Blokes
LOTE TUQIRI
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Lote has loved Balmain since 2004 although it is playing for West Tigers that really makes him a Balmain Bloke. Lote attracts local attention just walking down Darling Street but he says it is on game day that he really feels the community spirit. He loves living in the suburbs he plays for especially one with such a local following. Lote believes his kids will benefit from growing up in the melting pot of people that is Balmain. He also says ‘Balmain is great, you never have to leave’.... Go the Tigers!
DAMIEN SILK
‘After the airforce my dad bought a pub in the Blue Mountains and he taught me all the good things I know about running the pub,’ says Damien. It is here that have seen his best and worst memories. He recalls ‘The best had to be sharing a pint of Guinness with Bono in the front bar and talking for hours about nothing, and the worst, losing a bet with the English lads in the Rugby World Cup final and having to sing ‘Swing Low Sweet.....’ (you know how it goes) on the bar in full English regalia to a packed audience. Balmain’s love of pubs has always been here and the new generations continue to embrace it. Cliche? I know but it’s a fantastic melting pot of people. With the European expats to the old school Balmanians makes for interesting debates on everything from politics to religion, sport to endless statistics. I think being a publican takes the word diplomacy to a new level. One day I’m sure NATO will give me a call for a position’.
MATTHEW HAYSON
Matt Hayson has been through more Balmain doors than most. It was Real Estate that first brought him to the area but he says it is the community spirit and village vibe that has kept him here so long and of course, marrying a Balmain girl. The past year has been full of excitement as Danny and Matt invested in a fantastic new home for Cobden & Hayson and they have been overwhelmed with the amount of local support and interest in their ventures. They strongly believe in the importance of local business and community hence their many local sponsorships. This year they are extremely pleased to be the foundation sponsor for Balmain Junior Rugby.
ANTHONY & ALBERT BERTONI
Albert and Anthony are the ‘Italian Stallions’ who own and manage four Bertoni cafe?s, the original being on Darling Street Balmain. Both the brothers are self-confessed ‘coffee freaks’ and wanted to share their passion with the Balmain community whilst living locally. The iconic ‘crate seats’ came about by the customers of Bertoni’s... after milk deliveries, they were discarded at the door and the patrons would use the crates when seating was limited at busy times. Anyone who has ever been to the cafe?s would agree that it is always a very friendly and personable experience with an energetic and uplifting atmosphere. You can always count on the Bertoni Boys to be there working ‘hands on’ in their business. They see Balmain as a very caring suburb, with a strong community spirit whereby even the homeless are looked after by the locals. Other than managing the business they both love the fine things in life: family time, eating and no doubt drinking good coffee!
GLEN FOX
You may have seen Glen walking his Staffy, Ruby, at Birchgrove Oval or taking her for a swim at Snails Bay, which he does most days. Glen loves Balmain for the food and bars mostly... his two ‘vices’. He has wanted to open a small wine bar in the area for the past 10 years. Now with the new licensing laws his dream has come true. Vice Wine bar (hence the name) opened in March 2011. Vice serves a fantastic selection of Aussie wines, as Glen believes local Australian wines are an excellent product. He will also be starting wine maker events this year and hopes to see many Balmain locals attend. Come and enjoy a delicious meal in the calm atmosphere that is Vice Wine Bar.
DANNY TALBOT
Danny loves Balmain. He feels a strong sense of home here and makes use of many of the areas main attractions and watering holes. He relocated his business Talbot’s Creative Colours here 3 years ago and is literally changing the facades of Balmain one building at a time. Call him for a free quote or a laugh over dinner.
RED
Red has lived in Balmain for around 4 years and worked at The London Hotel for over 3 years. What he likes best about Balmain is that it is a very local area. He loves seeing the same people regularly as well as many new faces. London’s balcony in the afternoons is a favourite and everyone has a smile of their face there. Balmain is a fun upbeat suburb with lots of things to do for all ages. It has to be said... ’It’s the best in Sydney for dining and drinks with friends’. ‘I’m just happy to take part in Balmain Blokes to help the people of Queensland get back on their feet and start to re-build their lives. Thanks to Danny for making this all possible’.
ADRIANO ZUMBO
Adriano Zumbo is no ordinary patissier. His creations elicit admiration from critics and the public alike and for good reason; they’re unique in concept and execution – quite simply, you won’t find anything else quite like it in Australia. Adriano not only has his 2 stores in Balmain he also lives here. He loves the people and the food culture. If he is not up to his elbows in flour you might see him at The Exchange Hotel having a beer.
MUSTANG GEORGE
George took inspiration from his brother who he looked up to. He was also a mechanic. George started his apprenticeship in 1985 to repair motor vehicles. 26 years on after starting his business in Balmain in 2003, George now has a second workshop where he works with his business partner John Chellos building Ford Mustangs with a twist with today’s technology. He sees the most rewarding aspect of his job being the customer service and in knowing they can trust him and in turn have developed strong friendships. If he could be a transformer he would be the Camero (bubble bee)!!
STEVE BISLEY
We may all know him for his role as Detective Jack Christie in Water Rats, but when Steve is not busily in front or behind the camera he is a very dedicated father to his 6 beautiful children and relishes an outbound motorbike trip to cut loose. He is currently doing publicity for a new feature film and about to do an Australia wide Theatre Tour of ‘The Sum of Us”. He attacks life living with the mantra that he is ‘responsible for my own actions and not the actions of others’.
TIM CONDON
Tim has lived in and around the Balmain area for 15 years with his wonderful wife, Tania and 3 year old tear away of a son, Tommy. He has been associated with hotels for years including being the licensee of The 3 Weeds, Cat & Fiddle, and The Riverview Hotel. ‘I love the pub and cafe? culture of Balmain and the down to earth and often bohemian nature of its residents he says.
‘It has everything the eastern suburbs has just without the wank’. Favourite Balmain spots are the Riverview Hotel’s public bar (of course), for the best craft beer, The Castle in Mansfield Street for honest cafe? food, True Religion for a great coffee and Dawn Fraser Pool on a hot summers day.
