

RATE RISE, NO SURPRISE
The Reserve Bank’s decision on March 17 to increase the cash rate was anticipated by those following the broader economic discussion. The signs had been evident over recent weeks, highlighted in headlines about inflation, rising fuel costs, and increasing cost-of-living pressures. When the announcement was made, it confirmed what most already suspected, and the market reacted accordingly.
That is perhaps the most telling observation from the week. Buyers did not retreat. Sellers did not panic. Engagement with properties currently on the market remained active, purposeful and, in many cases, competitive. Several properties transacted prior to auction, with others negotiated in the days following. Where auctions did proceed, multiple bidders were present. The fundamentals, in short, held firm.
We have been saying for some time that we are operating in a genuinely balanced market. One that does not lean heavily in either direction but shifts subtly depending on the property and the location. That is not a weakness. It is, in fact, a sign of a stable market.
What has not changed, and what the interest rate environment does little to alter, is the persistent scarcity of quality stock. Good properties remain the shining light. When something compelling comes to market, competition follows. Buyers know it. And so do vendors who have taken the time to prepare and present well.
Whilst the rate rise is disappointing for home buyers and existing borrowers, it need not reframe the broader picture. For those approaching the market with clarity and good advice, the opportunity remains very much present.
If you would like to understand what current conditions mean for your property or your next purchase, reach out to the Marshall White team. ■
By John Bongiorno



INCONVERSATIONWITH HOTHAUS
COMMUNITY
CIRCULAR SOLUTIONS WITH REGROUND

PROJECTS 71 MATHOURA

REFINED COASTAL

9A KOORNALLA CRESCENT MOUNT ELIZA
A striking expression of single-level luxury, this brand-new architectural residence delivers a refined coastal sanctuary just moments from the pristine sands of Ranelagh and Earimil beaches. Designed for effortless living and entertaining, the home pairs dramatic vertical scale with a calm, contemporary aesthetic.
Beyond the wide entry, the expansive living and dining domain is defined by soaring pitched ceilings and clerestory windows that draw natural light deep into the home while framing views of the vibrant blue feature pool. At its centre, a gourmet kitchen with porcelain benchtops, integrated AEG appliances and a Zip HydroTap is complemented by a bespoke cocktail bar, elevating the home’s entertaining appeal.
“Perfectly positioned near the beach, this architecturally designed home delivers a seamless blend of luxury, functionality and relaxed coastal sophistication.”
ROB FERGUSON PARTNER, LICENSED ESTATE AGENT
Sliding doors extend the living domain to a covered alfresco terrace overlooking the solar-heated pool and landscaped gardens. A luxurious main suite with walk-through robe and travertine-finished ensuite is joined by three additional bedrooms, a home office and flexible living zones, delivering a sophisticated Mount Eliza lifestyle near Kunyung Primary School and the bay. ■


Bright, refreshing and with a gentle kick, the Cactus Water cocktail from Hotel Railway is reminiscent of a chilli margarita. Ancho Reyes Verde delivers crisp heat with subtle vegetal notes of green capsicum and fresh chilli, balanced by cooling coconut water and fresh cucumber for a clean, vibrant finish.
INGREDIENTS
20ml Blanco tequila
20ml Ancho Reyes Verde chilli liqueur
90ml coconut water
30ml fresh lime juice
10ml sugar syrup
1 cucumber slice
SERVES 1
METHOD
1. Rim a highball glass with a mixture of salt and chilli flakes.
2. Add tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, coconut water, lime juice, sugar syrup and cucumber to a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Shake well, then double strain into the prepared highball glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a cucumber spear and serve.



IN CONVERSATION WITH
HOTHAUS
Amanda Dziedzic and Laurel Kohut, co-founders of HotHaus and HausLights, share the lessons and legacy behind their colour-led glass-blowing studio.

HotHaus has developed a distinct design identity over time. How has that creative direction evolved, and what influences are informing your work today?
We started our studio under the ethos of, Good Design, Good Glass, Good Times. We pour all of us into our studio, we work incredibly hard and we wanted it to really reflect a studio that we love. Our guiding principle from the very beginning has been colour and this is still very true for us today. We live and breathe it into all our pieces, I think we are now known for our approach to colour. We don’t shy away from it! Our creative direction and driving force have remained the same: we love what we do and are dedicated to preserving the art of glassblowing in a contemporary environment.
How do you balance precision with creativity when crafting your pieces?
I think this kind of work can only come from experience. Both Laurel and I have over two decades of experience working in glass. Glass blowing takes time to develop skill and language in the material. It is only really when you are comfortable with your skills in the material that you can start to let the material influence your craft. You need to be able to learn how to read the material, recognise the heat, then you can start to work harmoniously with the material, rather than struggle against it.
How do you think about colour as a design tool, and how does it inform the emotions or atmosphere of a piece?
Colour plays a central role in our practice as makers, artists, and craftspeople. It has the power to shift mood and shape atmosphere, so we consider it carefully when designing new work. With our latest “Urchin” light for HausLights, we wanted to evoke warmth, comfort, and a sense of refined style. We developed a considered palette
that feels welcoming and works effortlessly in most interiors. The result is a versatile, elegant piece—equally at home in residential or commercial settings—with a subtle nod to mid-century modern design.
Reflecting on your journey since launching HotHaus, what have been the most meaningful lessons along the way?
One of the most meaningful lessons since launching HotHaus has been recognising the depth of our connection to community through glass. Welcoming people into the studio for classes has been incredibly rewarding, and the generous feedback on our HausLights range has reinforced how much joy and value our work can bring to others.
What legacy do you hope HotHaus will build within the design community and among those who collect your work?
Looking ahead, we hope HotHaus is remembered for creating work with integrity, intention, and genuine craftsmanship. We want our pieces to feel timeless objects that people live with, cherish, and pass on. Just as importantly, we hope our studio continues to foster community, sharing the joy of glassmaking with those who create alongside us and those who collect our work. We hope our legacy will be one of creativity, warmth, and a lasting contribution to Australia’s design culture. ■
CIRCULAR SOLUTIONS WITH REGROUND
We spoke with the team behind Reground, a circular-economy service that helps cafes, offices, and apartment buildings divert coffee waste and soft plastics from landfill. Here, they share how small changes
can create a meaningful impact.
For someone new to the concept, what does a circular economy look like in practice through your work?
To explain circular economy solutions like Reground, it helps to start with what usually happens in most cafes and offices. A coffee is brewed, and the used grounds go into general waste. Once in landfill, the grounds break down without oxygen and produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The Reground bin offers a simple alternative. Instead of sending coffee grounds to landfill, we collect them and redistribute them to local gardens and community members for productive use. In essence, it is a different bin and a different system, where coffee grounds become a local resource that supports soil health, food growing, and stronger community connection.
Which materials do you collect and repurpose, and what are the most common misconceptions about them?
Reground collects ground coffee, chaff (the husk of the coffee bean), and soft plastics. Ground coffee and chaff are redistributed to local gardens. The biggest misconception tends to sit with cafes and offices, many of which underestimate how much coffee waste they generate and the impact it has as a waste stream. Diverting it from landfill is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions linked to daily operations. For soft plastics, the most common misconception is that there is no Australian solution for recycling them. Reground works with reputable local partners who process this material here in Australia. While reducing soft plastic use should always be the priority, once it exists, it needs to be collected and managed responsibly.
How do you help apartment buildings reduce waste without overcomplicating systems for residents?
We are proud of the service we have provided to apartment buildings since 2017, called Circular Systems, an all-in-one waste and resource recovery service designed for multi-unit buildings. It includes waste and recycling collection across multiple streams, waste audits to

ensure each building is serviced appropriately, and ongoing tenant engagement. The model is seamless and integrated, so it operates effectively in the background as part of everyday building life. As a result, our buildings are among the highest-performing for circularity and resource recovery, and we have even had residents and guests mention in Airbnb reviews that their favourite part of the stay was the bin room.
What are the biggest quick wins you see when you start working with a business on waste minimisation?
The biggest quick win is empowering staff. When we work with teams, we often see an immediate shift, with people becoming more engaged and ready to take ownership. By backing internal champions and supporting them in waste minimisation, the work delivers strong results and can multiply impact.
How can individuals and businesses get involved?
The best way to get involved is to sign up for our ground coffee and soft plastic collection service. If you have a coffee machine or run a retail store, it is a simple, practical place to start, and an easy way to join our community while increasing your environmental and social impact. ■
THE LOCAL EDIT
MOTHER: STORIES FROM THE NGV COLLECTION
27 MARCH - 12 JULY 2026
Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000
CHIN CHIN WEEKEND TAKEOVER AT PT. LEO ESTATE
28-29 MARCH 2026
Pt. Leo Restaurant, Point Leo, VIC, 3916
MECCA X NGV WOMEN IN DESIGN
COMMISSION 2025
UNTIL 1 APRIL 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
ROME: EMPIRE, POWER, PEOPLE EXHIBITION
1-4 APRIL 2026
Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053
MACEDON RANGES AUTUMN FESTIVAL
1-30 APRIL
Southrock Road, Woodend, VIC 3442, Australia
HILL AND RIDGE COMMUNITY MARKET
4 APRIL 2026
184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill, VIC 3937
POINT NEPEAN PORTSEA MARKET
4 APRIL 2026
Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, VIC 3944
KINGSTON FARMER’S MARKET
4 APRIL 2026
3 Jean Street, Cheltenham, VIC 3192
MOONLIGHT CINEMA
UNTIL 5 APRIL 2026
Central Lawn Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3141
HEIDE MARKET
11 APRIL 2026
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, VIC 3105
MORNINGTON RACECOURSE MARKET
12 APRIL 2026
320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, VIC 3931
WESTWOOD | KAWAKUBO
UNTIL 16 APRIL 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
GUIDE DOGS VICTORIA COMMUNITY FAIR
18 APRIL 2026
2 Chandler Highway, Kew, VIC 3101
BOROONDARA FARMERS MARKET
18 APRIL 2026
484 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
TRENTHAM FARMERS’ MARKET
18 APRIL 2026
27 High Street, Trentham VIC 3458, Australia
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
25 MARCH - 19 APRIL 2026
Melbourne Town Hall, 90/130 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
DIVA AT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM OF PERFORMING ARTS
UNTIL 26 APRIL 2026
100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3004
RUN THE TAN
26 APRIL 2026
Tan Track, Melbourne, VIC 3004
MAYTIME FAIR
2 MAY 2026
Xavier College, 135 Barkers Road, Kew, VIC 3101
WOODEND COMMUNITY FARMERS’ MARKET
2 MAY 2026
High Street & Forest Street, Woodend VIC 3442, Australia
WOMEN PHOTOGRAPHERS 1900-1975:
A LEGACY OF LIGHT
UNTIL 3 MAY 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
LET’S PARTY! FASHION FOR KIDS: DESIGNED BY DANIELLE BRUSTMAN
UNTIL 3 MAY 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Art Trails & Open Studios
3-4 MAY 2026
Various Studios in Macedon and Mount Macedon
MACEDON VILLAGE FARMERS’ MARKET
30 MAY 2026
67 Smith Street, Macedon VIC 3440, Australia
71 MATHOURA ROAD TOORAK
A 3-4 B 2-3 C 2-3
From $4,900,000 SALES BY
KIERRA HAGEDORN 0432 737 911

Boutique collection of just five oversized luxury residences by Studio McCue, where sculptural architecture, privacy and northern light define everyday living.

DEVELOPED BY

YOUR INVESTMENT IS OUR PRIORITY
We offer superior personalised service tailored to elevate both the value and experience of your rental property.
Discover the benefits of our client-focused approach in maximising your investment property’s potential with a complimentary rental appraisal.



























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS
ALBERT PARK
110 Bridport Street, Albert Park, VIC 3206 (03) 9822 9999
ARMADALE
1111 High Street, Armadale, VIC 3143 (03) 9822 9999
BALWYN
Level 2/379-381 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn, VIC 3103 (03) 9822 9999
BRIGHTON
Level 1/225 Bay Street, Brighton, VIC 3186 (03) 9822 9999
FLINDERS
10/33 Cook Street, Flinders, VIC 3929 (03) 5931 1000
HAWTHORN
Level 1/801 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 (03) 9822 9999
MANNINGHAM
Level 1/908 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East, VIC 3109 (03) 9840 1111
MOUNT ELIZA
98 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza, VIC 3930 (03) 9787 6650
SORRENTO
60 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento, VIC 3943 (03) 5981 3000

