Morrison Kleeman Autumn 2019 Quarterly News

NEWS AUTUMN 2019

CELEBRATING OVER 28 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE NORTH EASTERN SUBURBS The outlook for buying, selling and investing in 2019

Autumn

Market Report W

WELCOME TO THE AUTUMN EDITION OF THE MORRISON KLEEMAN PROPERTY REPORT.

hile there was a decrease in the local and wider Victorian market during

the December quarter, a decrease consistent with the falling rates of growth since October 2017, there certainly is a silver lining. Not only have many market experts predicted a significant recovery for 2019 – most likely occurring during the middle of the year – it is important to remember that the overall property market cumulatively grew throughout 2018.

“It might take you a bit longer to sell and you might have to put in a bit more effort, but the big picture is showing that house prices have increased slightly in Melbourne over the past 12 months,” said REIV President Robyn Waters.

“The REIV expects Victoria’s property market to remain steady in the first half of 2019 as we await the outcome of the banking Royal Commission and Federal Election, but things should begin to look up again in the second half of the year.”

In fact, although growth expectations have focused on the latter part of 2019, some reported results from December suggest the market is already responding. “There were a few inner suburbs,” said Ms Waters, “that fared

suburbs such as Diamond Creek and

discover that while 40 average days on

well in the last quarter thanks to an

Briar Hill achieved quarterly median

market was reported for Metropolitan

increase in the number and value of

house price growth, some of the

Melbourne during the December

sales from the September quarter. This

surrounding areas reported slight

quarter, the majority of our suburbs

is a good indication that confidence is

decreases. These varying results

were below this benchmark. These

starting to pick up in the prestige areas.”

were echoed in the reported auction

suburbs included Greensborough and

Therefore while significant growth may

clearance rates which both exceeded

Eltham who both reported 30 Days,

be expected to occur later in the year, it

and were consistent with those rates

along with Doreen which reported an

appears there’s already an abundance of

reported throughout Victoria.

impressive 25 average days.

property opportunities to capitalise on

Days on market is another effective

Finally, especially with reference to Ms

now.

method to compare the performance

Waters comments about annual median

Results closer to home were mixed

of our local areas against others across

house price growth, the majority of our

during the December quarter. While

Melbourne. It was therefore pleasing to

local suburbs also grew throughout

2018. This included Eltham, whose

we also feature Boots for All in Briar

$890,000 house median is 3.6 per cent

Hill and Montibello Restaurant in

higher than this time last year, along

the heart of Montmorency. Boots For

with Briar Hill, Doreen and Mernda who

All is a an amazing organisation that

all achieved annual growth in excess of

prospers from the generous support of

5 per cent.

donors and volunteers, while Montibello

In this edition of our magazine we

is a wonderful restaurant space that

feature Funfields, one of our long-term

celebrates authentically Italian ‘Casa

community favourites. I’m sure many of

Linga’ cuisine.

our readers may have grown up visiting this wonderful theme park and will be excited to read about some of their most popular attractions today. Additionally,

Kind Regards, Graham Morrison

Notable Locals PEOPLE AND PLACES OF NOTE IN THE DIAMOND VALLEY

SOURCE REFERENCE: BOOTS FOR ALL

BOOTS FOR ALL

O

ccasionally, it can be incredibly humbling to come across organisations creating a positive impact within the local and wider community. For often it’s not until we discover in person some of the selfless work occurring within these services, that we are reminded of how much can be achieved simply through working together.

Boots For All, a charity in Briar Hill whose focus is on collecting and distributing sporting goods to those in need, is one of these unique organisations. Initially set up in 2006 to help vulnerable community members with access to recycled football boots, thanks to the efforts of CEO Joanne Rockwell, and a significant number of dedicated volunteers and partner groups, Boots For All has expanded exponentially.

From an initial donation of a box of football boots, today the social enterprise has a sports store (called Sport for All) and warehouse with a wide array of equipment catering for the needs of local families, remote communities — in fact, anyone looking to participate in sport.

“Boots For All is a non-profit with a mission to dissolve barriers to sport and social inclusion,” says Joanne. “With the support of thousands of generous supporters, we’ve distributed more than 100,000 sporting goods items to teams in need across Australia. We have

provided more than 65,000 hours of volunteering and training opportunities for young people, and we’ve got many more goals to kick.”

At Boots for All, new and near-new sporting equipment is collected, organised and then distributed to the communities in need – often in widespread remote regions across Australia. Another major aim of the social enterprise sports store is to assist young people in the local community with training and support to overcome barriers to employment.

“Young people who are looking to increase their work skills, confidence and capacity for work, are welcome to register for the Sport for All Leaps & Bounds training program,” says Joanne.

“Participants gain training and practical experience in customer service, visual merchandising and general retail as well as stock management and distribution aspects of warehousing. This program includes an introduction to Salesforce and ecommerce, which are also highly transferable skills.”

As a not-for-profit organisation, Boots For All looks to the generous support of partners — including Westpac, the Commonwealth Bank and Ford Australia — to help fund its programs and meet administrative costs. Several AFL clubs and Melbourne City FC regularly contribute equipment, while Boots For All has also benefited from the efforts of AFL footballers such as Alex Rance, Michael Hurley and Matthew Kreuzer to increase community

SOURCE REFERENCE: BOOTS FOR ALL

awareness about its activities and the importance of recycling boots and other sporting apparel.

Yet none of this would be possible without the generous contributions of the community members themselves.

From those voluntarily donating, cleaning or collecting sporting equipment, to those also making financial donations and purchases through the store, all of this assistance is what sustains the organisation.

In effect, Boots For All prospers through the collective input from the community, and by doing so, is able to successfully help so many in need.

For local sporting clubs, schools and businesses wanting to register as a Collection Partner, you can do so via: https://www.bootsforall.org.au/order-acollection-box And for anyone wanting to register interest in joining the training program or as a volunteer, please contact: info@bootsforall.org.au. https://www.bootsforall.org.au/

SOURCE REFERENCE: BOOTS FOR ALL

SOURCE REFERENCE: MONTIBELLO

MONTIBELLO

T

here is a new restaurant in town, and by the many rave reviews and challenges of securing a table without booking, it is taking Montmorency by storm. Walk into Montibello Pizze and Pasta Bar, with its dazzling shop front, décor and taste of the Mediterranean emerging effortlessly from the kitchen, and you may mistakenly feel like you’ve been transported to Italy. Yet although this elegant dining venue may initially appear unfamiliar in its current surroundings, business owners Alex and Cathy Kamvissis certainly aren’t – they’re also the owners of neighbouring ‘Espresso3094’.

“A lot of our current customers had wanted us to extend outside the cafe day trade hours and they also appeared to be craving something more authentically Italian in Montmorency,” says Cathy.

“Living in the area and based on our family roots – especially the influence of both our mothers who are exceptionally

SOURCE REFERENCE: MONTIBELLO

good cooks – we felt we could create a venue where it’s all about bringing family and food together.”

Family and food are certainly two of the central themes of Montibello, from the business owners through to the many diners congregated in family groups.

The predominantly Sicilian-Italian menu has been largely designed by Cathy and her mother Franca in concert with head chef Fiorenzo. The flavours are seasonal, using great quality produce and source ingredients. The wide variety of delectable pizza and pasta options can be made for sharing or sole-dining, along with an extensive variety of other mains (secondi) and amazing dessert dining selections. Some of these alternatives include the quality fresh seafood, some of which is included within the mouthwatering linguini frutti di mare.

Perhaps part of what makes the food options so appealing, is how the chef has been able to blend these classical Sicilian recipes inspired by Cathy and Franca, with uniquely modern Australian tastes. These food offerings, combined

with the impressively warm and knowledgeable table service that helps you feel like you are ‘at home’ in Nonna’s kitchen, is the essence of ‘Casa Linga’ homestyle Italian cooking. In having the courage to create a space that both surprises and enchants the palette of the diner, Alex and Cathy have created an environment which brings their passion for family dining to life.

“When the opportunity to takeover the site at 61 Were Street, we had to get over our fears and say; ‘It’s now or never,’” says Alex. I’ve since had people come up to me and say ‘Now I can retire in Monty!

I’ve got my café and Italian restaurant.’

“Being husband and wife working together can sometimes be quite challenging, because you need to cutoff at times to retain that balance. But because we are so passionate about food and family. For us there is nothing nicer than turning an opportunity into a gift.

We are able to help make it all about the experience.” https://www.montibello.com.au/

SOURCE REFERENCE: MONTIBELLO

SOURCE REFERENCE: MONTIBELLO

SOURCE REFERENCE: MONTIBELLO

Notable Locals PEOPLE AND PLACES OF NOTE IN THE DIAMOND VALLEY

FUNFIELDS

W

hen searching for a venue to spend a great day in the sun; especially in the warmer months and during the school holiday periods throughout the year, one would be hard-pressed to go past Funfields in Whittlesea.

Possessing an astonishing heated wave pool and 25 quality rides and attractions, all contained within expansive pleasant parkland that provides generous picnic facilities and multiple dining options, Funfields is a celebrated field of fun for the entire family.

“It’s just something that we are really passionate about,” says Liz Verga, Administration Manager and one of the original family owners of Funfields. “Because we strive to make this a place where families can come and make memories, we’ve got people that used to come here as children who are now bringing their own kids!”

Funfields originally started out as an alpine toboggan park in the mid-eighties. Although the park also had a couple of splash-down waterslides at that point, it wasn’t until 1997 that the owners decided to expand and install a mini-golf course and go-cart track. It was this spirit of innovation that led to the impressive development of the park today. And it is also this innovative intention that helps Funfields continue delivering quality rides going forward.

“It just seemed like the more we built the more people came,” says

SOURCE REFERENCE: FUNFIELDS VOODOO

SOURCE REFERENCE: FUNFIELDS GRAVITY WAVE

Liz. “Build it and they will come. We are always evolving because it’s the type of industry where you can’t expect people to keep coming back if it always remains the same.”

Some of the more recent developments have been the provision of three exciting ‘World Record Holding’ Waterslides – The Gravity Wave, Kraken Racer and Typhoon. This combined with the installation of other innovative rides such as the ‘Dragon’s Fury 360 VR’ and ‘Voodoo 360’, have also helped generate a large teenage market following.

“We truly to cater for all different ages, from the little kids to the big kids” says Liz. “We’ve got a really good mix of wet and dry in the rides that we have made.”

So finally, what is the most popular ride? You may just be surprised.

“Believe it or not,” says Liz, “the original toboggan ride is still one of the most popular rides. I don’t think there is a person who comes here who doesn’t go on that.”

Therefore, while much has changed at Funfields over the years, and these changes are likely to continue with even more exciting ride developments going forward, sometimes it is truly the simplest, most original rides that continue to persist well into the future. Essentially, while it is important to keep the younger, little-kids happy, it is just as important to please those not-so-young, ‘bigger-kid’, adults also. http://www.funfields.com.au/

SOURCE REFERENCE: FUNFIELDS BIRDY COVE

SOURCE REFERENCE: FUNFIELDS KRAKEN RACER

SOURCE REFERENCE: FUNFIELDS TOBOGGAN

SOURCE REFERENCE: FUNFIELDS TYPHOON

What’s on in

The North Eastern Suburbs

A selection of the many wonderful events running in the local area over the coming weeks.

ART IN THE PARK

B

ring your kids along to be creative and get their hands dirty at this fun free event. With Plenty Valley Arts on hand to dish out interactive art making workshops with plenty of tips from their master artists, your kids are certain to have an amazing and educational day in the beautiful Plenty Gorge Park.

Adult art opportunities will also be included in the event.

LOCATION HAWKSTOWE PICNIC AREA, PLENTY GORGE PARK, GORDONS ROAD, SOUTH MORANG DATE & TIME 10AM – 2PM SUNDAY, 14TH APRIL

SOURCE REFERENCE: ART IN THE PARK

COST FREE

TWILIGHT SOUNDS

B

Banyule’s favourite music event, Twilight Sounds, has become known as a night of first-class Melbourne music, delicious food and chilled out vibes, all located within the picturesque setting of Sills Bend on the Yarra River.

This year, we are thrilled to present an eclectic line-up guaranteed to get you moving with soul-funk, ol’time country and blistering rock ‘n’ roll!

• Cash Savage and The Last Drinks • Cookin’ On Three Burners with Stella Angelica • Freya Josephine Hollick Enjoy the gig while feasting on delights from the onsite food trucks serving burgers, pizza, ice-cream, and includes vegetarian options or BYO picnic and alcohol is permitted.

This free event also offers creative play for the kids so there’s no better way to see the summer out, in Banyule.

LOCATION SILLS BEND, WARRINGAL PARKLANDS, BEVERLEY ROAD, HEIDELBERG

SOURCE REFERENCE: ART IN THE PARK

DATE & TIME 5.30PM – 11PM SATURDAY, 16 MARCH

OPEN FARM DAY

COST FREE

C

ome along to this free family event for your chance to visit working farms and meet local farmers. This year Open Farm Day is bigger than ever with farms from Nillumbik, Whittlesea and the Kinglake Ranges opening their gates to showcase farming on the fringe. Farm tours, Live demonstrations, Farm animals, Product tastings and more

LOCATION NILLUMBIK, WHITTLESEA AND THE KINGLAKE RANGES

SOURCE REFERENCE: OPEN FARM DAY

DATE & TIME 10AM – 4PM 7TH APRIL

Recent Sales A SELECTION OF OUR SOLD PROPERTIES

47 Old Eltham Road, Lower Plenty - $1,270,000

16a Davey Road, Montmorency - $1,050,000

6 Keith Court, Research - $1,287,500

10 Ellen Court, Greensborough - $890,000

5 Lynwood Crescent, Lower Plenty - $720,000

31 North Oatlands Road, Yarrambat – Undisclosed

31 Jacaranda Drive, Diamond Creek – Undisclosed

15/2 Grand Boulevard, Montmorency - $536,000

55 Cairns Street, Greensborough – $890,000

34 Eliot Avenue, Doreen - $675,000

19 Gridley Street, Mernda - $690,000

6 Gloucester Court, Eltham - $780,000

5 Medbury Ave, Watsonia - $640,000

262 Kangaroo Ground St Andrews Road, Kangaroo Ground - Undisclosed

14 Monomeath Avenue, Diamond Creek - $1,422,599

26 Scenic Crescent, Eltham North - $903,000

Meet Some of Our People Agent Profile

W h a t i s y o u r fa v o u r i t e p l a c e t o g r a b a c o f f e e i n t h e D i a m o n d Va l l e y ?

Peiross Café in Eltham has been a favourite of mine for a number of years and each and every time I walk through the door they really make me feel welcome. A fantastic selection of Italian cakes as well!

How would you describe your dream home?

I see myself on a big property, with nice views overlooking some rolling hills on a few acres – Kangaroo Ground way.

I’d love to have room for a horse or two and a big garage for the toys!

What do you love about real estate?

I love that every day is different, I love dealing with people and getting to know them.

It’s seems everyone has a story to tell and I enjoy listening and learning from people from all different walks of life!

It’s a career that you can never tire of, Morrison Kleeman offer such a terrific working environment so there’s really nothing not to love!

LUCAS PERESSINI

SALES CONSULTANT 0447 997 889 lperessini@morrisonkleeman.com.au

Agent Profile

How would you describe your dream home: My absolute dream home would be a large, entertaining contemporary home with a heated outdoor pool. I love the idea of everyone gathering around the pool on a warm balmy night around the BBQ and chilling out with a glass of wine. I would also love to live close to the water with a view of the ocean and beautiful sunsets. My dream home would consist of plenty of bedrooms (all with ensuites) , guest room for our interstate guests and an oversized living area and dining table where everyone can get together.

What do you love about real estate I have been in the real estate industry for 20 years. What I love about the industry is the excitement of meeting new people and also placing families, couples and singles into a rental property they call home. Although at times, Property Management can be challenging, no day is the same and there is lots of variety. There are generally great people out there who just want to move into a good quality home.

What are your passions outside of work My passion outside of work would be spending valuable time with my family whether it be going to the beach, watching movies at the local cinema, going out for dinner or just relaxing on the couch. However any other spare time is spent doing what I do best – SHOPPING - any and every shopping centre in Melbourne has been visited by me !! Of course after a spot of shopping, there would be a lovely dinner and a glass of wine or two.

SAFINA BUKSH

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER sbuksh@morrisonkleeman.com.au

morrisonkleeman.com.au

Editorial by : Michael Fraser (Writer) Project Manager : Belinda Lafranchi Cover image : Shutterstock Town Square, 20 Commercial Place ELTHAM VIC 3095 Phone 9431 2444 Fax 9431 2650 2/86 Grimshaw Street GREENSBOROUGH VIC 3088 Phone 9435 7666 Fax 9435 7677 3/101 Hazel Glen Drive DOREEN VIC 3754 Phone 9717 8780 Fax 9717 8816

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