OCTOBER 2, 2018 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
Auction breaks record By Ewen McRae The Sunshine area is turning into the capital of the west according to one real estate agent, following another record sale. A property at 211 Duke Street, Sunshine North, sold at auction on September 22 for $1.53 million, smashing the previous record for the 3020 postcode of $1.38 million. It continues a strong year for the suburb, with two properties in Sunshine West selling for $1.31 million and $1.16 million in June. Douglas Kay Real Estate agent Peter Kay said the record sale last week reflected how attractive the Sunshine area was, especially to families. “I think a changing reputation in the area, as well as a number of supportive infrastructure plans, continue to propel confidence in the area,” Mr Kay said. “There’s such a dense employment hub in Sunshine, and there’s framework for further construction such as the Melbourne Rail Project, so businesses and buyers are really starting to view the Sunshine area as the capital of the western suburbs.” The auction ran for close to an hour, with four bidders pushing beyond the previous record and towards the magical $1.5 million mark. A local family was the winning bidder. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom property was built 15 years ago for $800,000. Mr Kay said the sale would likely hold the record for some time. “It’s going to be hard to beat in the near future,” he said. “Anything in the $1.4 million range would have been a great result, and to get $1.5 million in the western suburbs and particularly the Sunshine area had never been done before. “I think it’s pretty evident now that people are happy to pay a million dollars plus in Sunshine, but you have to give them something special that they can’t find each week. A house like this only comes on the market once in a blue moon.”
Frank chalks up 100 years
(Shawn Smits)
Frank Smolen this week celebrates the 100th year of a remarkable life. The St Bernadette’s aged care resident moved from Poland to Australia after World War II. He met the woman he’d later marry, Hedwig, on the boat to Australia and the two enjoyed life together in Footscray before she passed away 10 years ago. However, life hasn’t always been easy for Mr Smolen. When Nazi Germany occupied his country, Mr Smolen joined the resistance. After the Gestapo discovered his allegiance he spent about three years in the infamous concentration camp Auschwitz. Mr Smolen said he joined the resistance for the love of his country. This week, fellow residents at St Bernadette’s will show their love for him. St Bernadette’s lifestyle assistant Evelyn said a special celebration was planned to mark the occasion. “His family is coming on the Thursday, but on Friday we do happy hour and we’re going to celebrate his birthday during that,” she said. “We have the DJ come in, a chef will make a cake, we’ll decorate the place and just be happy. “He likes to drink his beer each Friday and he’ll be the toast of the afternoon.” Evelyn said Mr Smolen is one of the facility’s most popular characters. “He’s just so energetic,” she said. “He doesn’t seem 100, he’s very independent and does everything himself.” Tate Papworth
211 Duke Street, Sunshine North. (Supplied)
FUNCTION ROOMS
POURING NOW TAYLORS LAKES HOTEL
• Weddings • Engagements • Birthdays • Conferences Come in and check us out!!!
7 MELTON HIGHWAY
PH: 9217 9500
Saturday 24th November 2018 Doors Open at 6.30pm Premium 2 Course Dinner and Show Pre-Paid Cost: Members $50.00 and Non $55.00
www.taylorslakeshotel.com.au
12401119-EPJ41-18
10062226-19