DECEMBER 6, 2016 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
Sale record smashed By Alexandra Laskie
From behind the lense: a real beauty
Not-for-profit organisation Baptcare has set a new price record for Melbourne’s west with the purchase of a property in Albion for more than $3 million. The faith-based organisation bought 11-13 King Edward Avenue, a sprawling block of almost 3700 square metres and directly opposite Barclay Reserve, for $3.135 million to build affordable rental housing for people struggling to make ends meet in the western suburbs. A Baptcare spokeswoman said the King Edward Avenue property, which is over two titles, was purchased by Baptcare subsidiary Baptcare Affordable Housing to build private and affordable rental housing, “but no concrete plans have been developed yet”. “Baptcare Affordable Housing purchased the property in Sunshine in line with its vision to become a significant provider of affordable housing that’s well located and well-built for the community,” the spokeswoman said. This arm of Baptcare was established three years ago to provide affordable housing for people and families on low-incomes, the aged and the sick. The sale more than triples the record price ever paid for a residential property in Albion. The suburb broke into the $1 million club in April with the sale of 4 Dubbo Street, a three-bedroom house on 1550 square metres that sold for $1.06 million. The second-highest price paid is $840,000, a record shared by two properties, at 34 Forrest Street and 48 Sydney Street, which sold in March and November this year respectively. The median price for a house in Albion is $594,375, according to CoreLogic RP Data. Selling agent Peter Kay, of Douglas Kay Real Estate, said about six interested parties had offered expressions of interest in the King Edward Avenue sale process. “But the vendor preferred to sell it to Baptcare. It’s amazing to have properties sell in the $3 million mark and impressive that that value is placed on the western suburbs. It’s very positive for the area.”
(Shawn Smits)
Sunshine photographer Lucia Hou is not used to being on the other side of the lens, but she may have to get used to it. Ms Hou recently won the people’s choice award at the Mrs Globe Australia pageant. The Mrs Globe pageant is the largest charity event for the Women In Need (WIN) Foundation, and celebrates its 20th year this year. The pageant is open to women aged 25 and above and, for the past four years, the WIN Foundation has partnered with the Bully Zero Australia Foundation, which is how Ms Hou became involved. “I do photography at all of their (Bully Zero) events, and they asked me to apply for Mrs Globe,” Ms Hou said. “I actually resisted it three times. “I don’t wear make-up 90 per cent of the time, so I’d be the last person to apply for something like this. “But this pageant is more about inner beauty, so I guess it was a better fit.” From 25 contestants, Ms Hou won the Mrs Coral Sea title, as well as the peoples’ choice award, putting her in the limelight for the international title in Hainan, China. “It was a real eye-opener to be on the other side of the camera, and now it’s a real thrill to go to my father’s homeland for the first time for the international competition.” Ms Hou said she is especially proud to represent Australia on her first visit to China. “It’s a beautiful thing for me to represent Australia as a bit of an Asian-Australian fusion at this event,” Ms Hou said. “The best thing about Australia is we’re so multicultural, we’re the most liveable country in the world, with the best cafes and the best people, so I’m quite proud to represent all of that.” The winner of the Mrs Globe international contest will be announced on December 11. Ewen McRae
King Edward Avenue, Albion. (Supplied)
4 HUGE SCREENS
TAYLORS LAKES HOTEL
• UFC • Cricket • Racing • Plus lots more..!
JBJ’s Christmas Special
Showtime Christmas Dinner ELVIS SHOW
All December Traditional 2 course Lunch or Dinner ONLY $25
7 MELTON HIGHWAY
PH: 9217 9500
Tues 20th Dec 6pm ONLY $25 PREPAID Delicious 2 course & Show
www.taylorslakeshotel.com.au
12331930-ACM49-16 10036041-17
For your enjoyment