Some paints have reflective qualities, and encourage the light to bounce around more. Opt for cool whites with your lighting so that room does not feel yellow. But sometimes if a space is bereft of natural light, you may struggle to create it with all of the smoke and mirrors under the sun. In this case, I tend to look at the opposite.

I would tend to go dark walls, and make it moody. You can add light and colour in the furnishings, which will pop a whole lot more effectively against a dark backdrop to that of a white. People really need to embrace darker colours, as it’s a dramatic backdrop and can really add an amazing amount of colour impact in a space.

When two people have contrasting tastes (one bold colours, the other neutral tones) in decor, what is the best compromise?

It’s funny you should ask, as I often say I am a marriage counsellor as well as a stylist. Making sure you create a harmonious space that appeals to two people with different ideas is not always easy. Generally speaking, it is much safer to go for neutral walls, fitting and fixtures and add your pop of colour with accessories when people have different ideas around colour. Accessories are often affordable and an easy way to change the look, whereas fittings and fixtures are not. I tend to simply ask both parties where their safe place is, and work it from there. No divorces … yet.

Feature walls were fashionable a decade or more ago. Are there specific trend indicators through history (i.e. economic conditions) that bring certain colours into vogue?

I am not sure. I find trends pretty fickle actually. I honestly don’t follow them as such, but am likely influenced by them very subtly. I think, like all things subjective, if colour fads come into vogue and out, you can choose to be a slave to fashion or simply create a space you are happy in regardless of what is on trend. It’s a much better and more wholesome way to live.

Are there any colours that seem to be forever popular?

Black and white will never date, and people always relate to the colours of the ocean. They are two staples that will never disappear as long as the world turns.

You previously worked as a pharmaceutical industry executive. What made you take the leap into styling and running your business, Greenhouse Interiors?

It was all an accident, but a happy one. I sold a couch on eBay, and the man that bought it was a photographer from Vogue. When he picked it up from my house, he asked me who I styled for? I said eBay. How horribly embarrassing, I didn’t know stylists even existed. Long story short, he recommended me for a shoot and I haven’t stopped running from job to job ever since.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

You need time to be inspired and that is one thing I find I am always short on, and it’s a problem as inspiration is all around us, but you have to be able to see it. (i.e. not be locked in houses or studios all day) But my sources are no different to anyone else’s. Travel, nature, the beach and seeing the way others live every day with my work are all touch points for inspiration.

Your expertise has been featured on The Block, webTV’s The Style School and in various publications. Do you have a preferred medium for getting your message across?

I love all mediums. I love meeting people one on one, to get to the nitty gritty of their decorating dilemmas. I love to write - and do so for many publications - but also love to communicate in any way at all my passion for colour and interiors. Presenting to an interested group of people that are highly engaged is an honour and a privilege that I don’t take for granted.

Detailing more ways on “How to Live Your Life in Colour”, Julia Green will appear at a Porter Davis World of Style master class on Saturday, October 15 at 11am. World of Style is at 410 City Rd, Southbank. For details, see worldofstyle.com/events Julia Green is managing director of Greenhouse Interiors. For details, see greenhouseinetriors.com.au

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 9

DREAM TEEN

Everyone has dreams and visions for the future … but as teenagers it can be difficult to achieve these dreams working a part-time job at McDonald’s. Yet in a world ruled by social media, our imaginations can have no limits.

MAISIE HYETT constructs her dream bedroom

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INSIDE WALK-IN WARDOBE (1)

DAY BED (6)

Every girl’s dream is to walk into her very own wardrobe - floor-to-ceiling shelves on either side, filled with clothes and shoes galore. My clothes are spilling out of my wardrobe and I’d love to have a big space to organise them all, so I would definitely add a walk-in wardrobe from NIDI Solutions to my list.

It can get tiring sitting in plastic chairs at a desk or classroom all day.

Going into my VCE studies, I know that I will need the perfect space for studying, which includes a quiet place for some down time. I’ve always dreamt of a bedroom where I can sit on a day bed under 8 a window, reading or doing other things on my laptop. It is the perfect little nook to relax in comfort and in style. The day bed can be a gorgeous feature to frame a window and provide extra storage for any bedroom – especially if you have endless amounts of clothes (like me).

Deck it out with some fluffy cushions and blankets; I know it will be my favourite place to be!

TECH (2) I listen to music quite a lot in my bedroom, but I’ve always wanted a speaker that could have amazing sound, without taking up too much space or disturbing the rest of the house. That’s why I would love to have Bluetooth speakers built into the walls of my room, connected to my phone so I’m able to pause, play and skip songs whenever and wherever I want.

I’d also have a unique charging dock, such as CraftEstDesign’s iPhone dock, for my mobile phone. It would blend into my room and have no messy cords.

PIÑA COLADA PINEAPPLE LIGHT (7) & PENDANT LIGHT (8) Seeing as I am going to need light in my bedroom, I’ve chosen something a bit funky and colourful, as well as a feature ceiling light.

The ‘Pina Colada’ pineapple light is a burst of colour for my bedside table or desk and a cute feature to light my room.

To hang from the ceiling, I’ve chosen a beachy hand-woven wicker lamp shade (HK Living, $699) that will stand out and create cool patterns and shapes all over my room when lit up!

BLACKBOARD WALL (9) I love the idea of a black feature wall that can be used as a blackboard – a blank canvas to create a masterpiece or even just a to-do list for the week.

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It’s the perfect way to organise your life and a technique to prevent forgetfulness in the brains of every teen. There is so much going on in our lives - from school and relationships, to family life and even having a part-time job. A blackboard wall is just the thing I need help me keep up with my busy life as well as giving the room a unique and modern edge … all you’ll need is some chalk and black paint.

WHITE POD CHAIR $735 (3) An egg chair is what every teenager would love to have in his or her bedroom. Hanging from the roof, this wicker chair is a fun piece of furniture with a summery look and is something you definitely wouldn’t see in an ordinary bedroom – that’s why it’s going in mine!

ETSY OCEAN WALL TAPESTRY BY THELASTSPARROW $200 (4)

COLOURFUL BEDDING Remove the white sheets and chuck on something more fun for your bed! It’s a place where I spend a lot of my time – whether it’s doing homework or catching up on a TV show – and that’s why I would love to have a king-size bed with this blush bedding (Aura

by Tracie Ellis Maison quilt cover, $179.95). Having coloured sheets suits me as they are more durable and less noticeable, especially with make-up or fake tan marks (perfect for girls!). Colours like grey and pink are subtle and pretty and will just make you want to climb into bed all the time. Matched with a large bedhead, this bed is fit for a princess!

If you’re an ocean lover, you would take any chance to bring the ocean to you and that’s why I’ve chosen a serene ocean tapestry. Apart from being serene, this type of wall art is very practical as it can be hung from wherever you want whether it’s over a window, above a bed or a desk. I would most likely hang this above my bed as the main piece of art in my room. Tapestry can be a fantastic way of doing something creative with a blank wall and gives the bedroom a very calm feel – almost like you’re floating in the ocean.

ARMADILLO & CO FLOWER WEAVE MARIGOLD RUG, $550 (5) Keeping the chill off my feet when the temperature drops, this elegant handwoven rug brings a touch of warmth and personality to any room. Better still, it’s Fair Trade and made from sustainable natural fibres.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 11

Funky, bold Modeina Returning to their roots, the Rico family didn’t have to look far when deciding to build again in Melbourne’s west

E S TAT E P I O N E E R S

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PHOTOGRAPHY: NICK FLETCHER / STYLIST: CLAIRE CAU-CECILE

LMOST 20 years after buying in the initial development of the Burnside estate, it was a case of third time lucky for Arlene and Rommel Rico.

Together with their children Ryan and Cassandra, the Rico family have twice built in Burnside with Dennis Family Homes – with the latest time in Modeina Estate occurring little more than a year ago.

Arlene said the decision to build in Modeina Estate was made almost instantaneously because of the family’s changing circumstances. “We saw the billboard sign on Ballarat Rd advertising Modeina and registered our interest even before land sales had commenced,” Rommel said.

Arlene added: “We’ve chosen Burnside as the place to call home because it is close to everything and suited what my family wants.

“We built our very first home in Burnside when it was still a newly developed area – long before Caroline Springs was established - but we sold it and moved to a two-storey place in King Park. The other place was getting smaller as the kids were growing up, so we were looking at alternatives.

“We actually went around to see other areas, such as The Avenue at Sunshine, but we just did not like the neighbourhood set-up. Then also other areas, such as Taylors Hill and Werribee, but we did not like the roads or the traffic out there.

“When we were looking at options, we always wanted to know how easy it was to get out of here in the morning to drive to work and schools. Thankfully, we knew from living here beforehand what it was like, so it was easy to choose.”

ORIGINALLY from the Philippines, the couple knew what they wanted – especially as they had the advantage that it was their third home. First time around, Arlene was studying and wanted a stress-free building experience so they opted to replicate a display home. But she said they had learned from the experience and their previous homes about what they liked and didn’t like.

“Circumstances change. You can’t control what happens in life,” Arlene said. “Back then I was studying and working. We were still young and thinking about business and didn’t really plan for our future. We just thought, ‘If we sell this, we need to buy another one’ as we were not going to go back to renting.”

The first and most important factor for Arlene was the home’s design. She regretted having a main bedroom at the front of their first home because of its lack of privacy, so she ensured the floorplan was better for her second time around. And sticking to her philosophy to “always cater to your family’s needs”, Arlene said she and Cassandra handled the decor selection to avoid any repeats of shunning the tiles.

“Without thinking about it, you don’t realise the day-to-day effect until you move in and effectively have to live with it,” Arlene said. “But we picked one of the Dennis Family Homes’ designs that had everything we wanted, and they allowed us to make changes in some areas of the house.” This included replacing a shared bathroom with two en suites for Cassandra and Ryan, and adding a retreat area for Ryan so his friends could visit with a minimum of fuss.

“My house is a single-storey house, but I now have the design that I wanted,” she said. “Going up and down the stairs in the old place, I thought to myself, ‘I don’t think I can do this any more’.

It’s not like we have a maid to pick up after us all.”

At the time, Ryan was still studying at Swinburne University in the city and Cassandra was at school, so privacy and room to think were utmost in their thoughts. “The beauty of the home is

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“We felt like pioneers at Burnside and feel the same way at Modeina”

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E S TAT E P I O N E E R S

IMAGES (Clockwise from top): The dining room opens to the games room, while the home theatre is Rommel’s pride and joy.

The living room is flooded with light beyond the plantation shutters, and Arlene loves creating pancit in her chic kitchen

that it’s big enough for us and the kids still have enough space to ensure their privacy,” Arlene said. “This way they can stay here as long as they like. But I just wanted to make some changes in the overall design.”

For example, one of the three pillars externally was removed to create a better balance for the facade. And it complements the elegant front garden that Arlene designed, resplendent with timber steps leading to the entry. Visitors to nearby display homes or the land sales centre across the road often pause to admire the facade. “I have seen people gazing at our house. They ask questions about ‘What design it is and who built it?’ I’ve even been asked if they can come inside for a look, but I have to politely say sorry to them,” Rommel said.

The fuss-free backyard integrates a full-width garden bed for the various fruit trees (lemon, pear, lime and cumquat), a barbecue area and a neat patch of artificial lawn. Internally, the living room was converted to a home theatre, in which Rommel enjoys his American movies and the boxing of Manny Pacquiao (in between the pugilist’s commitments as a senator). Arlene said Rommel often remarks that the experience is “better than going to the cinema”.

A fan of clutter-free living, Arlene said her kitchen was ideal for her love of cooking the many varieties of Filipino noodles dish pancit, and Arlene’s secret recipe (chicken, pork and vegetable) spring rolls. The kids share the games room, which can be closed off from the informal kitchen, dining and living domain. As keen Netflix users, Ryan and Cassandra have enjoyed the speed of the internet service. All Modeina residents have access to super-fast Internet, free-to-air TV and phone services without the need for an antenna. “We’re finding the fibre optic to be really fast in our home, so the internet speed is very quick,” Rommel said.

THE position within the estate was another of the major factors in the Rico family’s decisions to build in Modeina. Last time they chose a corner block that became No.8 in the street but this time they selected a 512sq m block at No.5 and built the modified ‘Cosgrove’ design. “Our house location is in the first street when entering Modeina Estate,” Arlene said. “When we moved in, there were only few houses in our street and more lots were still vacant but mostly sold.

“What really appealed to us was that Modeina is a new area, but it’s also the last remaining vacant land in Burnside. Over the years we have seen a lot of changes in Burnside, such as the growing populations, and new roads, such as the Deer Park bypass. It has been interesting to watch as more areas were developed and new establishments were built.

“When we settled in to our new house, we only had a few neighbours. A display home is being built next door. Connections were in place and some roads were still incomplete. So far the estate and its marketing has more than lived up to our expectations.”

She said the location had been perfect for work and education.

“My advice to those considering building is to find the house and the area that would offer or suit you and your family’s changing needs. We are close to the city and it’s easy for us to access Ballarat Rd and the freeway,” she said.

Arlene travels only 10 minutes by car to her job at Sunshine Hospital, Rommel to Laverton, Ryan to the city for work, and Cassandra for school. The bus travels to Sunshine station, while the family is spoiled for choice in terms of shopping, with Watergardens (including cinemas), Watervale and Burnside Hub shops nearby.

Sporting facilities are at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve and Brookside Recreation Reserve, with other outlets at Caroline Springs and Cairnlea. Sunshine Golf Course is also within a short drive.

There’s also Victoria University close at hand and various schools, such as Copperfield College and Brookside P-9 College.

There’s a church is at the end of the street, while Kororoit Creek parkland provides plenty of space in which to roam. The Burnside Children’s and Community Centre has also opened recently.

The Melton Council-developed centre includes a kindergarten, occasional care, maternal and child health, parenting groups, early childhood intervention services and playgroups.

“We felt like pioneers at Burnside and feel the same way at Modeina since we moved in, in June last year,” Arlene said. “(But having compared the two) we’re so much better off here.

“Thinking back about all the things we didn’t like at the old place, we are so much happier now as we’ve put our own touches on the home. At the time we didn’t want the stress when building, but we’re happy we have done it the way we have. We are really enjoying living here. It’s quite peaceful and also at night, the area is well lit.

“With our first home (20 years ago) I was so scared that we put security on every window so you would set off the alarm if you tried to enter. Now we’re enjoying it while we can, before all the neighbours move in.”

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 15

OBJECTS OF DESIRE Appliances and products that operate cleanly and greenly are a boon for the environment and the bottom line.

A swish dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, air ventilator, thermal insulation and LED lighting mean energy efficiency and ease of use and re-use are guilt free and cost next to nothing. Reducing greenhouse-gas emissions is the ultimate reward.

These smart products not only look the goods, but put your hip pocket to the test.

Lean & green Green is the new black.

By Nicole Bittar

1. FOS Modo wall light RRP: $139 Stockist: golights.com.au; phone 1300 798 220 2. ‘I Do ...’ large wall sconce RRP: Starting from $374 Stockist: ismobjects.com.au; phone 1300 888 646

8

3. Wink table lamp RRP: Starting from $257 Stockist: ismobjects.com.au; phone1300 888 646 4. Prestige W1 & T1 Prestige W1 washing machine (Miele WMV 960 WPS; five-star energy rating).

RRP: $4499 Stockist: miele.com.au; phone 1300 464 353 5. Prestige T1 tumble dryer (Miele TMV 840 WP; six-star energy rating). RRP: $4499 Stockist: miele.com.au; phone 1300 464 353

6. Miele G 6995 SCVi XXL K20 fully integrated dishwasher, 3.5-star energy rating.

RRP: $4299 Stockist: miele.com.au; phone 1300 464 353

9

7. Earthwool R5.0 high-thermal ceiling insulation.

RRP: on application Stockist: bunnings.com.au 8. IXL Eco Triumph 3-in-1 Tastic RRP: $239.99 Stockist: ixlappliances.com.au; phone 1300 727 421 9. DOM LED downlight.

RRP: from $25 Stockist: golights.com.au; phone 1300 798 220

7

HOME LOAN SPECIALISTS HOME LOAN SPECIALISTS

ALL ENQUIRIES GO INTO COMPETITION DRAW TO WIN FLIGHTS TO NEW YORK ALL ENQUIRIES GO INTO COMPETITION DRAW TO WIN FLIGHTS TO NEW ALL ENQUIRIES GO INTO COMPETITION DRAW TO WIN FLIGHTS TO NEW YORK YORK

LEGACY MELBOURNE, LEGACY BENDIGO, LEUKAEMIA FOUNDATION OF VICTORIA, CHANCES FOR CHILDREN, MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION, FRIEDREICH ATAXIA RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, HEART KIDS BENDIGO, GOULBURN VALLEY COMMUNITY CARE (SHEPPARTON), THE CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTRE, MERCY HOSPITAL (ALBURY), CHILDREN FIRST FOUNDATION (KILMORE), BALLAN HOSPITAL, MANOR LAKES ESTATE COMMUNITY FUND, DOXA YOUTH FOUNDATION, WYNDHAM VALE FIRE BRIGADE ST VINNIES CEO SLEEP OUT, WHITELION, LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION, AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA, LOUD SHIRT DAY, SMITH FAMILY CHRISTMAS APPEAL, ALTONA HOCKEY CLUB, GEELONG SOCCER CLUB, DRUM THEATRE, UDIA OUTLOOK, FATHER BOB FOUNDATION, URBANDURA, WANDIN FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB, TRARALGON FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB, KIDS UNDER COVER, WINGS FOR LIFE, CHAIN REACTION, DRY JULY, RUN MELBOURNE, RED CROSS BLOOD BANK, THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASES, VICTORIAN HOMELESS Building firms aren’t just here to create FOUNDATION, BEYONDBLUE, CLYDE CARDINIA FIRE BRIGADE, your dream home. ROSS McGRAVIE MERCY PUBLIC HOSPITAL WERRIBEE, PARK PRIMARY discovers their commitmentBRANDON to charity goes LIFE beyond the call of dutyCLUB, REFLECTIONS SCHOOL, ALTONA often SURF SAVING ACADEMY OF DANCE, WYNDHAM CITY SHARKS SWIMMING CLUB, IRAMOO COMMUNITY CENTRE, NEW HOPE FOUNDATION, WYNDHAM LITTLE BUDDIES TOY LIBRARY, GRASSHOPPERS PLAYGROUP, KIDS UNDER COVER, ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL, CEREBRAL PALSY ALLIANCE, NEW YORK RUN FOR KIDS, U14 AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS, MOVEMBER, CAMP QUALITY, OXFAM AUSTRALIA’S NEPAL EARTHQUAKE EMERGENCY APPEAL, OXFAM AUSTRALIA’S TRAILWALKER, MERCY SHIPS, CANCER COUNCIL

Building

hope

COVER years - funding and building studios that would not have been delivered any other way. Besides providing office furniture and funding the building of two studios each year, each Porter Davis volunteer is also paid to assist KUC. “Porter Davis has created opportunities for all its team to be involved, and has reached out to the wider community to raise funds and raise awareness of the cause,” the firm’s People, Culture and Change head, Krista Hunt, said. “Many staff have been contributing small regular donations via workplace giving. This is where small payments are made each pay period. In addition, they have organised sausage sizzles, raffles and other fundraising events.”

A corporate golf day aids the contribution and the builder sponsors the KUC team’s running tops for Run Melbourne.

B

RITTNIE was living with her aunt, nan and brother in a crowded two-bedroom house, having previously endured an unstable and unhealthy home environment due to circumstances beyond her control. Three of them shared a bedroom and “relationships were really tense”, Brittnie explained, and it was exacerbated by strained finances.

And as chief caregiver to her brother Jesse, who has cerebral palsy and developmental delay, Brittnie was at breaking point as she contemplated whether she could continue studying.

“The future was a bit bleak. I didn’t know what I was going to do. We couldn’t afford a lot of stuff and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to pursue studies. It was really hard,” she said.

Thankfully, Kids Under Cover (KUC) came to her aid by installing a studio in the backyard.

“I could be who I wanted to be, in my own space, and study in my own room,” Brittnie said.

The freedom of the studio enabled her to finish her schooling and – with the assistance of a KUC scholarship – go on to complete her Diploma of Nursing at the Australian Catholic University.

KUC’s Kerry Butcher said Brittnie’s determination to succeed was one of the charity’s many success stories. It supports vulnerable young people between the ages of 12 and 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They do so by providing at-risk families with a one- or two-bedroom studio (with bathroom) in the backyard of homes to keep young people connected to a healthy home environment.

“Each studio provides a stable space for a young person to grow and study, while keeping them connected to their family and reducing the risk of them being forced to leave home prematurely,” Butcher said.

The demountable studios are made from an environmentally-friendly straw product, Durra Panel. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, they take about 10 days to be erected and fully fitted, and can be flat-packed for relocation for up to four occasions.

Given that housing is one of the declared fundamental human rights, it makes sense then that a builder plays their part. As a platinum partner of KUC, Porter Davis commits to fund and build two studios a year, which equates to a financial commitment of more than $75,000 a year for the past three

THE best part about Brittnie’s tale is that it is only one example of the generosity of our builders and developers.

Their contributions to the community cover the entire spectrum – from junior sports clubs and schools to health providers and workplaces.

On a global scale, Australians are not renowned for their generosity – but we are getting better. While direct comparisons are difficult to make due to differing measurements (amounts per taxpayer, per head or per household), estimates indicate that Australians give slightly less than the United Kingdom and Canada, and significantly less than the United States.

A study prepared by Queensland University of Technology found the total amount donated and claimed as tax-deductible donations in the 2012-13 financial year was $2.29 billion.

The research by Professor Myles McGregor-Lowndes and Marie Crittall found the average tax-deductible donation claimed by the taxpayers was $504.02 – an amount that had trebled in a decade.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data from the same year showed donations, bequests and legacies from households amounted to about $4 billion, with business donations totalling more than $850 million.

The 2014 Australian Charities Report outlined that charities had a total income of $108 billion, of which donations and bequests comprised $6.8 billion.

But there is always room for improvement.

For more details: kuc.org.au URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 19

COVER

WHEN it comes to charitable causes, the annual Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal is perhaps the bestknown charity enterprise associated with builders. The concept is simple: Villawood donates a prime block of land at one of its communities and Henley Homes builds a luxurious home from its premium range. Hundreds of tradespeople and suppliers donate their time and equipment to build the home, and an auction is held, with all proceeds being returned to the hospital.

The auction has raised more than $13.25 million over its 24 years. The most recent venture was at the Trillium community at Mickleham, where the ‘Emperor Belle’ Q1 home sold for $663,000.

But it’s not the only instance. Orbit Homes and Brown Property Group have recently joined forces with Carlton Football Club at Highgrove in

Melbourne’s southeast in a collaboration that is part club and part community projects fundraiser.

Geelong Homes and more than 70 of its suppliers also contributed to the River’s Gift charity home.

The $130,000 profit from the February sale of the Ocean Grove residence will be used to fund research into finding a cure for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Similarly, Porter Davis’s community spirit came to the fore in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires, re-building a house to repair some of the psychological damage inflicted in the natural disasters.

Dennis Family Homes has also engendered good will in many charity home projects, with hundreds of thousands of dollars raised in support of various not-for-profit organisations in Melbourne, regional Victoria and southern New South Wales.

HAMMER TIME

Health benefits ONE in four people employed in the residential construction industry suffers from depression, anxiety and/ or substance abuse, so the Housing Industry Association Charitable Foundation has thrown its support behind mental health initiatives.

“We want to ensure that within our industry, help is available to those who need it. Construction workers are more than twice as likely to take their own life as employees in other industries, which suggest that they may not be getting the support they need,” co-ordinator Lisa Grisby said. “The foundation is working with beyondblue for the next three years, as we make mental health our priority. Together we are developing programs specific to our industry and raise awareness within the workplace and peers.”

The foundation has been operational since 2012, and until recently also funded research into asbestos-related diseases “as many of our members have been exposed either personally or in the wider community of working with asbestos and the severe side effects”, Grisby said.

HIA Victoria also has a long-standing relationship with the Victorian Homeless Foundation and provides administrative support and assistance with sourcing products for projects.

Last year, the HIA Charitable Foundation donated $20,000 for the completion of a Victorian Homeless Foundation project.

The Simonds Group has also been happy to create a healthier solution for all at Cabrini Health.

“When their lives were touched by cancer, the Simonds family were moved by the care and support they received from Cabrini Health. Through this experience they learned the significant impact that Cabrini has on thousands of patients and their families every year,” national marketing co-ordinator Nick Forrest said.

“Simonds’ commitment of $300,000 over three years to the Cabrini Foundation has supported the development of an acute clinical services facility to ensure it continues to provide leading-edge healthcare and medical support to those in need.”

COVER

Community building PART and parcel of a creating a successful estate is generating a sense of community, and developers and builders agree. And they are prepared to put their money where their mouth is.

The Dennis Family has long been an advocate for giving back to its communities – to the extent that when founder Bert Dennis was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2005, it recognised his involvement with a number of charities.

“The Dennis Family believes in giving back to the local communities in which their home building (Dennis Family Homes) and residential land development (Dennis Family Corporation) businesses operate,” a company statement outlined. “Bert has built a business that has found many ways to lend a helping hand to deserving beneficiaries.”

Annual community funds established at several of its residential developments around Melbourne have also been popular with local groups, distributing more than $500,000 in grants. Rewarding initiative, the funds provide an allocation of financial grants to not-for-profit groups in and around fledgling communities. The funding is provided by the Dennis Family Corporation setting aside a percentage of land sales revenue from every block sold each financial year for the duration of the project.

The Manor Lakes fund is in full swing, while funds were created for Burnside, Rose Grange at Tarneit and The Hunt Club at Cranbourne East but have since closed following the completion of land sales. It’s a familiar story. Wyndham Vale’s Jubilee Estate has followed suit on a smaller scale, with an annual community grants program that provides organisations with the chance to benefit from one of five $1000 grants. In 2014, Carlisle Homes launched its program to support grassroots initiatives.

“We know we build great houses. Now we want to help build great communities – and community grants give us an opportunity to give back to the new and developing

areas where our customers are establishing their new lives,” Carlisle Homes director John Doulgeridis said.

Brownlow Medal winner Shane Crawford is the public face of the program, which grants up to $50,000 a quarter to worthy community and sporting projects. Eligibility is simple. Applicants must be a not-for-profit community group or sporting club, the project must be tangible and it must be within the Carlisle Homes building zone. All applications are judged on merit, with some key criteria. For example, the level of benefit the project will have on the local community, its originality, its ability to be completed within a year, and whether or not the budget is realistic.

Co-ordinator Sarah O’Dwyer said Carlisle had contributed more than $360,000 to 40 worthy community projects across Melbourne and Geelong. These include: $12,000 to the Clyde Cardinia Fire Brigade for an automated fire door and storage; $21,500 to the Mercy Public Hospital at Werribee for the kids’ waiting room; $17,773 to Brandon Park Primary School for a community fitness circuit; $7755 to Altona Surf Life Saving Club to expand its nippers and youth surf program; and $20,000 to Reflections Academy of Dance for special-needs dance classes.

South Morang-based builder Bentley Homes also does what it can to give back to those less fortunate. Among the beneficiaries over the past 12 months are the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Australian Junior Basketball Championships, Movember, Camp Quality, beyond blue, Oxfam Australia, Mercy Ships and Cancer Council. In the next 12 months it intends to become more involved with the Diwali Festival of Lights in October.

The spirit is best summarised by Eight Homes’ marketing manager Laura Causon, who said the firm’s vision was ‘building better lives’ – “not just for our clients who we are building homes for, but also those in the community by giving back”.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 21

Sporting chance SPORT is an avenue that many builders favour, and for good reason.

‘Healthy mind, healthy body’ is one saying that has instant recognition, while Nelson Mandela’s words – “Sport speaks to people in a language they can understand” – speak volumes about its ability to transcend cultural and financial barriers to increase inclusion and myriad other social benefits.

Pedalling their support for the Father Bob Foundation, various staff from Urbanedge and Eight Homes have participated in two Urbandura charity rides. Their not-inconsiderable efforts of riding 450km from Omeo to Melbourne in 2015 helped raise an impressive $32,793, which has been directed into feeding the homeless through the Father Bob Hope Mobile and other meaningful initiatives. It complemented the $27,000 raised from the first ride in 2013.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of sporting clubs have received sponsorships in a notable sign of the value of sport in communities.

And when golf days can tee up thousands of dollars within a day, the ‘work, rest and play’ attitude delivers winning results.

22 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

COVER

WORK IN PROGRESS EQUIPPING the next generation with the tools to succeed, building firms are also passing on their expertise for longterm benefits. For example, the Dennis Family Corporation has assisted several students from socially and financially disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their studies at university through the DOXA Youth Foundation. Founder Bert Dennis has acted as a mentor to the DOXA Cadet students and the corporation has provided students with eight weeks of work experience each year. Where possible, they have been offered full-time employment at the completion of their studies.

Similarly, the building and trade program run by SEDA, Simonds and Builders Academy completed a weeklong construction project for Melbourne City Mission late last year. Working in two teams, the students designed and built a new courtyard for the Lion Garden, which provides supported housing for young people and helps them move from dependence to independence.

Ben from SEDA said the project delivered a practical experience to complement students’ learning about youth homelessness and disadvantage: “It’s great for the students to learn in the classroom and then have that lead into projects. They’re applying their skills, and they’re developing their community conscience.”

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 23

COVER EIGHT Homes chief executive Steve Maher is passionate about giving back and has led by example, participating in his fifth Vinnies’ CEO Sleepout recently.

As the campaign outlines, “over 1400 CEOs experience for one night what over 105,000 people experience every night”. The firm’s chief sales and marketing officer Russell Stevenson has also braved the cold for the past two years – as have other leading players from other building firms, including Porter Davis and Simonds’ acting chief Andrew Shea.

Maher is also an ambassador and on the board at Whitelion, which is a not-for-profit charity that provides mentoring and support for youths who are disadvantaged and are at risk of homelessness or come from abusive families. Since 2014 all staff have taken part in two 18km charity walks, with the aim of raising $100 each through the power of 10 (10 donations of $10). As a result, more than $79,000 has been directed into initiatives, such as the Learning Care and Youth Justice Mentoring programs and help vulnerable youth to make positive lifestyle choices.

They’ve even gone to jail for the privilege of helping others, being locked up for a night at the Old Melbourne Gaol as part of the Bailout event to “step into the shoes of youth who have been faced with abuse, neglect, drug and alcohol addiction and poverty”.

LOCKING IN LEADERSHIP

Staff-initiated ventures IN house, Burbank staff sell entertainment books to raise money for the Lighthouse Foundation, and also include them in settlement gift packs. Throw in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Loud Shirt Day, Smith Family Christmas Appeal, sponsoring industry events such as UDIA Outlook, and donating chopper vouchers from Burbank’s aviation department to trivia nights and various fundraisers, and the bigger picture is plain to see. Burbank this year will ask its staff to pay $20 a head for its Christmas party, with

24 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

proceeds donated to charity, while the most recent initiatives at Porter Davis staff include Wings for Life, Chain Reaction, Dry July, Run Melbourne and bi-annual Red Cross blood bank donations.

As we can see, there’s no end to the spirit of giving. So when you next pass a new housing estate and see the completed bricks and mortar as it starts to take shape, you’ll know there’s a very good chance that community has been built on the best possible foundations.

COVER

“We know we build great houses. Now we want to help build great communities – and community grants gives us a real opportunity to give back” Carlisle Homes director John Doulgeridis

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 25

RECIPE

Crackling wrapped rolled loin of pork Adrian Richardson from La Luna Bistro lalunabistro.com.au

ingredientS 2.5kg pork loin 2 tablespoons salt 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced ¼ cup fresh thyme leaves ¼ cup fresh sage leaves ½ cup parsley leaves ½ cup olive oil

1

Open the pork loin and lay it, skin-side down, on your work surface. Rub in a tablespoon of salt and the pepper then scatter the garlic and fresh herbs. Roll the loin up into a long log shape and tie securely with butcher’s string at 5cm intervals.

You can prepare the pork to this stage up to two days in advance. The herbs and seasoning will permeate the flesh and add extra flavour.

2

When ready to cook, pre-heat the oven to 220C and place the pork on a rack inside a large roasting tin. Rub all over with oil and season with the rest of the salt. Roast for 20 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 175C and roast for 1 hour.

The pork is cooked when the internal core temperature reaches 72C.

3 26 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Transfer the cooked pork to a hot dish and leave it to rest for 30 minutes in a warm spot.

Remove the string and carve into slices, each with a crisp layer of crackling.

This is a great dish for serving lots of people. Because the bone is removed and the loin rolled, it slices easily and economically.

The pork stays moist, and everyone gets the same amount of crackling. It is also a really easy dish to reheat, and will taste just as good.

Ask your butcher to bone the loin and keep enough of the belly flap to wrap around the meat to make a roll.

Serve with slow-braised cabbage.

Homes for everyone

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR BUDGET OR LIFESTYLE, YOU’LL BE SPOILT FOR CHOICE WITH BURBANK Led by father and son team Eddie and Jarrod Sanfilippo, Burbank has been making great Australian dreams come true for over 30 years.

Starting out as a small home building company in Melbourne, Burbank is now one of Australia’s most trusted builders, with offices in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and the Australia Capital Territory.

vision “to deliver a wide range of home solutions through exceptional service”, Burbank is more than just a traditional home builder. While it’s true that Burbank is most well known for their stunning range of detached homes, with over 80 displays located in more than 30 estates across Victoria alone, Burbank is making waves in the high and medium density space.

Part of the innovative Burbank Group of Companies, Burbank Homes is getting bigger and better every year. But, for Burbank, it’s not just the number of homes that’s increasing, but also the type of homes. With a company

Partnering with high profile developers such as LendLease and Cedar Woods, Burbank is responding to market demand for low maintenance homes that combine the convenience of city living with fresh, modern floor

plans that don’t cost the earth. Burbank has numerous townhouse and apartment projects across metropolitan Melbourne, including Greentree Signature Townhouses in Williams Landing, MV1 Apartments in Roxburgh Park and the award-winning Mosaic apartment complex in Dandenong, which took out the coveted UDIA award for excellence in the ‘Urban Renewal’ category in 2015.

The great news for homebuyers is there’s plenty more projects in the making, across both the Melbourne metropolitan area and regional Victoria, with Burbank townhouses set to launch

Mosaic Apartments, Dandenong

Greentree Townhouses, Williams Landing

You won’t believe it’s Burbank

COLOURS AND CUPBOARDS AND CARPETS, OH MY!

• Mosaic apartments in Dandenong • Greentree Signature Townhouses in Williams Landing • Forte Townhouses in Dandenong • MV1 apartments and townhouses in Roxburgh Park • Parkway Townhouses in Tarneit • Denton Mills apartments in Abbotsford

all the way from Torquay to Clyde.

So, whether you’re a first homebuyer or investor looking to get your foot in the door of the property market, a growing family seeking a home with stacks of space, or a second or third homebuyer with plans to build your ultimate dream home, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Burbank.

For more information, visit burbank.com.au.

How to make the most of your Edge Selection Studio experience The team at Burbank pride themselves on offering a unique and completely integrated customer experience, so it’s no surprise that this streamlined service extends to interior and electrical design. With their very own Edge Selection Studio in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Burbank offers a specialist interior design service aimed at helping customers personalise their home, inside and out. Burbank’s Edge Selection Studio manager, Sharon Parker, shares some insights on what to expect from the team at the Edge.

What services does the Edge offer?

The Edge offers a complete interior and electrical design service, with expert designers on hand to guide customers through selections for their new home. The studio is stocked with everything needed to tailor a personalised design outcome - from floor coverings, lighting, appliances, bricks, paint and more. The Edge is open to the public every weekend from 10am to 4pm. So, whether you’re in the process of building with Burbank, or you just want to have a look at what’s out there, we welcome everyone.

What tips can you give for people to get the most out of their Edge selection experience?

One great way to prepare is to create a mood board, including images of colour palettes, products and styles you love. Whether it’s on a digital platform like Pinterest or Houzz, or simply cutting out images from magazines, this really helps us understand the look and feel you’re aiming for. Don’t forget to revisit your favourite Burbank display home and make a note of any special features. If you already have furniture for your new home, it’s also a good idea to bring in

pictures. Also, know your budget, bring a pen and leave the little ones with a family member or friend so you can concentrate 100% on your selections.

What are the most important things to consider when choosing the following items?

Tapware – Strike the right balance between style and functionality. Consider things like ease of use and safety, especially for children, and the purpose of the tap.

Floor coverings – When it comes to floor coverings, think about maintenance. Large, white floor tiles might look luxe, but they do require more cleaning than floor boards or darker coloured tiles.

Benchtops – This is your chance to make a real impact. Benchtops are a permanent feature and island benches often become the hero of a room.

A great looking benchtop will not only enhance the overall look and feel of your home, it will become the most used part of your home and is always worth the investment.

Doors – Most people are surprised by the range of doors on offer. Consider whether you prefer a stained or painted finish, then think about features such as glazing options and panels or trims.

Handles – Touch the handles and see how they feel in your hands. Are they comfortable and functional for the room? Do you prefer the clean look of no handles on your overhead cupboards?

Colours – The most important thing that brings a scheme together is colour. We are moving away from all white interiors, instead layering different shades of one colour for a great new look. Have a think about whether you prefer a warm or cool palette, and whether you like a natural look or something more modern and bold. These are great starting points for your interior designer to work with.

N Sunbury

Melton

Wollert

Rockbank

Tarneit Upper Point Cook Mosaic Apartments Dandenong

Cranbourne North

Displays now open in the South East: BERWICK WATERS ESTATE 30 Flowerbloom Crescent, Clyde North TULLIALLAN ESTATE 5 Lucinda Lane, Cranbourne North LIVINGSTON ESTATE 23 Bathgate Crescent, Cranbourne East CLARINDA PARK ESTATE 3 Erindale Street, Cranbourne West SOMERFIELD ESTATE 3 Olivetree Drive, Keysborough TIMBERTOP ESTATE 20 Hardwick Place, Officer HARCREST ESTATE 2B Appledale Way, Wantirna South MOSAIC APARTMENTS 70 Cheltenham Road, Dandenong OPENING SOON: CLYDEVALE ESTATE 6 Murphy Street, Clyde North Displays now open in the North: ASTON ESTATE 18 Dashing Road, Craigieburn HIGHLANDS ESTATE 3 Montreal Circuit, Craigieburn PLENTY RIVER ESTATE 1 Mensa Circuit, Doreen ASPECT ESTATE 20 Destination Drive, Greenvale MERNDA VILLAGES ESTATE 18 Stradling Rise, Mernda MERRIFIELD ESTATE 48 Newmarket Parade, Mickleham ROSENTHAL ESTATE 10 Rosenthal Boulevard, Sunbury LYNDARUM ESTATE 24 Bloom Crescent, Wollert Displays now open in the West: WILLANDRA ESTATE 1 Willandra Boulevard, Melton ATHERSTONE ESTATE 10 Ladbroke Street, Melton South THE ADDRESS ESTATE 12 Gramercy Boulevard, Point Cook WOODLEA ESTATE 5 Rush Street, Rockbank ALLURA ESTATE 18 Everholme Drive, Truganina THE HEARTLANDS ESTATE 56 Heartlands Boulevard, Tarneit RIVERWALK ESTATE 3 Charter Road, Werribee HARPLEY ESTATE 5 Billeroy Way, Werribee WILLIAMS LANDING ESTATE 7 Harvey Street, Williams Landing OPENING SOON: UPPER POINT COOK ESTATE 24 Liverpool Street, Point Cook Bellarine display now open: WARRALILY COAST ESTATE 11 Coastside Drive, Armstrong Creek Regional display now open: LUCAS 18 Eleanor Drive, Lucas, Ballarat

call 13 BURBANK visit burbank.com.au

MOVING

tools of the trade Urban Life recommends this tried and tested list of tools for moving and basic DIY jobs q

TORCH

q

SILICON

q

RAGS

q

HAMMER

q

WD-40

q

ROPE

q

BOX CUTTER

q

SCISSORS

q

PICTURE HOOKS

q

STEP LADDER

q

DRILL

q

SPIRIT LEVEL

q

SCREWDRIVERS

q

EXTENSION LEAD

q

PLIERS

q

MEASURING TAPE

q

BUCKETS

q

PAINTBRUSH

q

ALLEN KEYS

q

JAR OF SCREWS/NAILS

q

RADIO/MUSIC

q

ADJUSTABLE SPANNER

q

STUD FINDER

q

PATIENCE

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 33

Metal Bow - lamp designbotschaft.com RRP: $292.75

Living it up!

Handwoven wool throw in-spaces.com RRP: $210.16

Emporium Kyle round table emporiumhome.com.au RRP: $99.95

Sigma 3-seater sofa, slate zanui.com.au RRP: $1339

iCrib tablet bean bag lifeliveitup.com.au RRP: $29.95

Amalfi S/4 Fidelis coasters amalfihomewares.com.au RRP: $14.95 Brunei hammered brown metal coffee table on iron stand artisanti.com RRP: $175.07

Rug Republic, antique blue lattice modern rug zanui.com.au RRP: $79.95

34 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Simply daybed/bench luum.com.au RRP: $1225

Garden Variety cushion in-spaces.com RRP: $148.86 each

Amalfi Miller Sofa amalfihomewares.com.au RRP: $2299.95

PRACTICAL MAGIC Origami lamp en.dawanda.com RRP: $66.25

Copper lamp en.dawanda.com RRP: $133.09

Station - wall clock optocoonline.com RRP: $69.95

Dreamtime cushion drunkonwater.com RRP: $49

The time is meow! downthatlittlelane.com.au RRP: $25

Rugs barefootgypsy.com.au RRP: $265

Tripod theatre lamp bowery.com.au RRP: $205

Luxe 3-seater sofa, grey zanui.com.au RRP: $1399

Monochrome & Gold geometric side tables lisaangel.co.uk RRP: $45.52

Kew throw, navy zanui.com.au RRP: $179.95

Embroidered ottoman - Trikona bambury.com.au RRP: $239.95

If you’d like to feature a product in Practical Magic, email urbanlife@publicitypress.com.au

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A

Storage shouldn’t be the only feature of the butler’s pantry in your home

S the walk-in robe of the modern age, the butler’s pantry has undoubtedly become the must-have feature of kitchens in new homes. But before being locked into someone else’s creation, it can be worth considering how it will best work for you when entertaining or on a day-to-day basis.

Effectively, a butler’s pantry of the 21st century has been designed to remove the mess from the open-plan kitchen. In other words, it’s the prep kitchen with ovens, fridges and the bonus of a walk-in pantry. But it wasn’t always that way.

The word ‘pantry’ derives from the old French term ‘paneterie’, that is from pain, the French form of the Latin panis, meaning ‘bread’. The butler’s pantry in the Victorian era was primarily used for cleaning, counting and storage of silver. Butlers often slept in the pantry as they were required to keep the silver secure at all times. And since the scullery was the room with running water, it was where the messiest preparation took place, such as de-boning fish or cutting meat.

The days of having a live-in butler and domestic help may be long gone, but the need to keep things out of sight has not, particularly with the kitchen becoming the central hub of open-plan living areas. But today, the butler’s pantry can have the best of both worlds with sinks and storage space.

TO make your butler’s pantry an extension of your kitchen, Houzz.com.au recommends that you incorporate as much

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bench space as is possible in its design. Provided that a sufficient number of power points are in place, this space of up to 50cm depth – it needn’t be as wide as your kitchen benchtops – can be used for housing small appliances such as microwave ovens, toasters or kettles. Keep them plugged in for ease of use. Or just utilise it for meal preparation. If you choose to integrate a sink, opt for a wide sink that can accommodate pots and pans and oven trays.

Uniformity with your standard kitchen is a must, but that needn’t mean using the same materials. The ultimate goal is to complement the existing decor, so the use of laminated plywood or any other engineered wood is perfectly suitable.

The key element should be strength.

Be sure to utilise any free wall space to increase the pantry’s functionality. It can be used for a chalkboard for items to add to your shopping list, or simply for hooks to house your aprons or oven gloves.

JUST as any decluttering expert will tell you, the bestfunctioning walk-in pantry is one where you can see everything in its place as soon as you walk through the door. Most of the modern butler’s pantries have no door, but feel free to add a door or have a partition wall if you wish to create an illusion of privacy. But make sure that it enhances the design rather than detracting from it, i.e. avoiding any issues with inward-opening doors etc.

THIS PAGE: Carlisle ‘Sanctuary 48’ NEXT PAGE (Clockwise from top): Carlisle ‘Vaucluse 45’; Carlisle ‘Augusta 33’ at Greenvale Gardens; Carlisle ‘Indiana’ at Somerfield; Urbanedge ‘Autern’ and Burbank ‘Aston’

INSIDE

The number one piece of advice is to keep open shelving above bench height and for those shelves to continue all the way to the ceiling. It makes sense to store infrequently used equipment at the top. In addition, make the shelves adjustable so you can vary what can be placed there – from delicate platters and teapots to pull-out baskets. Keep a small stepladder close to the pantry so you can safely access the higher shelves when needed.

Just as it makes sense to place smaller items at the front and larger items at the back, heavy items, such as crockery and tableware, should be stored on wider shelves that are lower down. A common error is to line the pantry with shelves from top to bottom with no break. A small and wider shelf at bench-height will not only fit larger, taller items or appliances, such as mixers, blenders, toasters or even microwaves, but also act as an extra servery when preparing food.

UNDER the benchtop, try plate and pot drawers for easy access. If you’d like a neat finish, enclose your open shelving behind bi-fold or sliding door for a minimalist look. Unless you have a skylight or window to illuminate the butler’s pantry, it’s likely that you’ll need lighting in there.

Try motion-sensor downlights and ensure the light switch is near the entry. Some smart designs in display homes are integrating a garden-view splashback window or server to create natural light.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 39

INSIDE

Splashback windows can cast a butler’s pantry in a new light as Carlisle’s ‘Sorrento’ at Mernda Village (left) and Burbank’s ‘Mica’ (above) show

STORAGE TIPS ASK THE EXPERTS Q. What single feature above all else would you integrate into your butler’s pantry?

A. “Dishwasher. If you’re having a dinner party and you use the butler’s pantry to keep all the dirty dishes hidden, then you’d want the dishwasher in there.”

Danielle Taylor, interior design manager, Carlisle Homes A. “Customers love the addition of an extra single-bowl sink, which can be used as a vegetable preparation or glass washing area. Concealed LED lighting

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under overhead cupboards also adds mood lighting to the butler’s pantry, and we regularly use this feature to enhance this space in display homes.”

Jarrod Sanfilippo, managing director Burbank Homes A. “Today’s kitchens are all about simple, clean lines, so having a butler’s pantry with ample bench space to store small appliances and prep for meals is essential.”

Melissa Lunardon, display interior designer, Urbanedge

PLAN FOR UNIFORMITY Glass jars and canisters not only make it easy to find just what you need, replacing the hodgepodge of packets, boxes and bags looks far more appealing.

USE WIRE RACKS Commercial kitchens use wire storage racks because they’re practical and cost effective.

Replicate the pros.

EASY ACCESS Incorporating the fridge into your pantry area will free up space in the kitchen. Not having a door makes it easier to come and go.

EXPAND YOUR BENCH SPACE If you have a sink, have the cabinetmaker create a sink cover to extend your benchtop.

(Source: houzz.com.au)

Is your landscaper registered?

If your landscape is going to cost more than $5,000 and includes construction works, only a landscaper who is a Registered Building Practitioner is legally covered to do the work and can offer you Domestic Building Insurance for works over $16,000.

By engaging a landscaper with this Registration you are guaranteed that they are experienced, carry all the necessary insurances, and operate professional businesses. They have to be in order to satisfy the strict criteria set down by the government regulatory body, the Victorian Building Authority.

This buys peace of mind that you and your investment are in the right hands because professional landscaping does make life better.

Registered Landscapers are: • recommended by Landscaping Victoria • registered with the Victorian Building Authority • professional with regard to quality outcomes • insured • leaders in the landscape industry.

So before you embark on your next landscape project ask your landscaper – are you registered?

LEGAL

First draft Think again if you believe you can copy a builder’s floorplan without any repercussions

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LEGAL

D

ID you hear the one about the prospective home owner who illegally used another builder’s floorplan to build their home and ended up paying tens of thousands of dollars for the privilege? Or those who made amendments to an existing floorplan only to find that they were equally guilty of infringing copyright?

There’s no shortage of legal cases in Australia and overseas that demonstrate it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to ‘borrowing’ ideas.

In short, drawings, sketches and house plans belong to the builder or architect who created them. They are automatically protected under the Copyright Act of 1968. Even modifying plans by increasing or decreasing the dimensions of rooms, or repositioning doors has been proven in a court of law to be insufficient protection.

As AusDesign.com.au explains, “In the initial stages of compiling their ideas many people ‘do the display home circuit’ to look at differing styles and to pick up on design features that they would like to incorporate in their own home.

They may select pictures from magazines or take ideas from friends who have recently built a new home to assist them in putting together the type of home that they would like to live in. The problem that faces both designers and home owners is the subject of copyright. Many people come to us and say, ‘We really like this design. How much do we need to change it so that we can use it as our own?’ The answer we generally give is – totally.”

Likewise, the issue of ‘ownership’ between designers and their clients is similarly a problematic area.

“If an owner approaches a building designer with a design brief or a verbal description of their ideas and the designer then puts those ideas into plan form, then the designer owns the copyright to that design,” AusDesign.com.au reports. “If an owner provides a detailed sketch and asks the designer to present them in the correct format, i.e. drafting the plans and not designing them, the owner would hold the copyright.

Following on from this, if an owner who had a home ‘designed’ for them, several years later had that design redrawn by another firm to go on another site, they and the new design firm would be in breach of copyright.”

Usually double A3 size, a construction floorplan is very detailed and includes all elements. This is what the builder works from, so check it carefully as the final contract is based on this. It is usually drawn to a 1:1000 scale. One centimetre on the plan represents 1m, or 1mm is equivalent to 10cm.

Putting your grand plan in perspective, a site plan shows the exact position of the house on the block in line with the specifications required by councils or municipalities about how close a residence can be built to boundaries.

Depending on the complexities of the plans, it can be difficult to picture a finished product from a floorplan. So it’s recommended that you visit display homes at every opportunity to better understand room sizes and finishes. Just make sure that the final plan is yours to use.

IN its simplest form, Wikipedia describes a floorplan as a “drawing to scale, showing a view from above, of the relationships between rooms, spaces and other physical features on one level of a structure”. They usually integrate fixtures, such as sinks, dishwashers, ovens and water heaters, and construction notes to specify finishes, construction methods and symbols for electrical items.

Roman architect Vitrovius has claimed the first form of architecture. But Philip Tabor, in “Striking Home” credits the birth of modern residential architecture to 17th century Dutch houses when the trading nation amassed “unprecedented and unrivalled accumulation of capital” and “emptied their purses into domestic space”.

6. DOORS The door widths and the direction in which they open are noted.

IN architectural terms, there are three types of house plans.

Normally found on glossy brochures, a floorplan sketch shows the basic layout and dimensions of a home. It is usually coloured, not drawn to scale, and is often enhanced with tables, chairs, beds and couches to show how it fits in with your lifestyle expectations.

THE FINE DETAILS 1. MEASUREMENTS Four sets of parallel lines outline all measurements within the house (in millimetres). The top lines refer to the largest dimensions, such as exterior walls.

2. ROOF OVERHANG Dotted lines around the outside of the house show how much the roof overhangs the house.

3. ROOF ANGLES Dotted lines across the whole floorplan represent different roof angles.

4. VENEER WALL A diagonally lined border on the outside of the house with a black line underneath denotes a brick-veneer wall.

5. WINDOWS Window dimensions are in metres and expressed as four-digit numbers. The first two digits refer to the height of the window and the second two refer to its width. For example, 36:36 would be 3.6m high and 3.6m wide.

7. OPENINGS Double dotted lines with dimensions indicate an opening.

Like windows, the first dimension is the height. The second is the width.

8. LIGHTS AND SWITCHES Curved dotted lines on the ceiling lights show corresponding wall switches.

9 ABBREVIATIONS Some of the abbreviations used in plans include: WC (water closet or toilet), obsc (obscure glass); dp (shows location of a downpipe); mb (meter box). If there is anything out of the ordinary, it is usually written out in full.

(Source: hickinbotham.com.au)

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 43

udiavic.com.au

VIC

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DE IN L I HO VE R US IN IN G G EX EN CE

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PLANNING

buying off the plan

T

he decision between buying off the plan or purchasing an existing property can be difficult but also exciting for Australian home buyers.

The former presents many benefits – tax, depreciation and capital gain incentives to name a few – but the concept of buying a home that doesn’t exist yet can sometimes be daunting.

Add to the mix a few scare stories of things that can go wrong and it’s likely you may be thinking off the plan is just too risky, but it doesn’t have to be. As with any property purchase, you must ensure you have the information you need to make a smart decision.

4. Understand the contract Off-the-plan property purchases are no different to other property products – they’re a major investment. You need to read the contract carefully and make sure you are completely confident with all the terms and conditions before signing it. Go over the agreement so you clearly understand all parties’ commitments. Always seek professional guidance if there’s something you don’t understand or if anything doesn’t feel right. It is always better to be safe than sorry!

1. Do your research

5. Think long term

The likelihood of making a good property purchase increases tenfold when you’ve done your research. By checking things like median price growth, vacancy rates, demographics, transport links and future infrastructure projects, you can buy into an area that has good prospects for capital growth. It’s also important to research the team that will actually deliver the project; that is the developer, builder, architect and even the sales agent. Check their experience and qualifications to see they have a good track record before signing anything.

Property should not be seen as a short-term investment to be flipped after settlement, which is the case for much of the media-focused perception of resale values. Remember that property is a medium- to long-term investment option and should be treated as such. The market is definitely cyclical, and purchasers and investors can never be guaranteed an increase or a decrease in property value within a defined period of time. The trick is to look at the historical trends of property types and locations. Use this information to make a decision that best suits your own unique situation and that will get you closer to your financial and home ownership goals.

At the end of the day, buying property without doing your homework is a risky move – regardless of whether it’s off the plan or an established house. In either case, if you take some time to do the research, gather relevant information and ensure your expectations correspond with the contract of sale, there is no reason to be scared of the process.

2. Consider future potential Buying a home in a prime location may not be an affordable goal for you right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy in an up-and-coming area. If we take some of Melbourne’s current hot spots; places like Port Melbourne and Brunswick for example; we see that suburbs evolve and turn into prime locations over time. Factors such as proximity to public transport and upcoming infrastructure projects play a big part in determining future liveability and attractiveness of a suburb. You can find this information by staying across urban development industry news and forecasts.

3. Ask for the details You may not be able to physically walk through the home you are purchasing, so make sure you ask all the questions you need to gain a good idea of what you are buying. This does not simply mean viewing the display suite, which should be thought of as a sample only, designed to give you an indication of what the final product will be. Ask how your property will differ from the display home and don’t be afraid to request extra details, such as a schedule of finishes, artist impressions, room dimensions and layout plans.

Danni Addison Victorian CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 45

Urban Life offers readers a unique interactive experience

1 2 3

Simply download the Urban Life Magazine app from the App Store.

Open the app and then hold your phone over the advertisement or editorial page (those marked with the Urban Life app Icon).

The app will then seamlessly deliver you to the digital link behind the page. This may be a competition offer from us; a builder’s website offering a virtual reality display home tour; it may take you to a selection of new home or interior ideas; or you might find rich media offerings, like video related to the page you scan.

The Urban Life app is compaTibLe wiTh aLL android and os devices

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INSIDER What attracted you to the industry (and when)?

I have always been interested in construction and sales; as a young boy I was always building things and then negotiating a sale price with my friends. It was a natural progression into the building industry for me, I am able to utilise my sales knowledge and mix it with my passion for construction; it just felt like a natural fit.

What do you love most about the industry?

I love working in an industry that’s fast-paced and always evolving. I like the challenge of looking for ways to come up with a point of difference for our products and contributing to an improved building process for our clients. I also love the interaction I have with clients when they are purchasing a home. I feel so lucky to be involved in such a big decision. I’m always excited to test the waters and see what works, and this industry gives me the flexibility to do that.

What do you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement (in the industry)?

I’ve had many proud moments throughout my life, both personal and professional,. It’s tricky to narrow it down to just one.

I would say that I am most proud of the amazing team of consultants that I have the privilege of working with.

Together we been able to achieve constant sales growth for Carlisle, whilst maintaining a strong focus on customer service.

What’s the biggest misconception people have when building a home?

I think most people assume that they need to wait until their land is ready or settled before selecting and purchasing their home. This is a common misconception and, in fact, it’s smarter to purchase your home as soon as you are ready.

There are certain benefits from starting this process as early as possible, the most notable being the ability to get into your home sooner, and of course, locking in today’s low prices.

If building tomorrow, what feature would you most like incorporated in your home?

If I was to build a new home tomorrow I would definitely put a lot of effort into creating a beautiful outdoor entertainment area. I really enjoy the company of close friends and family, so having an indoor/outdoor entertainment area that brings everyone together is very important to me. Personally, I would like a fully functional outdoor kitchen so that I can cook gourmet meals for my guests and interact with them at the same time.

What tips would you give for futureproofing a home?

When future-proofing your new home it’s important to consider not just today’s interior design trends, but also preparing for future trends – try to choose something that you will love for a long time, rather than something that’s on trend right now. I would also take into account future electronic use within the home, ensuring that home internet and electronics are set up to cater for future technologies that haven’t even been invented yet. A home is a long-term investment. It’s best to set the foundations and be prepared for the future.

Hans

Oudemans CARLISLE HOMES

Biggest regret?

When I reflect, my biggest regret would be that I didn’t get involved in the building industry sooner. This industry is where I am most passionate and where I can demonstrate my natural sales abilities and strengths. I originally started working in the finance sales industry, but I quickly realised that construction was where I belong.

Best change?

Over the past 16 years, I’ve noticed quite a bit of change within the building industry. One of the best changes I have witnessed is the trend from developers who are beginning to rethink the size and mix of blocks within their estates. Thanks to these changes young people, including my own children, are able to afford their first home.

If you had the power, how would you improve the process of building?

If I had the power, I would increase the use of lightweight materials when building homes and promote less-complicated forms of building. I feel that these improvements would help people move into their dream home sooner.

What should prospective buyers look for when choosing a builder?

With the wide range of choice available in today’s market, it’s essential to do your research and spend some time looking at display homes to be sure you have decided on a builder that meets your needs. It’s important that you are happy with the design, build process, inclusions and build times before engaging anyone.

What do you think building a home will be like in 2030?

I think building homes in the future will involve a greater importance placed on energy efficiency and the use of lightweight materials. With plenty of alternative energy solutions coming to market and an increased awareness of the environmental factors, people are becoming more and more influenced by environmental sustainability. As time goes by, this will begin to influence how we build homes as we respond to our customers’ evolving needs.

General Manager Sales URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 47

INDUSTRY NEWS

HOME OWNERSHIP STATS TREND DOWN

STAMP DUTY IMPOST MOUNTS STAMP duty on home purchases added another 3.6 per cent to the cost of buying a new home in June.

Senior economist Shane Garrett said the typical bill in June for a non-first home buyer was $17,811. This equates to almost four months of after-month income.

“By eroding deposits and making home buyers borrow more, stamp duty is estimated to add $91 a month to household mortgage repayments for a median-priced home,” Garrett said.

Foreign investors in Melbourne are hit hardest, with the purchase of a typical unit incurs almost $65,000 in stamp duty and fees, including the new Foreign Investment Review Board application fee.

NEW-HOME SALES RISE TOTAL new-home sales ended 2015-2016 on a high note, with detached house sales increasing by 2.2 per cent in Victoria in June.

“The overall trend is still one of modest decline for new-home sales, but a bounce of 8.2 per cent in June highlights the resilience of the national sector,” economist Dr Harley Dale said, as part of the HIA New Home Sales Report.

LAND IN DEMAND MELBOURNE remains one of the best-performing markets for residential land sales during the March 2016 quarter.

CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless said moderation in land sales had been evident for some time nationally, but Melbourne sales increased by 5.2 per cent – second only to Perth (22.3 per cent).

“The value of residential land remains at record highs. This is a key source of affordability difficulties confronted by the many Australian families wishing to purchase their first home,” HIA senior economist Shane Garrett said.

The pace of growth in land prices slowed to 1.2 per cent nationally.

The same report found Barwon ($192,000 for a median lot price) was No.8 in the 10 most expensive regional markets. Western Australia’s Kimberley region was the most expensive at $305,000.

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HOME ownership rates among young Victorians continue to fall, with just 29 per cent of those of those aged 25-35 buying a house.

Down from 38 per cent in 2002, the trend outlined in the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) report had negative social and economic consequences, author Professor Roger Wilkins said.

The University of Melbourne survey of 17,000 Australians showed 51.7 per cent of adults were home owners in 2014 (down from 57 per cent in 2002).

“People tend to have much less of a stake in their community if they don’t own the house they live in,” Prof Wilkins said. “People also have much less security in retirement.”

The survey shows that the wealthiest Australians were elderly couples whose net worth had surged 70 per cent since 2002.

Prof Wilkins said this was due to an appreciation in house prices and changes in the superannuation arrangements.

The survey showed Australians pocketed a 21 per cent increase in pay between 2001 and 2014, but families were paying twice as much for childcare and were relying more on grandparents as carers.

Worryingly, Prof Wilkins estimated that less than half of adults would own homes within a few years if the trend continued.

The report’s other findings include: NEARLY 70 per cent of all Australian households received some form of welfare benefits between 2001 and 2014 ALMOST 20 per cent of single-parent families are lacking basic essentials EIGHTY eight per cent of lone parents are women; and A QUARTER of families rely on grandparents for childcare, providing an average of 14 hours of care a week.

The report spans topics including household finances, employment, family life and health.

GET IN SOON FOR A COMMUNITY GRANT THE latest round of Carlisle’s Community Grant applications are due to close on September 30.

Open to community groups and organisations across Melbourne and Geelong, the Carlisle Community Grants program contributes up to $50,000 per quarter to local sporting and community not-for-profit groups. It has already granted $415,000 to 47 organisations.

Entries are reviewed by a panel of judges, which awards the grants. Point Cook Junior Football Club was one of the latest recipients.

The $8349 grant has enabled the Bulldogs to provide its juniors with new playing kits, well ahead of schedule.

The club has expanded over the past decade to more than 500 players from U8s and youth girls to the veterans in Super Rules. Applications can be made online at carlisle.com.au.

HELPING HAND FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS PORTER Davis is doing its bit to encourage first-time buyers with its Advantage Plus range.

Providing $10,000 cash back after settlement to qualified buyers, the properties come with fixed-price site costs, interior designer-selected colour themes and a 20-week build time.

The range includes the Nixon 13, 14, 16 and 17 (from $317,977), the Ottawa 16 and 17 (from $341,393), Barcelona 18 (from $387,039) and Toronto 19 and 20 (from $389,879).

The three-step process includes obtaining finance, choosing a house and land package and selecting your style (Classic, Contemporary, Designer or Resort).

Carlisle has a similar offer with its EasyLiving properties.

Providing clever design for smaller blocks and budgets, Carlisle’s EasyLiving homes range in size from 16 to 31 squares for block widths between 10m and 16m. They come with an 18-week build.

The offers come as the number of first-home buyers continues to be hit by rising property prices, despite record-low interest rates.

The latest housing finance figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found the percentage of owner-occupier loans to first-time buyers in May slid to 13.9 per cent - a 12-year low not seen since April 2004.

INDUSTRY NEWS

TOWNHOUSE, UNIT STARTS TO SLOW THE number of new apartment and townhouse development starts nationally is expected to drop by up to 50 per cent by 2020.

Having come off a record peak, the construction of multi-residential buildings is expected to decline for the first time in four years, economic forecaster BIS Shrapnel said in its Building in Australia 2016-2031 report.

It said a strong pipeline of dwelling completions and slowing population growth was creating oversupply, particularly in developments of four or more storeys. This was coupled with a decline in net overseas migration.

“The record-beating residential building boom will translate into a tsunami of supply coming on stream over the next 12 months and new-home building will soon begin to run out of steam,” BIS Shrapnel associate director Dr Kim Hawtrey (pictured above) said. “Low interest rates have unlocked significant pent-up demand and underpinned the current boom in activity, but with population growth slowing and a strong backlog of dwellings due for completion, new supply will outpace demand. This will see the national deficiency of dwellings gradually eroded and most key markets will begin to display signs of fatigue.”

Low interest rates will continue to support demand, with momentum expected to remain a force across the national market.

Part of the reason multi-residential dwellings are forecast to fall from 107,000 to 53,800 by 2019-20 are that investors, who drove the apartment boom, will no longer fuel the market.

That will be left to upgraders and downsizers to help cushion the decline in activity.

The decline will be led by the high-rise sector (4+ storeys), while medium density (1-3 storeys) and detached house starts will ease more gently. Affordability concerns will inhibit the Sydney and Melbourne markets.

Post-GFC values still rising

Melton West tops as affordable suburb

Investors eye outer suburbs

HOME values in Melbourne have increased 71.8 per cent since the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2008.

Australasian research head Tim Lawless said the CoreLogic Property Pulse report found home values began to rise from December 2008 until October 2010 after aggressive interest rate cuts and a boost to the First Home Owner Grant.

In October 2010, official interest rates were 4.7 per cent but fell to 1.5 per cent in August. From May 2012 to June 2016, combined capital city home values have increased by 37.3 per cent while official interest rates fell by 200 basis points to 1.75 per cent.

Lawless said the capital city housing market could best be described as being “extremely interest rate sensitive”.

“With rental growth and yields at record lows, it will be interesting to see if investors … continue to show a thirst for housing in these cities given the growth phase has now been running for more than four years,” Lawless said.

“Perhaps it’s time for the buyers to look to the outer city or regional markets.”

MELTON WEST was Melbourne’s most affordable suburb for houses in the June quarter with a median price of $331,000.

It was less than half the city’s median price of $725,000.

Real Estate Institute of Victoria figures show Werribee ($355,000) offered excellent value, as did Cranbourne ($380,000), Wyndham Vale ($385,000) and Pakenham ($393,000).

Caroline Springs, Frankston, Craigieburn and Mernda were other suburbs where buyers could enter the market for less than $500,000.

REIV chief executive Geoff White expects the affordable options to continue to decrease as first-home buyers and investors flock to the outer ring.

White said record low interest rates and a strong market was driving price growth in areas further from the city.

“These areas continue to offer value for money with all of the top 10 most affordable suburbs experiencing solid capital growth in the past year,” he said.

He said four of the top 10 affordable suburbs had delivered double-digit growth over the past year.

The EPPING, Hume and Casey regions are “ugly ducklings” with potential to transform into “real estate swans” with excellent price growth, Hotspotting founder Terry Ryder said.

Ryder said Melbourne had experienced a significant decline in home sales activity since the beginning of the year but outerring suburbs offered conditions conducive to further home price growth.

“The sales data suggests the Melbourne market generally peaked in 2015. What life remains ... is primarily in the outer reaches of the metropolitan area. As a consequence, investors need to be increasingly selective about where they buy.”

The report also urged investors to check out the Epping and Hume regions, north of the CBD, and Casey, in the southeast, for their job opportunities, affordable housing and improving infrastructure.

Epping was being helped along by the relocation of Melbourne’s fruit and vegetable markets and Coles Myer’s key distribution facility, and the South Morang train line expansion to Mernda.

Alwood earns green stamp of approval

Wyndham City Council’s Marc Cassanet, EnviroDevelopment chair Lyndsay Neilson, Intrapac Property’s Maxwell Shifman and David Lunardi, EnviroDevelopment board member Lisa Kendal and UDIA’s Ricki Hersburgh.

ALWOOD has become the first project in Werribee to achieve the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s EnviroDevelopment certification.

EnviroDevelopment certification is a scientific-based branding system that allows buyers to identify more environmentally-sustainable developments and lifestyles.

“It recognises projects where developers have pushed their environmental performance well above standard industry requirements.

Alwood is a great example of how this can be done,” EnviroDevelopment chair Lyndsay Neilson said.

Alwood is the first development in Australia to put measures on reducing draughts into its design

guidelines, something more common internationally. Alwood was also commended for having four times the open space that council required.

It focuses on dwellings having a northern rear orientation, which was achieved in more than 80 per cent of homes.

Intrapac’s design guidelines address best-practice sustainability measures, such as orientation of homes and private open space, plant species, solar and hot water, waste management initiatives and passive solar design outcomes.

These elements benefit the home owner through water and power savings, and also achieve wider-reaching environmental benefits.

“We’re thrilled to have achieved five out of six EnviroDevelopment elements, with certifications in the water, materials, waste, energy and ecosystems elements,” Intrapac Property chief operating officer Maxwell Shifman said.

Only 19 EnviroDevelopments have been achieved in Victoria, including Somerfield at Keysborough.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 49

QUAY 2 (G)

LAND ESTATES BURBANK HOMES

DENNIS FAMILY HOMES

(Open seven days, 11am-5pm)

(Open 11am-5pm daily)

Bayview (G) Centennial Blvd, Curlewis. bvbellarine.com.au

Ph: 1800 336 647)

Eliston (S)

Discovery Centre: 20 Pattersons Rd, Clyde. eliston.com.au.

Open 11am-5pm, seven days

Hartleigh (S)

100 Pattersons Rd, Clyde. hartleighclyde.com.au

Park Central (S)

Rix Rd, Officer. parkcentralestate.com.au

Reflections (W)

Cnr Sayers Rd & Derrimut Rd, Tarneit. reflectionsestate.com.au

Wellington Rise (N)

Blackwattle Court, Mernda. wellingtonrise.com.au 50 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Land Estates (Open seven days) Manor Lakes (W) Sales Office: 2 Eppalock Dr, Manor Lakes. manorlakes.com.au.

Open 10am-5pm Ashbury (G) Sales office: 460 Boundary Rd, Armstrong Creek. ashburyestate.com.au.

Open 11am-5pm Westbrook (W) Sales Office: Leakes Rd (near cnr Morris Rd), Truganina. westbrookestate.com.au Open 10am-5pm Modeina Sales Office: 6 Lexington Drive, Burnside www.modeina.com.au By appointment

IF you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying ocean views and finally making the sea change, opportunity is knocking loudly at Quay 2 at Torquay.

Premium ocean-view allotments were released to the public late last month.

Intrapac Property chief operating officer Maxwell Shifman said only two stages comprising 62 allotments had been released since Quay 2 sales opened in late May. Almost 50 per cent have sold.

Ranging in size from 252sq m to 539sq m, the Crestbury precinct is a small part of the 524-block estate.

To be developed across 16 stages, the 524-block estate will also have more than 100 townhouse sites. Quay 2 will be home to about 2000 people once it is completed.

But the foundations of the new community are already set.

Chief financial officer Maxwell Shifman said the development builds on the vision created in the award-winning The Quay, which set the benchmark for coastal living at Torquay.

“Residents of The Quay are our best salespeople as the community and feel of the first phase showcases the second,” Shifman said.

“Quay 2 will go one step further, with design guidelines that bring the quality of homes up to date with the latest design and sustainability trends. Multiple new parks and thoughtful, beautiful urban design and landscaping will complete the picture for the new neighbourhood.”

Shifman said The Quay’s thriving residents group had already started to help welcome prospective neighbours from Quay 2.

“We assist the group to market and host community events, such as the recent “Christmas in July”. A calendar of events has already been planned for the next year,” Shifman said.

Civil works began on the first three stages last month, with titles expected early in 2017. A 20-home display village is also being developed to showcase the estate. It is expected to open late next year.

The beach lifestyle is not the sole attraction. Across the road from the Banyul-Warri Fields and sporting ovals, skate park and playgrounds and amenities, Quay 2 is also only a short walk to the beach and shops.

Website: www.quay2.com.au Block sizes: From 252m2 to 539m2 Price: $179,000 to $380,000 Address: Corner Surf Coast Highway and Merrijig Drive, Torquay Open: 11am-5pm, 7 days per week

ABIWOOD

DACLAND

Cherrington (S) 320 Princes Hwy, Officer. cherringtonliving.com.au

Kingsleigh (W)

Clarinda Park (S) 630 Hall Rd, Cranbourne. clarindapark.com.au Clydevale (S) 660 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd (Cnr Hardys Rd), Clyde North. clydevaleliving.com.au

Gera Waters (Berwick) (S) gerawaters.com.au Silverbark (S) Cnr Wedge & McCormicks Rd, Carrum Downs. silverbark.com.au The Radius (S) 291 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Clyde North. theradius.com.au

46 Alfred Rd, Werribee. kingsleigh.com.au Open daily, 11am-5pm Lochaven (S) 665 Hall Rd, Cranbourne West. lochaven.com.au. Open daily, 11am-5pm Manzeene Village (G) 5 Manzeene Ave, Lara. manzeenevillage.com.au.

Open Sat-Wed, 11am-5pm Rothwell (W) Dohertys Rd, Tarneit. rothwellvillages.com.au Open daily, 11am-5pm Wynbrook Wyndham Vale (W) Cnr Ballan & Hobbs Rd, Wyndham Vale. wynbrook.com.au Open daily, 11am-5pm

DISCOVER THE HERE AND NOW! AT MANOR LAKES

HIGHGROVE ESTATE (S)

Ticking all the boxes for family living, Porter Davis’s Toronto ‘Ferndale’ is perfect for budget buyers.

Characterised by a rear main bedroom that features a walk-in robe and en suite, it has a portico entry, another two bedrooms with built-in robes, front lounge room, family bathroom, laundry, study area and open-plan kitchen, dining and informal living zone. Part of the Advantage Plus range, it is available with a 19-square and 20-square floorplan. Fitted with the World of Style ‘London’ interior pieces, the ‘Ferndale’ is suitable for blocks that are at least 14m wide and 28m deep.

Price: From $389,879 Callow Ave, Clyde North

DISPLAY HOMES

DIRECTORY BENTLEY HOMES (Open weekdays noon-5pm, 11am-5pm weekends) Craigieburn (N) 11-13 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate Mernda (N) 22-26 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Truganina (W) 4-6 Nova Ave, Gateway Estate

BURBANK HOMES (Open seven days, 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 11 Coastside Dr, Warralily Coast Estate 52 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Clyde North (S) 30 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Craigieburn (N) 18 Dashing Rd, Aston Estate 3 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate Cranbourne East (S) 23 Bathgate Cres, Livingstone Estate Cranbourne North (S) 5 Lucinda Lane, Tulliallan Estate Cranbourne West (S) 3 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate Dandenong (S) 70 Cheltenham Rd, Metro Village 3175 Doreen (N) 1 Mensa Circuit, Plenty River Estate Epping North (N) 14 Corbett Ave, Aurora Estate Greenvale (N)

20 Destination Dr, Aspect Estate 46 Flourish Circuit, Greenvale Gardens Keysborough (S) 3 Olivetree Dr, Somerfield Estate Lucas (R) 18 Eleanor Dr, Lucas. Open Mon-Wed 11am-5pm, weekends 11am-5pm Melton (W) 1 Willandra Blvd, Willandra Estate Melton South (W) 10 Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate Mernda (N) 18 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Mickleham (N) 515 Mount Ridley Rd, Trillium Estate Closed Thu-Fri 48 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate Norlane (G) 1a Yooringa Ave, New Norlane.

Closed Thu-Fri Officer (S) 20 Hardwick Pl, Timbertop Estate Point Cook (W) 64 Boardwalk Blvd, Boardwalk Boulevard Estate 12 Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate Rockbank (W) 5 Rush St, Woodlea Estate Sunbury (N) 10 Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate Tarneit (W)

56 Heartlands Blvd, Heartlands Estate Taylors Hill (W) 25 Peppermint Grove, Taylors Hill Estate Truganina (W) 18 Everholme Dr, Allura Estate Wantirna South (S) 2B Appledale Way, Harcrest Estate Werribee (W) 3 Charter Rd, Riverwalk Estate 5 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate Williams Landing (W) 7 Harvey St, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) 24 Bloom Cres. Lyndarum Estate

CARLISLE HOMES (Mon-Fri, noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 3-7 Decourcy Way, Warralily Coast Estate Craigieburn (N) 26-30 Valiant Cres, Aston Estate Clyde North (S) 19-25 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate 9-15 Newbridge Blvd, Highgrove Estate 18-20 Welsh Cres, Clydevale Estate Cranbourne North (S) 4-6 Lucinda Lane, Tulliallan Estate Greenvale (N)

2-4 Petal Close, Greenvale Gardens Estate Keysborough (S) 2-8 Olivetree Gr, Somerfield Estate Mernda (N) 15-17 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Mickleham (N) 52-54 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate.

Open Thu-Fri by appointment only Officer (S) 1-3 Marwood Way, Timbertop Estate Point Cook (W) 345-351 Point Cook Rd, The Address Estate 267-273 Sneydes Rd, Featherbrook Estate Rockbank (W) 6-12 Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate Sunbury (N) 2-4 Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate Truganina (W) 23-25 Bolte Dr, Elements Estate.

Open Thu-Fri by appointment only Werribee (W) 11-13 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate Williams Landing (W) 10-16 Opsum Way, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) 28-30 Timble Court, Eucalypt Estate

103-104 Lampard St, Warralily Coast Estate Craigieburn (N) 7-9 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate Cranbourne East (S) 13 Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate Cranbourne North (S) 268 Alisma Blvd, Tulliallan Estate Cranbourne West (S) 14-16 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate

40 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Craigieburn (N) 6-8 Star Way, Aston Estate Cranbourne (S) 39-41 Bathgate Cres,Livingston Estate Cranbourne North (S) 805D Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Tulliallan Estate Lara (G) 121-123 Flinders Ave, Lara Central Estate

DENNIS FAMILY HOMES (Open 11am-5pm daily. Ph: 1800 336 647) Armstrong Creek (G) Coastside Drive, Warralily Coast Estate.

Native Ave, Armstrong Estate Burnside (W) Lexington Dr, Modeina Estate.

Open Thu & Fri only Clyde North (S) Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate Moxham Dr, Highgrove Estate Craigieburn (N) Dashing Rd, Aston Estate Cranbourne East (S) Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate Cranbourne West (S) Red Maple Dr, Casiana Grove Estate Diggers Rest (N) Sully Court, Bloomdale Estate Greenvale (N) Flourish Circuit, Greenvale Gardens Estate Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Estate Mickleham (N) Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate Mount Duneed (G) Native Ave, Armstrong Estate Ocean Grove (G) Sacramento St, Oakdene Estate Officer (S) Penshurst Cres, Timbertop Estate Rockbank (W) Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate Williams Landing (W) Harvey St, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) Timble Cl, Eucalypt Estate Wyndham Vale (W) Dalrymple Blvd, Manor Lakes Estate

EIGHT HOMES (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G)

UPPER POINT COOK (W) OFFERING functionality and versatility, Burbank’s Auburn 300 will appeal to those considering upsizing.

Designed to please with four second-level bedrooms (main with huge walk-in robe), it also has a study, theatre room rumpus room, kids’ activity room and an al fresco outdoor zone.

Managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo said the intelligent design exemplified easy living.

“The Auburn packs so many features over two storeys. It’s the perfect home for large families,” Sanfilippo said. “Everything is

Melton South (W) Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate Mernda (N) 23 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Rockbank (W) 14 Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate Tarneit (W) 36-38 Bandicoop Loop, Habitat Estate Williams Landing (W) 61-63 Sayers Rd, Williams Landing Estate

JG KING (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm)

Armstrong Creek (G) Lampard St Clyde North (S)

designed to flow seamlessly, from the time you enter the home and pass the powder room to the open-plan kitchen, family and meals area.”

It complements the stylish but affordable Linen 3100. Ideal for first-time buyers, it has been built next to the Auburn 3800.

The Auburn 3800 will be open from September 3. Both are open from 11am-5pm, seven days.

Price: From $287,200 (Linen 3100 from $211,100) Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook

Melton South (W) Cnr Bridge Rd & Astley Dr, Atherstone Estate Mernda (N) Stradling Rise (off Galloway Dr), Mernda Village Mount Duneed (G) 465 Surf Coast Hwy, Armstrong Estate 18-20 Coastside Dr, Warralily Estate Point Cook (W) 333 Point Cook Rd, The Address Estate Rockbank (W) Lot 45-46 Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate Greenfields Blvd, Lomandra Estate Romsey (N) Greenfields Blvd, Lomandra Estate Werribee (W) 150 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate

PORTER DAVIS (Open daily 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) Armstrong Blvd, Armstrong Estate Ballarat (Regional) Eleanor Drive, Lucas Estate Bendigo (Regional) Swanson Blvd (off Strathfieldsaye Rd), Imagine Estate Brighton East (S) 333 South Rd Clyde North (S) Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate Callow Ave, Highgrove Estate Craigieburn (N) Valiant Cres, Aston Estate Cranbourne East (S) Lineham Dr (off South Gippsland Hwy), Mayfield Estate Cranbourne West (S) Red Maple Dr, Casiana Grove Estate.

Open Sat-Thu 11am-5pm Greenvale (N) Destination Drive (off Amira Blvd), Aspect Estate Keysborough (S) Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate Lucas (R) Eleanor Dr, Lucas Melton South (W) Ladbroke St (off Atherstone Blvd), Atherstone Estate Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Officer (S) Grandvue Blvd, Grandvue Estate.

Open Sat-Thu 11am-5pm Point Cook (W) Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate Rockbank (W) Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate Romsey (N) Melbourne-Lancefield Rd, Lomandra Estate Sunbury (N) Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate Traralgon (Regional) Cross’s Road, Stockdale Fields Estate.

Open Sat-Thu 11am-5pm Wantirna South (S) Appledale Way, Harcrest Estate Werribee (W) Charter Rd, Riverwalk Estate Williams Landing (W) Cnr Palmers Rd & Opsum Way, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) Bloom Cres, Lyndarum Estate

URBANEDGE (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 9-11 Decourcy Way, Warralily Estate Cranbourne North (S) 264 Alisma Blvd, Tulliallan Estate Greenvale (N) 21-23 Destination Dr, Aspect Greenvale Estate Keysborough (S) 5 Olivetree Blvd, Somerfield Estate Williams Landing (W) 65-69 Sayers Rd, Williams Landing Estate.

Open seven days URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 53

HOME HOME LOAN SPECIALISTS HOME LOAN LOAN SPECIALISTS SPECIALISTS

LOCATION • LIFESTYLE • COMMUNITY IMAGE: MICHAEL TAYLOR

GEELONG, SURF COAST + BELLARINE

I

F LOCATION, location, location is what buyers want, it’s hard to go past the flourishing Armstrong Creek area.

Not only is it nestled between the city of Geelong and the Surf Coast, it is also well placed to attract people relocating for study and employment opportunities at the nearby Deakin University and the new Epworth Hospital at Waurn Ponds.

And for those making the commute to Mellbourne, the nearby Marshall train station, which has daily services of less than an hour to Southern Cross Station, is only a three-minute drive away.

Just consider exactly what is within a 15-minute drive and the list is impressive: beaches at Torquay and Barwon Heads; Waurn

Ponds shopping centre; Deakin University; Barwon Valley Golf Club; Kardinia Park; Geelong CBD; botanic gardens, Barwon River; Geelong Racecourse, Leisurelink aquatic and recreation centre, Princes Hwy and Corio Bay. Factor in proposed schools, shopping centres and sporting and recreational facilities, and it’s obvious why the area’s estates are attracting scores of families to the family each week.

Little wonder the Armstrong Creek growth area is projected to reach a population of 300,000 by 2031.

There’s no shortage of options for buyers.

Charlemont Rise provides the chance for views of Geelong’s CBD with its elevated blocks.

The adjacent Watermark estate makes the most of its wetlands with walking and bike trails to link with the future Regional Active Open Space on the western boundary and the future Regional Playground to the east. As it proclaims in its brochure, Watermark is “where work and play thrive harmoniously together”.

Dennis Family Corporation’s Ashbury Armstrong Creek will be in a prime position next to the future town centre but with the bonus of its Northern Reserve, sporting precinct, wetlands and walking and cycling tracks.

Horizon Cove is also positioned to please for the $100 million commercial centre at Warralily, which will include a primary school, special school, health and community centre, sports facilities and a Woolworths supermarket.

IMAGE: MICHAEL TAYLOR

4 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

GEELONG, SURF COAST + BELLARINE

G

EELONG is renowned for its sporting prowess, with a quick glance at any of our national teams showing the boast is anything but idle.

Prolific limited-overs cricketer Aaron Finch is just one example, while Australia’s first Tour De France general classification winner Cadel Evans is another of the region’s sporting luminaries. His Great Ocean Road Ride in January is one for cyclists and fans alike.

Perhaps the best-known club in the region is Geelong AFL, which has a rich history as one of the world’s oldest sporting clubs.

The only original VFL team outside of Melbourne, the Cats have a passionate following at Simonds Stadium - particularly after flags in 2007, 2009 and 2011 brought its total to nine.

But almost every sport is represented in the area from basketball and netball to croquet and archery.

The North Geelong Warriors Soccer Club plays in the National Premier League, with former Socceroo Josip Skoko among one of its favourite sons.

In the Sport of Kings, the Geelong Cup is an important leadup race to the race that stops a nation, the Melbourne Cup. It is traditionally run on the Wednesday after the Caulfield Cup and less than a fortnight before the big day at Flemington.

And who could forget the annual Easter surfing ritual held at Bells Beach? The Rip Curl Pro (Bells Beach Surfing Classic) is the world’s longest-running professional surfing contest and enters its 55th anniversary in 2017. Spectating is easy, with the sand dunes creating a natural amphitheatre.

EVENTS Champions League Basketball 3v3 Tournament September 18 Geelong Basketball Netball Centre Corio Little Athletics Come and Try Day September 30 Goldsworthy Reserve AFL Grand Final October 1, 2.30pm MCG Around the Bay October 9 Rippleside Park Geelong Cup October 19 Geelong Racing Club, Breakwater Rd, East Geelong Lara Fun Run October 30 Serendip Sanctuary, Lara United ITF Victorian Taekwondo Championships November 20 Try Boys, Jack Kroger Sports Centre Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic January 1-2

2017 Viper World Championships January 5-15 Royal Geelong Yacht Club Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Ride January 27-29 Festival of Sails January 21-24 Royal Geelong Yacht Club Ironman 70.3 Geelong February 18-19 Geelong Waterfront KFC Twenty 20 International Cricket February 19 Simonds Stadium Rip Curl Pro Bells Bach April 14-16

GEELONG, SURF COAST + BELLARINE

L

IFESTYLE is the mantra of new housing estates, and that’s why few can rival Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula for its variety.

From new house-and-land packages to townhouse developments at a cutting-edge marina and independent living next to a golf course, the area has it all covered.

The semi-rural feel of the sustainable Armstrong Creek communities is a contrast to the high-end marina in Geelong and again to the new homes being built close to Surf Coast beaches.

And it will appeal to people of all ages – singles, families and retirees as they opt to relocate for various reasons.

Those who thrive on cruising around Corio Bay and enjoying the waterfront bars, wineries and eateries will be attracted to the $100 million Balmoral Quay development.

With 400m of absolute water frontage, the 90-townhouse community will enjoy a 180-berth, state-of-the-art marina - in line with efforts to promote Geelong as Victoria’s premier boating destination.

“Our north-facing marinas and the smooth waters of Corio Bay are a magnet for the boating fraternity and have enhanced our reputation as a must-visit destination,” Tourism Greater Geelong executive director Roger Grant said.

“Geelong’s connection to Corio Bay and our beach lifestyle enhances our reputation as a highly desirable place to live, work and visit.”

But it isn’t all about living a life of luxury in the fast lane.

For a more leisurely pace, the Bellarine Lakes Country Club

6 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

at Moolap offers golf lovers and retirees the chance for a peaceful existence in a secure community.

Resplendent with an all-weather bowling green, community centre and refurbished golf course with 3.5km of walking tracks, the country club complex is scheduled to include an indoor heated pool, gymnasium, a solar-heated lap pool, men’s workshop and a golf clubhouse later this year.

When complete, Bellarine Lakes will include 166 two-bedroom villa units and 100 three-bedroom villa units. The villas are available in six floorplans.

Its active community is only 6km from the centre of Geelong, and has easy access to beaches, train stations, medical facilities, Pakington St cafes, and Leopold shops and cafes.

Better still, the resort-style community already has a garden maintenance service, 24-hour medical emergency call system and a courtesy bus for weekly shopping.

And families are spoiled for choices with the various subdivisions in the Lara and Armstrong Creek areas.

Since its launch in June 2010, Warralily estate has attracted a large number of local buyers, but general manager Mark Whinfield said more people were choosing to relocate from Melbourne for value and the sea change.

“When we first launched, purchasers were predominantly from the local area but buyers from outside greater Geelong now represent a third of Warralily sales – a trend we expect to continue,” Whinfield said. “When comparing sales figures from 2015 with the same period three years prior, purchases from outside the area have almost tripled, representing 27 per cent of all sales since January 2015.”

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10 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

GEELONG, SURF COAST + BELLARINE

IMAGES: MICHAEL TAYLOR

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 11

GEELONG, SURF COAST + BELLARINE

C

12 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

“

“

REATING a sense of community is probably the best measure of an estate’s success.

Past tales of isolation are fast being replaced by stories of harmonious neighbourhoods, leaving behind any negative experiences.

Warrailly at Armstrong Creek is one such example of the effort that developers are putting into their planning to ensure its residents feel at home.

Amid a landscape of wide, open spaces and natural beauty, the $1.5 billion estate is only one-third complete but is already making its mark on its 4000 residents. Put in context, this makes the estate larger that its neighbouring township of Barwon Heads.

Construction is well under way on the $100 million first phase of the Warralily Village that will be the heart of the community.

The design of the village, which includes a town square, ‘main street’ style shopping and exciting eat-street concept, will create a community meeting place.

Active residents of all ages will be well catered for with seven football ovals, three soccer ovals, 22 netball courts, nine tennis courts, two bowling greens; a multi-purpose stadium and four pavilions.

But it’s the interaction between the reisdents that will make or break the community and that’s where Warralily is one step ahead.

It has engaged an on-site community development officer to welcome new residents and nurture community groups, gatherings and events, such as playgroup, mothers group, yoga, environmental groups and the Warralily Business Network.

FAST FACTS Officially named Geelong in 1827, with its name derived from the Wathaurong Aboriginal “Jillong” – thought to mean “a place of the sea bird over the white cliffs”. The surrounding land was known as “Corayo”. The bay was later called

IMAGES: MICHAEL TAYLOR

Corio Bay and the township Geelong Proclaimed a city in 1910, the thriving port serviced a major wool hub and became a major manufacturing town. Geelong earned the nickname Pivot City in reference to it being a shipping and rail hub to Melbourne, Ballarat and the Western District The City of Greater Geelong in June 2011 had an estimated resident population of 215,150, according to ABS stats. It had 454 in 1841, 25,017 in 1901, 72,995 in 1954 and 146,349 in 1988. It is estimated to be 355,287 in 2026 It showcases more than 15,000 business enterprises, with a multi-skilled workforce of 100,000 people. Its knowledge-based sector includes health, research, biotechnology, education, tourism and retail Average temperature in summer is 24.9C (max) and 13.5C (min). The winter average is 13.9C (max) and 5.4C (min) Average travel time to Melbourne is one hour by car, train and bus (Source: liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au, intown.com.au)

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 13

THE NEW MINI CONVERTIBLE. HAS ARRIVED AT GEELONG MINI GARAGE. GEELONG MINI GARAGE 212-224 Latrobe Terrace, Geelong. Ph (03) 5221 2111.

A/H: Liana Horton 0412 232 817. geelongminigarage.com.au

LMCT10191

GEELONG, SURF COAST + BELLARINE

P

ROPERTY values in and around Geelong have experienced a healthy rise since 2014.

Based on property evaluations carried out as part of the City of Greater Geelong’s 2016-17 budget, the city used the data to establish rate bills, a Dennis Family Homes blog reported in

June.

Highlighting how property prices have changed over the past two years, the evaluations showed large increases in average house prices in 59 suburbs and towns in the region.

Charlemont ($764,635) was among the top five most-expensive neighbourhoods based on average value. It was well behind Swan Bay ($1.144 million) and Bellarine ($1.081 million).

At the other end of the scale, Norlane (4082 homes, $200,957 average value), Corio (6121 homes, average $220,747) and Whittington (1810 homes, average $231,735) were among the most affordable suburbs.

As for areas with the largest increases in value, Anakie (10.95 per cent), Wallington (10.84 per cent) and Mount Duneed (10.52 per cent) ranked among the top 10 increases. North Shore (17.55 per cent) and Ceres (16.98 per cent) topped the list.

Quoting City of Greater Geelong’s financial services manager Mike Kelly, the post explained that people who own properties where the revaluation succeeded the average movement of five per cent should expect their rates bill to increase.

Those that sit on or below the average shouldn’t expect to pay more.

The total number of houses evaluated across the 59 suburbs and towns was up 2200 (103,000 compared to 100,800 recorded last year).

Average property value and percentage rise from 2014-2016 ANAKIE

$495,606

10.95%

ARMSTRONG CREEK

$429,228

4.05%

BREAMLEA

$641,215

2.83%

CHARLEMONT

$764,635

7.14%

CURLEWIS

$518,711

1.26%

LARA

$387,795

5.80%

LEOPOLD

$372,099

1.51%

LOVELY BANKS

$490,593

9.95%

MARSHALL

$340,373

6.42%

MOOLAP

$458,996

3.77%

MOUNT DUNEED

$621,930

10.52%

WALLINGTON

$790,523 1

0.84%

WAURN PONDS

$480,887

5.58%

GREATER GEELONG

$400,310

5.44%

(Source: Geelong Advertiser)

Nationally, Geelong is among the best regional performers as capital city property markets become too expensive.

CoreLogic’s March quarter Regional Report said dwelling sales increased across Geelong, up 2.0 per cent to 6117, while houses and units across Geelong rose by 5.4 per cent and 2.8 per cent.

“With mortgage rates at their lowest levels in 53 years and tipped to drop even further, we’re likely to see housing purchases popular across larger coastal regional markets throughout 2016,” research analyst Cameron Kusher said.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 15