Verity gets her hands dirty

Mid-morning customers at Mano Espresso in Glebe were in for something of a surprise last Friday, when they found their cappuccinos being delivered by Balmain MP Verity Firth. Had the incessant demands of various community groups finally proved too much for even Ms Firth’s mettle?

In fact, the local member was rolling up her sleeves as part of the ‘Pollies for Small Business’ campaign, which aims to give MPs an idea of what life is like at the community coalface. Launched in 2001, the program has since expanded to also encompass federal politicians. It aims to help small businesses raise concerns with their local MP, and facilitate a better understanding of the role politics plays in business.

Tino Pangallo, the proprietor of Mano Espresso, said trading conditions had remained surprisingly good in recent months, despite the overall glum economic picture. “We’ve been here 12 months and it’s funny how it operates – there hasn’t been a significant downturn, quite the opposite actually,” he said. “More coffee and food sales – there’s been more passing trade. It’s been a positive being here in Glebe – they’re modernising and refurbishing it, cleaning the streets and footpaths.”

He noted, however, that parking remained a deterrent for lengthier stays. “I think the only big issue is, people are being drawn in, but they’re not staying, due to parking. They’re not being drawn in to stay, they just do what they have to and leave.”

Ms Firth said Glebe had had its ups and downs over the years, but was upbeat on the outlook for the area. “It’s a fantastic example of strip shopping – heritage buildings, dress shops, cafés, restaurants and so on,” she said. “We’ve had issues recently with the roadworks – that was a real issue when they were going on. It is hard times for everyone, but it’s pumping now.”