By Benjamin Millar
A Footscray real estate agency is proudly flying the flag for the suburb’s history of colourful characters.
The late Bulldogs legend Ted Whitten and restaurateur Jimmy Wong are joined by furniture king Franco Cozzo and Turkish community leader Mehmet Balikel in being honoured by four flags flying over the Footscray office of Sweeney real estate.
Sweeney Footscray director Tracey Dean said the idea was to take advantage of the prominent Barkly Street site to recognise iconic people in the western suburbs who have been influential in the local community.
Ms Dean said she mentioned the idea to Mr Cozzo a few months ago and he jumped at the chance to be involved.
There was also no trouble convincing the late Jimmy Wong’s family to also take part.
“Everyone knows Jimmy Wong in the local area,” Ms Dean said.
“Jimmy and my husband did a lot of charity things together, I went and saw [his wife] Maryanne and she said no problem.”
Ms Dean said as a big fan of the Bulldogs there was no hesitation in choosing Teddy Whitten.
Mehmet Balikel, a Turkish community leader and prominent local identity, rounded out the four.
“I love the idea of featuring these significant figures from the area like this,” Ms Dean said.
The flags have already attracted much attention, drawing people into the office to talk about their memories of those featured.
“We are looking to keep them up for three or four months,” Ms Dean said.
“We are also keen for ideas for other flags going forward if anyone wants to drop in with an idea.”
