Call 13 BURBANK (13 2872) www.burbank.com.au

Issue 13 - December 08

Burbank GroupNewsletter

Christmas Message

BURBANK VIEWS

2008 – What an amazing and momentous year it has been for us! It has been a pleasure to see

Burbank grow in strength and numbers while still having the ability to retain its traditional and

renowned welcoming, family-like atmosphere. We have powered ahead with innovative IT system

releases, streamlining our processes. We have been motivated to design and build inspirational

Collections of Homes and the introduction of Burbank TV is set to bring those homes to the

market in style.

An abundance of awards has once again seen Burbank recognised as market leaders and innovators

at the forefront of the Victorian building industry. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely

extend our thanks for the continued support and dedication given throughout the year from our

valued Burbankians, without whom these achievements would not be possible.

While 2008 was a historical year in respect to downward trends (in all economic indicators), we

believe 2009 will be a better year and a year of consolidation which will establish the foundations

of the way forward for us all.

May the joys of the coming season be yours to share with your families and loved ones as you stop

to enjoy a safe, relaxing and well-earned break. We look forward to welcoming the New Year and

all it may bring, and together with reinvigorated energy continue building excellent lifestyles!

Best wishesJoint Managing DirectorsEddie Puhar and Eddie SanfilippoBurbank Group

Christmas Message >> 01

Sustainably Excellent >> 02

Best in the Business >> 02

Burbank’s Commitment to

Sustainability Raises Results >> 04

Top 10 Enviro Sellers >> 05

From Discussion to Display >> 06

BurbankTV Multimedia Magic >> 08

Water Smart Gardening Techniques >> 08

Getting to Know You – Staff Profile >> 09

Reflections Opening >> 10

Staff Report >> 12

Best Feet Forward –

Global Corporate Challenge >> 14

Around the Bay in 7.5 hours >> 15

Cracking the Market –

Tips for First Home Buyers >> 16

Contents

BURBANK VIEWS 02

Best in the Business!

The Victorian Winner for Sustainability Excellence at the 2008 Delfin Lend Lease Grand Masters Awards proves once again Burbank’s dedication towards achieving a sustainable future for the building and development industry.

Most recently, Burbank won the HIA CSR’s 2008 Victorian Small Commercial Project (under $1 million) for the Edge, as well as the 2008 Victorian Energy Efficient Project Home of the Year Award for the for the third year running. Leading by example is its Future Collection design, the Generation. This award winning design now automatically qualifies Burbank as a serious contender in the 2009 HIA GreenSmart Awards.

In a letter congratulating Burbank on its achievements, Robert Harding, Acting Executive Director of HIA Victoria, noted, “The HIA CSR Victorian Housing Awards recognize the achievements of those who lead the way in the construction, design, innovation and technology of housing. I applaud your drive to deliver quality homes that are both attractive, affordable and will no doubt stand the test of time.”

At the Delfin Lend Lease Grand Masters Awards 2008 ceremony held on Friday 17th October, 2008 Jarrod Sanfilippo and David Borg were proud to represent the Burbank team in accepting: Building Our Great Southern LandVictorian Winner – Sustainability Excellence“In recognition of your significant contribution to the provision of high standard of sustainable housing in Delfin Lend Lease Communities.”

The judging criteria included environmental design and construction practices, quality of construction and street appeal, the use of energy and water saving technologies, new innovation, overall environmental performance and value for money.

Sustainably Excellent

As the old adage says... “It takes a village to raise a child”In the case of Burbank... “It takes a team to make a company”

Generation 2600Paul Puhar, Associate Director, Burbank (left)

BURBANK VIEWS 03

Pepper this with an absolute abundance of certificates, accreditations, acknowledgements and appreciations of charitable support (Cancer Council of Victoria, Ardoch (UDIA) Youth Foundation, Make A Wish Foundation etc., etc., etc) and we’ve certainly had a year full of shared, fabulous memories.

None of this would be at all possible to achieve without the continued support and dedication of each and every valuable member of our Burbank family.

As Robert Harding added, “Congratulations for being the Best in the Business!”

Some of Burbank’s achievements in the past 12 months include:

HIA GreenSmart – Achievement in Sustainability

HIA GreenSmart – Energy Efficiency & Water Saving Initiative (The Dove 27.1)

HIA GreenSmart – Regional Partnership (Vic) Excellence Award

Delfin Grand Masters – 2007 Best Villa/Premium Villa (The Armadale, Craigieburn)

Delfin Grand Masters – 2008 Sustainability & Environmental Community Living

Greater Western Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GWCCI) – Best Building & Construction Business (nomination by Hobsons Bay City Council)

Holmesglen TAFE – Building Industry Partnership - Excellence in Training & Support

Worksafe – Recognition in achieving safety excellence in the workplace

SunSmart – Promotion & recognition of prevention and awareness (awarded by Cancer Council of Australia)

Horizon International Awards – Excellence in Interactive Media Production (Parade of Homes DVD) (nomination unknown)

Horizon International Awards – Excellence in Interactive Media Production (Company I.D./Short Film) (nomination unknown)

UDIA – 2007 Excellence Award in Affordable Development - Woodgrove Walk

UDIA – 2007 Judges Award for Excellence - Blue Edge

UDIA – 2007 Awards for Excellence in the Category of Environmental Excellence (Aurora Development)

UDIA – 2008 Award for Multi Unit Development

Building Commission – Achieving Excellence & CPD Recognition (top 5 percentile) - Building Practitioner, Eddie Sanfilippo

Building Commission – Achieving Excellence & CPD Recognition (top 5 percentile) - Building Practitioner, Eddie Puhar

HIA Australian Housing Awards – 2007 Townhouse/Villa Development of the Year - Over 5 Dwellings (Berry Street)

HIA Australian Housing Awards – 2007 Award for Excellence (Lot 32 McKillop Avenue, Epping)

HIA-CSR Victorian Housing Awards – 2008 Victorian Energy Efficient Project Home of the Year (The Generation)

HIA-CSR Victorian Housing Awards – 2008 Victorian Small Commercial Project of the Year - Under $1 million (The Edge Selection Studio)

EDGE Selection Studio

BURBANK VIEWS 04

Burbank’s Commitment to Sustainability Raises Results

Our Design Research and Development team know the commitment and cost involved in reaching beyond current benchmarks – the challenges and rewards can be a daunting balancing act. For our team of high achievers however, these elements are exactly what provide the motivation to rise above industry expectations.

Associate Director, Paul Puhar, is excited about recent developments at Burbank including its Future Collection which is now 7-Star energy efficiency as standard in contrast to the Victorian 5-Star.

“Burbank is constantly researching and developing strategies to lower our environmental impact – both in the products we offer and our own operations,” he said.

7-Star energy efficiency in Burbank’s Future Collection is achieved by embracing HIA GreenSmart principles which lower environmental impact. This includes energy efficient design to increase comfort and reduce utility bills, water efficient practices and responsible environmental site management during the construction process.

Double glazed windows throughout the designs, gas-boosted, solar hot water systems, rainwater tanks and low energy fluorescent lighting are standard. The use of in-built design elements such as thermal mass and cross ventilation further enhances the thermal performance of homes.

Achieving 7 Stars presents many challenges for Burbank, including the ability to offer this high standard for all our Future homes on any building lot, while at the same time continuing to provide great affordability and value for money.

You might be pleasantly surprised to find compared to the average 2.5-Star Melbourne home of comparable size, the owner of a 7-Star sustainable home can save over $1,200 in annual utility bills.

Burbank is conscious many green buyers buy green for different reasons – whether it’s better economy, environmental impact or improved comfort. Development of the ‘Green Leaf’ program used at The Edge Selection Studio offers home buyers the opportunity to make informed choices as they further enhance and upgrade their homes. The ‘Green Leaf’ program identifies the ‘triple bottom line’ benefits of a product through a simple classification system to help home buyers select the products which best suit their needs and values:

• Energyresourceefficient• Waterresourceefficient• Rawmaterial&manufactureresourceefficient• Recycled/renewableresource• Lowerrunning/operatingcosts• Improvedhumanhealth• Enhancedlivingcomfort

Another Burbank project in current development is a Carbon Offset Program takingintoaccountanenergyaudit/carbonfootprintofheadoffice,withthe intention of looking at ways of reducing our energy consumption and consequently offsetting the company’s carbon emissions.

“Measuring the environmental impact of our own operations will enable us to explore a ‘Carbon Offset Program’ which seeks to benefit both Burbank in its self-operation as well as our clients,” Mr Puhar said.

Darwin 2700

BURBANK VIEWS 05

Top 10 Enviro Sellers

As environmentally focused products are becoming increasingly accessible, their popularity has followed suit, accordingly. Mr Shane Hicks, Burbank’s Director of Operations, notes the 10 most frequently used items at The Edge are:

01 Solar Hot Water 02 Water Tanks 03 Double Glazed Windows 04 Ceiling Fans 05 Fluorescent Light Fittings 06 Low Embodied Energy Bricks 07 Bamboo Flooring 08 Insulation Upgrades 09 WELS Rated Tapware 10 5-Star Central Heating Upgrades

BURBANK VIEWS 06

From Discussion to Display

Visiting a display home as it opens to the public is not unlike opening night at the opera. The seamless, visual flow from room to room, spacious living areas dressed in the latest fashion, finishes and special touches you dream could suddenly be yours, but, is it all fluffy cushions and eccentric interior designers throwing their hands around joojing everything in sight?

So where does it start?

Where does your inspiration come from?

The final product as we see it comes from a lengthy process, punctuated by demographic considerations, developers’ requirements and council guidelines. The brief starts with a vision in mind which activates the creative thinking and co-operation of several hard-working creative minds.

SueLawler,InteriorDesignerexplainsthefluffypillow/hardyakkaratio:

Inspiration comes with our eyes constantly switched to ‘source-source-source’ mode – magazines are a great resource but really everything in sight becomes inspiration.

(Sue describes her creative process as a sculptor would – she walks through each room in her mind and visually places pieces until the complete form is ready to present.)

We are lucky the guys are open-minded in their thinking. It’s important to create statements which appeal to the taste of the public, not necessarily our own, so having good support throughout the process helps a lot.

Feasibility studies are performed taking into account population and demographic considerations.

The Research and Development team meet with our Sales Managers to discuss what kind of house suits the village area. The location and surrounding areas need to be taken into account as does the specific requirements of developers and local council. A new design may be introduced at this point or the merits of a current high performing design are discussed.

The streetscape is then submitted to the relevant developer and council. Once approved, further meetings are arranged and a formal brief is given to indicate what they were hoping to achieve in that area.WethengoawayandputtogetherourconceptsandcolourstopresenttoR&DandSaleswhomake sure the flow of the streetscape remains in line with their initial guidelines.

The colours are then forwarded to the developers for approval and once accepted, we present our interiorcolourscheme,includingfixturesandfittingstoR&DandSales.

BURBANK VIEWS 07

Yes. It is a lot of fun but it’s also hard work, mentally and physically. While the houses are being built, we are out there sourcing the furniture, etc. Imagine shifting house week after week. Sometimes there are on site disruptions or frustrations with time frames, for example deliveries that may not arrive on time.

Is it all fun?

How do you keep motivated?

Any tips for wannabe summer decorators?

I love seeing the new products out there and it’s a satisfying feeling just creating new and fresh things. I enjoy visualising a project and seeing something come to life as a result of a few pieces of paper I have been given as my creative base.

Watch what’s going on out there in the department stores and magazines etc., most times they have the trends two years in advance.

Get a second opinion – don’t take things to heart – there’s always room to improve.

Don’t be scared to experiment. It can be a lot of fun.

BURBANK VIEWS 08

BurbankTV, directed and produced by our very own Matthew Hendley, is an online television show with 12 four minute episodes, showcasing our four collections of homes. Auditions for the show’s host was a lengthy process with 196 applications for the role. Finally, the very talented Nina Egan won our hearts and now you can catch the episodes of this wonderful production online.

Matthew Hendley joined Burbank in November, 2007 after a 4 year stint at a Canberra TV Station producing and directing over 2000 TV commercials. Since his arrival, Matt has written, produced, directed and edited 4 television commercial campaigns as well as National Pacific Property’s Reflections Estate Corporate DVD. His expertise has lent itself well to our online presence with the creation of virtual tours placing you in selected rooms of our displays, enabling you to scan around the room as you wish. MyPlace, also accessed from the Burbank website is an application to help clients keep up to date with the status of their job. A DVD was created by Matt to explain this process.

“BurbankTV has been several months in the making,” Matt said. “It shows our homes in a whole new light. We’ve stepped up production several notches to produce an online television show even better than those on traditional television. Our homes have never looked this good, and with Nina guiding the viewer through Burbank TV, it creates a unique experience.”

The Genesis Collection, offers us a look at the Armadale, the Fairhaven and the Essex. The Salisbury, the Violet and the Essence are covered in the Complete Collection. The Ideal Collection is represented by the Stoneleigh, the Rochester and the Monash while the Future Collection showcases the Generation, the Evolution and the Revolution.

BurbankTV is a first for the building industry so once again, Burbank proves to reach above and beyond expectations. Check it out online, or get hold of the DVD from one of our display centres.

BurbankTV Multimedia Magic

Water Smart Gardening Techniques

With most of the country continuing to experience some level of water restriction, it seems water conservation will once again be top of mind in Australia. If you choose your plants wisely and water properly you can still maintain a beautiful garden – here are some tips:

Host - Nina Egan

BURBANK VIEWS 09

• Choosenative,droughtresistant plant species – you’ll save on water and assist with the propagation of Australia’s unique flora.

• Wateryourplantsattheirroot system (not their leaves) and do so less frequently but for a longer period. This will encourage the growth of healthy plants with deep roots.

• Installarainwatertank;withatank you can water your garden or wash your car at any time.

• Giveyourgardenamakeover. For example, reduce the amount of grassed area with some hardscaping – paving, decking, gravel and stone beds – they don’t need watering.

• Useawater-efficienthosenozzleranging from a high-pressure jet stream to a fine mist spray which allows you to control the water output. To avoid leaks don’t forget to turn the water supply off at the tap when you’re finished.

• Collectedrainwaterprovidesfreedom to water your garden or wash the family cars, despite current water restrictions.

Sources: www.bhg.com.au // www.sgaonline.org.au // www.watercorporation.com.au

Job description: Display Facilitator

Years/monthswithBurbank: 3 years

Daily job involves: Taking care of the display program from streetscape to opening. Logistics – making sure things get done and raising variation orders when necessary.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A Fashion Designer – in fact, I went on to study fashion and worked in a clothes factory. When I saw first-hand what was a competitive, cut-throat environment the fashion industry was, I realised it wasn’t for me.

What brought you to Burbank? I went into office work then managed a screen printing room for a supermarket. When I turned 30 and my children were at kinder and school, I decided to return to study. I had always loved graphics at school so drafting seemed a good choice.

A talent you wish you had? To play the piano. I had one as a child and would like to get back to some lessons to play it well.

Stuck in a musical decade? I love the 70s and 80s but I love most kinds of music.

Favourite movie: Suddenly 30 – it’s about the decisions we make and how they might have changed only if...

If you were a cartoon character who would you be? Daisy Duck or maybe Minnie Mouse.

If you were a bird, what would you be? A wren.

Are you bright as a button in the morning or a chirpy cricket at night? I’m the chirpy cricket.

Family life? Two wonderful boys, aged 11 and 14.

Favourite sport? Is ten-pin bowling considered a sport?

Getting to Know You – Staff Profile

Lorna GaleaHobbies/Interests: Any kind of dancing – I used to take Salsa lessons.

Lounging in front of the telly - what are you watching? Find my Family or Survivor

Or are you reading a book? I love biographies and autobiographies.

4 People at a dinner party - who would they be? My mum, Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey and the Dalai Lama

Time to take the perfect break - with friends or alone? I mostly love being with people.

Where would you go? I love the city and natural spaces. The best place would probably be the beach.

Where does your energy come from? My children. Taking them to the theatre and seeing the looks on their faces – that makes me smile.

BURBANK VIEWS 10

Reflections Opening

Lifestyle is high on the agenda at Reflections, complementing the growing community are plans for fitness trails and resting spaces throughout almost 9 hectares of wetlands.

The family day saw an over-zealous sun – perhaps too many of us had asked Mother Nature for dry weather. Thankfully, there were plenty of sausages on the BBQ and refreshments to keep us cool!

The kids enjoyed face painting, a petting zoo full of fluffy baby animals as well as Daisy the clown who kept everyone entertained with hoola-hoops and balloon animals.

This dynamic estate will potentially attract interest for many reasons. A 30 minute drive takes you into Melbourne’s CBD. First home buyers looking for a well-connected community to call home won’t be disappointed and for those seeking their second or third home there are some great practical examples on how today’s designs tune in to a growing family’s needs. Perhaps it’s time to look into energy efficiency as a long-term priority.

The striking stand-out feature encompassing Burbank’s presence at Reflections was how its selection of homes on display illustrate what Burbank has always aimed to achieve – a range of homes to reflect every lifestyle choice and budget.

Have a look for yourself at Reflections Blvd, Tarneit (Mel Ref 202 E5) Open Monday to Friday 12pm-5pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm

Contact Burbank on 13 BURBANK (13 2872) Visit www.reflectionsestate.com.au

Darwin 2700

Burbank displays at Reflections Estate, TarneitStephen Copland, General Manager, Reflections

Revolution MkII 2880

Barrington 3100

BURBANK VIEWS 11

Representing the Genesis Collection is the Lenton. Ideal for the first home buyer, investor or empty nester, this three-bedroom home allows for shared and private space as well as an option to convert the study to a fourth bedroom.

The Darwin and Revolution MKII are designs representing the Future Collection and you will be pleasantly surprised how effortlessly style, sustainability and affordability go hand in hand here.

The Complete Collection offers you everything you need in one package with a streamlined building experience. A great example of space used cleverly, the Corbould gives you a ‘home away from home’ feel, while the theatre room in the Ashton will have you reaching for the popcorn.

The Barrington, a new design release from the Ideal Collection, is comfortable, practical beauty with independent walk-in robes and vanities created for each bedroom – a definite plus if you have a family of teens.

Burbank showcased homes from each of its four collections.

Lenton 2100

Ashton 3200

Corbould 2300

Staff Report

Troy CampbellTroy, Managing Director of Burbank Plumbing for 10 years, mentioned his most memorable time was the Mount Buffalo renovations. Upon reflection of the past ten years, Troy had this to say:

“It’s pretty satisfying looking back, and comparing the Burbank Group back then to as it is now. From the high focus on medium density building in Maribyrnong and Kensington, to becoming one ofthetop5volumebuildersintheState;aswellasthegrowthwithintheGroup,withBurbankElectrical coming on board followed by National Pacific Finance and National Pacific Properties. It’s been quite a decade.” Troy said.

“Throughout Burbank’s continual improvement I’ve been able to work with some exceptional people in a diverse area across the Group, something that’s not always available at other firms.”

David BorgDavid Borg remembers his initial appointment at Burbank as Office Manager in its Slough Road, Altona offices when staff numbers were about 15.

As often occurs in growing businesses, there are a number of ‘hats’ to wear - in many cases - at the same time. Over the years, David’s ‘hats’ have included Building Manager, Purchasing Manager, ColourStudioManager,OfficeandDesign&DraftingManager.

“As The Eddies’ vision has always been focused on growing the company and moving upwards, we did exactly that,” says David. “This meant focusing our efforts outside of the Medium Density sites we had become accustomed to and redirecting it more into the volume detached housing market. As a company, we purchased sites across Melbourne within a matter of a couple of years and grew our display program to what it is today with over 20 display centres and 70+ homes to see.”

The numerous awards and partnerships gained during this period give David a great deal of pride and satisfaction in Burbank.

BURBANK VIEWS 12

Congratulations to David Borg and Troy Campbell who celebrate 10 years with Burbank in November this year.

Troy Campbell

David Dusting Drafting DepartmentKaiser-Jane Williams Drafting DepartmentTrevor Jacobsen Sales TeamGeoffery Mann Denton MillsKirra Steele Warranty DepartmentNicole Warren Contracts AdministrationNicky Krulz Reception TeamGary Mc Lean Construction

Also new to Burbank are:

“I was also fortunate enough to be involved with the design and development of our current Corporate Offices and Business Park at 36 Aberdeen Rd for which we won the award for ‘Best Commercial Building Project over $1,000,000’. Being able to walk across from our old offices and see it come out of the ground from concept to actuality, with all our detailing and ideas coming together was a real joy. Even today, it is a signature building for the area where local council still refer new developers to encourage them to achieve similar results on their own developments,” he said.

David’s latest appointment came about late last year when he assumed the role of ‘Director of Sales’ with a position on Burbank’s Board of Directors. It is easy to see where he draws his motivation: “I guess looking back I have seen and been a part of sowing the seeds at Burbank and how they have flourished into this huge tree with branches sprouting everywhere. The next step is to multiply and manage a forest of trees!”

DeparturesLeaving Burbank was Mal Andrews who had been with Burbank for the last 5½ years. TheBurbankConstructionteamisoneofthebestinourindustry;thisisthankslargelyto Mal and the team he had created. Burbank wishes Mal every success in his new role as General Manager for a building company and are pleased to announce that Malcolm Watson has been appointed to the position of Building Manager (Detached Housing) taking over from Mal Andrews. We are confident that Malcolm will carry on the team’s success in a role which is arguably one of the toughest in the company.

BURBANK VIEWS 13

Welcome to all!

David Borg

Chris Nash Denton MillsTroy Kelberg ConstructionHani Yako Estimating DepartmentStephen Harris Denton MillsWally Kruljac ConstructionBen Mangion Drafting DepartmentNicole Vandersluys Marketing Department

BURBANK VIEWS 14

The Global Corporate Challenge 2008 ran over a four-month period, where registered teams were given pedometers to record their daily steps. These steps were converted to kilometres used to ‘walk’ a virtual tour of the world.

Each individual in the Burbank team accomplished a personal daily average of over 10,000 steps over 125 days – a great example to everyone advocating healthy living. Lorna Galea, Display Facilitator, suggested the challenge encouraged each participant to set their own goals.

“A few of us have made 1 million steps which is a great milestone. We are quite pleased about the extra effort everyone has made to achieve a little more than they are used to,” Lorna said.

“Our biggest challenge was on weekends when our physical steps were lower but this year certainly sets a benchmark for next year.”

Patricia Scarpuzza, New Homes Coordinator, suggested her walking habit won’t stop at the end of the challenge.

“Being in GCC2008 was a great motivation for me, it gave me a reason to continue walking and trying to build up my steps,” Patricia said.

As the Burbank Team, they walked almost 9 million steps – their steps reducing our carbon

footprint by 215kg of CO2 – in an environmentally aware company that ‘builds lifestyles’, these dedicated amblers have certainly enforced the Burbank image.

Then, there is the big picture – participants of the GCC 2008 walked a total of 61,655,881,810 steps – the resulting carbon abatement – a staggering 1,477, 737kg.

Funds raised as a result of the challenge supported Heart Disease and Diabetes Prevention research as well as the Footprint Initiative, helping Rotary International to provide clean drinking water to communities in the easternmost Honduran state of Gracios a Dios, also supporting the orphaned children of The Iganga Babies Home in Uganda as well as assisting The Burnett Institute in its efforts to battle Measles, an unnecessary yet indiscriminate killer of children in Papua New Guinea.

Well done Ruth Franks, Lorna Galea, Sue Lawler, Jacqui Mallia, Amanda Marson, Petra Inkster, Patricia Scarpuzza and Kaye Fechner for your great example in making both our workplace and world a better place.

Best Feet Put Forward - Global Corporate Challenge

A fantastic effort was made by our mighty team of walkers in the Global Corporate Challenge. They started their walk on 22 May, 2008 to raise funds and awareness of health and wellbeing in the workplace, prevention of disease and environmental consciousness. Their success can be measured on three levels having accomplished their goals personally, collectively and globally.

BURBANK VIEWS 15

As you may know, the Smith Family supports financially disadvantaged children with strategies to offer personal and educational support.

Both Eddie and Sam achieved their personal best performances during this year’s clockwise and anti-clockwise 200km Sorento-Melbourne-Sorento ride - a tremendous effort respectfully acknowledged by the Burbank couch potatoes.

While both riders admitted a ‘love-hate’ relationship with their bikes after a long ride, Sam assured us that ‘his bike’ needed a little rest but he’ll most likely do a lot of smaller organised rides between now and the next big event.

What was the initial inspiration that encouraged you to take part?

Eddie – My son Paul pushed me into it initially! Paul was unable to participate this year unfortunately, but I’ve been happy to keep going.

Sam – Team building, keeping fit, personal challenge and achievement.

Will you do it all again?

Eddie – Sam and I are holding up the team this year. We are hoping we’ll have a bigger participation next year.

Sam – Most likely yes, I am crazy after all, although I plan to do a lot of other smaller organized rides between now and the next big day to get me into it again.

Any tips for cyclists considering the possibility of following in your ‘tracks’?

Eddie – Be dedicated and be prepared to be hard on yourself. It helps to develop your will to complete tasks. You can see a lot from the perspective of a bike that can easily be missed when you are driving.

Sam – It’s a good team building and social activity, and there are different rides for people of different levels of fitness, from 40km, 80km, 100km, 200km, 210km, and 250km, preparation required is as much time as you can spend in the saddle, but ultimately your level of fitness will determine which route to go for, but it’s always good to go beyond your level of comfort. For a beginner the Sorrento to Melbourne is a good 100km ride.

Eddie Puhar’s fitness regime includes a minimum 60km bike ride and 4 RPM gym sessions each week . The importance of the family, work and exercise balance ranks high on Eddie’s agenda.

“I enjoy sailing and I played and coached football for 36 years.” Eddie said, “I no longer play but my heart is still in it.”

Indeed, Burbank’s community support is well recognized by the local community football associations. Western Jets Region Manager Shane Sexton commended the Burbank Group of Companies who, along with the City of Hobson’s Bay, AFL Victoria, Williamstown FC, Altona North CC, have helped to develop the club’s permanent training venue.

“All of the stakeholder’s have recognized the importance of supporting the young people in the Western Suburbs.” Sexton said.

It was the third time both Eddie and Sam had taken on the Around the Bay in a Day Challenge in the last three years.

“Sorrento has an abundance of atmosphere and the day’s cooler temperature made cycling much more enjoyable.” Eddie said.

Around the Bay in 7.5 Hours

Congratulations to Eddie Puhar

& Sam Failla on successfully

completing the Around the

Bay in a Day Challenge. They

were two of over 16,000 riders

raising money and awareness

for The Smith Family and

demonstrating Burbank’s

mission statement, ‘working

together to build lifestyles’.

Sam Failla

Burbank Business Park Aberdeen Road Altona Vic 3018 Australia Burbank Australia Pty Ltd ABN 91 007 099 872t +613 9328 0333 f +613 9328 0222 e build@burbank.com.au w www.burbank.com.au

CRACKING THE MARKET: Tips for First Home Buyers

Tip #1: Budget

First up, get to grips with your monthly incomings and outgoings - if you can develop and stick to a budget you’ll be better placed to factor a home loan into your life. Consider if, and where, you need to cut back to cater for mortgage repayments and consider what impact this may have on your lifestyle.

Tip #2: Save

Aside from a deposit, home buyers are faced with a string of costs including legal fees, stamp duty and moving bills - just to name a few. Start a dedicated slush fund early so when it comes to settlement you won’t be caught short.

Tip #3: Get Educated

Knowledge is power, so the more you know about the type of loan you need, the better equipped you’ll be to find the right product for your situation. Consider how quickly you want to repay your mortgage and whether you’d like to fix your interest rate or would like some flexibility. While most information is easily available on the Internet, your mortgage broker is well positioned to answer any questions you may have.

Tip #4: Obtain a Pre-approval

Having a pre-approved home loan enables you to realistically look for a property in your price range. It also gives you power to bid for a house or put in an offer as soon as you see it - rather than risk missing out on it should you delay.

Tip #5: Get a Good Team

Having a mortgage broker on hand is essential for finding the most appropriate mortgage for you. Your broker has access to the leading loans and can really track down products which suit your circumstances. It’s also important to seek sound legal advice, gain an understanding of the government grants and incentives, as well as ascertain a feel for where interest rates are heading. With the aid of a mortgage broker and other relevant professionals, you’ll be much better placed to make your first home buying experience a positive one.

Even in today’s tight market first home buyers can still beat the rental trap – you’ve just got to be smart about it! With the price of the average home soaring and spiralling rentals cutting into after tax dollars, most would-be home buyers feel like the odds are stacked against them when it comes to purchasing a home. Despite some obstacles, however, buying your first home is still possible. All it takes is a little time, mortgage know-how and the commitment to manage your finances. And burbank can offer this.