Jobs and housing are on my mind at the moment. It’s been interesting too to talk to my 20 and 30-something friends as it’s on their minds as well. Contrary to opinion, while some are still tasting the freedom of adventure and overseas holidays – many are madly saving to buy property and I applaud them for their discipline. It is a good time to buy property with the retail recession and real estate market downturn and buyers can afford to be choosy particularly in the apartment market.
However well presented properties stand out with fewer houses on the market and I had a look at 29 Mountain View Parade in Rosanna today (all house images via realestate.com.au) which has been beautifully renovated and styled (I think by the owners who must have an interior design or styling background) and I wasn’t the only one – there were lots of people going through. I love looking at houses for design inspiration and this one didn’t disappoint – the external landscaping is also a real highlight. Mountain View Parade has long been regarded as the pre-eminent street in Rosanna with its exclusive feel and mountain views. I will say however it’s also buyer beware – the property across the road has been sold and given it’s size most likely to become a double storey development or townhouses.
Banyule also means ‘hill’ in the Indigenous world and despite proximity to shops, schools, parkland and train stations when you look online, always consider the steepness of the daily or weekly walk when considering buying property in this area as it will impact your quality of life, especially if you like to walk or run to amenities. Existing rooms too, can rarely be made bigger in general so something to also consider.
Speaking of houses, you may be interested to know that the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre now has a cleaning service if you’re looking for a cleaner and live in Banyule. I’m involved in an Inclusion Forum at La Trobe next month and Banyule Council is one of the employers who will be there to support people looking for work who come from an Indigenous, LGBTIQ, disability or other background. It’s a wider conversation than just those groups who simply wish to join the mainstream, but a great initiative for students and recent graduates. Jobs can be hard to find at the best of times but even harder for those who have more individual needs.
For houses of a different kind, if you are on campus at La Trobe in Bundoora, it’s worth stopping by social enterprise cafe House of Cards Espresso who not only make coffee but freshly cook hot potato gems on the spot! And yes, I’ve been indulging this winter. For every purchase, you’re given a giant playing card and when you receive your order, you have card slots in the wall to select from four different cause categories who will receive a donation. I’ve been very happy to support them and doubly happy eating my potato gems.
I also wanted to mention Chillin’ in Banyule if you’re a fan of live music, which starts next week. It’s not easy finding venues which stay open a bit later in Banyule but it’s great to see there are now more on offer where you can get food and drink, but also live entertainment over the colder months still left to come. Although I do need to rein in the carbs…
Miss Rosanna 