Issuu

WATERFRONT LUXURY

11 BRINDABELLA POINT

BEACH

BUDGET NOISE, PROPERTY FUNDAMENTALS

Last week’s federal budget delivery has generated more public commentary than any in recent memory, and regardless of where you sit on the political spectrum, the sentiment among property owners and investors is clear: there is growing frustration with policy settings that penalise those who work hard, save and plan for a future that is not dependent on government support.

From a market perspective, we see little immediate change as a result of the budget. Activity remains steady, and buyers are focused and engaged. But the longer-term signals are harder to ignore. Policy settings that discourage property investment will only deepen the rental crisis, which is already particularly affecting low-income workers, students, and some of our most vulnerable communities. In Victoria, existing property taxes and an increasingly complex regulatory environment have already reduced the incentive to invest, and further deterrents will compound a worsening supply problem.

The key takeaway for property owners is this: the family home remains the last true bastion of capital growth in Australian real estate. We expect to see more homeowners treating their principal residence not only as a place to live, but as a long-term investment, and rightly so.

Australia’s population continues to grow, and Victoria is no exception. In the long run, property values will rise because supply simply cannot keep pace with demand. The barriers to new supply are well documented: too many layers of government approval, rising construction costs and an inflationary environment that, paired with interest rates among the highest in the OECD, makes delivering new housing more difficult and more expensive with every passing year.

Despite the noise, the foundations of our market are strong, and the outlook for well-positioned property remains positive. If you are considering selling, buying or simply want a clear view of where your property sits today, we are here to help. ■

By John Bongiorno

TOKYOTINA

LYCHEE SPRITZ

INCONVERSATIONWITH HEATHERLY DESIGN

COMMUNITY

A PLACE AT THE TABLE WITH ALL THINGS EQUAL

PROJECTS

LAUREL

WATERFRONT LUXURY

11 BRINDABELLA POINT SAFETY BEACH

Positioned within an exclusive marina setting, this architecturally striking Safety Beach residence delivers waterfront living on an exceptional scale. Defined by soaring voids, expansive glazing and uninterrupted water outlooks, the home unfolds through a series of substantial living and entertaining zones designed to maximise natural light and connection to the marina beyond.

A statement kitchen with stone finishes, premium Smeg appliances and a butler’s pantry anchors the interiors, flowing seamlessly to open-plan living, a cocktail bar and an alfresco entertaining pavilion with integrated barbecue kitchen.

“It’s not often that we find a property in the marina, with a private 14.8m berth, that not only captures the true essence of waterfront living, but also exudes quality design.”

BRADLEY PEARCE SALES EXECUTIVE, LICENSED ESTATE AGENT

Outdoors, an infinity-edge pool with suspended water seating creates a resort-style focal point overlooking the waterfront. Accommodation includes multiple living areas, a luxurious waterfront main suite and flexible guest spaces.

Complete with secure gated access, a three-car garage and a 14.8m boat berth, this is marina living at its most refined. ■

Lychee Spritz from t okyo

Located on Chapel Street in Windsor, Tokyo Tina is known for its modern take on Japanese dining, blending bold flavours with a vibrant, social atmosphere. This lychee spritz reflects that same approach. Light, refreshing and gently floral, it is designed for easy, relaxed entertaining at home.

INGREDIENTS

90 ml Tarot Prosecco

30 ml blended lychee syrup

60 ml lychee umeshu

90 ml soda

Ice

METHOD

Add all ingredients into a wine glass over cubed ice. Stir briefly to combine, then top with soda.

WITH

HEATHERLY DESIGN IN CONVERSATION

Grounded in the philosophy of the ‘Art of Rest’, Heatherly Design approaches the bedroom as a space for calm, restoration and quiet luxury. We spoke with the Melbourne-based studio to explore how thoughtful design, materiality and form shape spaces that invite the body to slow down and settle.

Heatherly Design is grounded in the idea of the ‘Art of Rest’. How has this philosophy shaped your approach to designing the bedroom as a space for retreat and restoration?

At its core, the ‘Art of Rest’ is about intention, designing not just for how a space looks, but for how it allows you to feel. The bedroom is one of the few places where the outside world can soften, so every decision considers the transition into that quieter state.

We think about proportion, tactility and presence in a very human way. A bedhead is not just a backdrop, it is something you lean into at the end of the day. The curve of an edge, the density of the upholstery and the way light settles across fabric are subtle cues that signal the body to slow down.

There’s a growing desire to create a boutique, hotel-like experience at home. How do bespoke upholstery, layering and texture contribute to that restorative ‘staycation’ feeling, particularly within the master suite?

What people are drawn to in a beautiful hotel is not just the aesthetic, but the feeling of being considered. Everything has been resolved for you.

Bespoke upholstery brings that same sense of luxury into the home. When a bedhead is made to the exact scale of the room and upholstered in a fabric that responds to light and season, it creates a grounding point, something permanent amidst daily change.

Layering becomes the language of comfort. The interplay between crisp linen, soft throws and tailored upholstery introduces different weights and temperatures. Texture invites touch, and touch is what makes a space feel lived in rather than styled.

The ‘staycation’ feeling comes from this balance, where everything feels elevated, but nothing feels untouchable.

Your latest designs, Armelle and Waldon, each bring a distinct mood. Can you share the thinking behind these pieces and how they cater to different styles of living and expression?

There is a softness to the Armelle silhouette, a gentle curvature that feels almost instinctive, as though shaped by the body rather than imposed upon it. It suits interiors that lean into ease and fluidity, where nothing feels overly rigid or prescribed.

Waldon, on the other hand, explores structure in a more defined way. The contrast border frames the piece with a sense of intention, introducing a graphic quality without becoming overpowering. In a room, it holds its ground more assertively, offering a clear point of focus.

Neither is about trend, but temperament. One softens the room, the other sharpens it. Both return to the same idea, creating a space that feels deeply aligned with the person who inhabits it.

What advice would you give for creating a bedroom that feels deeply personal and expressive, while still maintaining a refined, high-end aesthetic?

Restraint is often misunderstood as limitation, but it allows personality to come through with clarity. Start with one defining element, often the bed, and let it set the tone. From there, edit rather than accumulate.

Choose pieces that hold meaning or offer a sensory experience, whether through material, craftsmanship or memory. When tones speak to each other and materials feel considered, the room begins to feel resolved. It is less about matching and more about harmony.

Elements such as valances and integrated bases create a more resolved look. How do these details influence the perceived scale, balance and overall calmness of a bedroom?

These elements appear subtle, but their impact is significant. A valance or integrated base removes visual interruption, allowing the bed to read as one continuous form. That continuity has a calming effect, the eye can simply rest.

In smaller spaces, this can make the room feel more expansive, while in larger rooms it brings cohesion and grounding. Covering the base introduces fabric at every level, absorbing light differently and reducing visual noise.

It is a subtle shift, but one that changes the rhythm of the room, making it feel more composed, intentional and ultimately more restful. ■

A PLACE AT THE TABLE WITH ALLTHINGSEQUAL

We spoke with Jess Colgan, CEO of All Things Equal, about the organisation’s mission to create meaningful employment pathways for people living with disability through hospitality, training and community connection.

What inspired the creation of All Things Equal, and what need were you hoping to address for people living with disability?

All Things Equal was established to address the significant barriers people living with disability face when trying to access meaningful employment. Many individuals have the skills and motivation to work but lack access to inclusive training environments and employers willing to invest in their potential.

Just 56 per cent of working-age Australians living with disability are employed, compared to 82 per cent of those without disability. The demand for meaningful work is undeniable. Our waitlist shows people want the chance to contribute, earn award wages and be part of their community.

Hospitality was chosen as the platform because it is social, communityfocused and offers hands-on learning opportunities. Through cafés and catering operations, All Things Equal provides practical training while helping shift perceptions about disability in the workplace.

Can you explain how your Employment Pathway Program supports people living with disability to build skills, confidence and move into open employment?

The Employment Pathway Program is designed as a structured journey into the workforce.

Participants begin with pre-employment training where they develop foundational skills in food preparation, customer service, teamwork and workplace communication. They then transition into paid roles within All Things Equal cafés and catering operations, working in real commercial environments while continuing to receive mentoring and one-on-one support from our hospitality trainers.

Our goal is not only to employ people within our own venues, it is to build confidence and capability so participants can move into broader employment across the hospitality industry and beyond.

So far, All Things Equal has nurtured partnerships with key hospitality employment partners at W Melbourne (Marriott Group), Food & Desire, Arnold Bloch Leibler (internal catering services) and Delaware North (MCG).

What impact have you seen on participants when they are given the opportunity to work at award wages in a supportive, inclusive environment?

The impact is significant. Being paid award wages reinforces a strong sense of value, independence and belonging. Participants often develop greater confidence, stronger communication skills and pride in contributing to a team.

We regularly see people grow into confident team members who are proud of their work. That transformation benefits individuals, families and the wider community.

And of course, our customers also play an important role. By choosing to visit All Things Equal venues or use its catering services, they directly support inclusive employment in action.

Looking ahead, what does the future hold for All Things Equal and for inclusive employment opportunities in the community?

A key focus for the organisation is continued growth and increased visibility. An upcoming expansion to the Abbotsford Convent will introduce inclusive employment to one of Melbourne’s most visited cultural precincts, welcoming around 700,000 visitors each year.

This expansion allows us to create more award-wage roles while reaching a much broader audience. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to shift perceptions about disability and employment.

By strengthening partnerships and expanding its model, we aim to help create a future where inclusive employment is an integral and valued part of the workforce. ■

THE LOCAL EDIT

OMNIA ART PRIZE AND EXHIBITION 2026

22 MAY 2026

St. Kevins College, 31 Moonga Road, Toorak, VIC 3142

WOODEND ARTISTS AND MAKERS MARKET

23 MAY 2026

15 Buckland Street Woodend, VIC 3442

SAVOURING THE SEASONS

23 MAY 2026

Correa Kitchens, G3/21 Bangs Street, Prahran, VIC 3181

HIGH TEA FOR HOPE

24 MAY 2026

1 Hotel Melbourne, Docklands, VIC 3008

MACEDON VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET

30 MAY 2026

67 Smith Street, Macedon, VIC 3440

PICCOLO TEATRO: MAGIC THEATRE

UNTIL 30 MAY

5 Rankins Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000

LIVE AT TOORAK: LUCAS DEBARGUE

2 JUNE 2026

Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, 2/8 Toorak Road, South Yarra, VIC 3141

CERAMICS HAND BUILDING COURSE

3 JUNE 2026

Prahran Place, 40 Grattan Street, Prahran, VIC 3181

WOODEND WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL

5-7 JUNE 2026

Templeton Street, Woodend, VIC 3442

POINT NEPEAN PORTSEA MARKET

6 JUNE 2026

Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, VIC 3944

WOODEND COMMUNITY FARMERS MARKET

6 JUNE 2026

High Street & Forest Street, Woodend, VIC 3442

KINGSTON FARMERS MARKET

6 JUNE 2026

3 Jean Street, Cheltenham, VIC 3192

LIGHTSCAPE: WINTER WONDERLAND

12 JUN - 2 AUG 2026

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens, Melbourne, VIC 3004

MORNINGTON RACECOURSE MARKET

14 JUNE 2026

320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, VIC 3931

BOROONDARA FARMERS MARKET

20 JUNE 2026

484 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122

TRENTHAM FARMERS MARKET

20 JUNE 2026

27 High Street, Trentham, VIC 3458

BASEMENT COMEDY CLUB: WEEKEND SHOWCASE

UNTIL 27 JUNE 2026

Basement Comedy Club, 120 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

FONDUE CHALET

UNTIL 28 JUNE 2026

Skyline Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000

MOTHER: STORIES FROM THE NGV COLLECTION

UNTIL 12 JULY 2026

Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000

TOP ARTS 2026: SHOWCASING EMERGING

ARTISTS ACROSS VICTORIA

UNTIL 19 JULY 2026

National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006

RUN MELBOURNE

UNTIL 19 JULY 2026

Grand Slam Oval, Olympic Boulevard Melbourne, 3000 VIC

33 YAWLA STREET

BENTLEIGH

A 4-5 B 3-3.5 C 2

From $1,595,000

Naturally exquisite family homes in the heart of Bentleigh.

RANKO CVJETICANIN 0451 153 833 SALES BY

DEVELOPED BY

FAMILY SANCTUARY

Set within Mount Eliza’s tightly held Woodland precinct, this beautifully maintained family residence delivers space, character and effortless indooroutdoor living. Expansive entertaining zones, landscaped gardens and a flexible single-level layout create a relaxed lifestyle sanctuary, moments from leading schools, village amenities, parklands and the Peninsula’s renowned coastline. ■