<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>327894</docID> <postdate>2024-08-29 12:27:04</postdate> <headline>The northside hubs rich in selection and choice</headline> <body><p><span class="kicker-line" style="font-weight: 400;">In this feature CityNews showcases some of the top, expert businesses operating in the two northside commercial hubs of Mitchell and Gungahlin.</span></p> <p class="p1"><b>For a long time, the suburb of Mitchell was seen as a home for industrial businesses.</b></p> <p class="p1">Mostly it still is. But now, weaving in between the industrial experts of the region are other businesses such as cafes, accounting firms, gyms, clothing stores and physiotherapists.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">The suburb was named after Maj Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, surveyor-general and explorer of NSW, and all its streets are named after Australian industrialists.</p> <p class="p1">Nearby is Gungahlin, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Gungahlin is one of the original 18 districts of the ACT used in land administration.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Whether it’s landscaping, IT, finance, home items or just some recreation, the businesses in Gungahlin have a variety of services to choose from.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-319087" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Canberra-Memorial-Park.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Canberra Memorial Park.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>Beautiful resting places for loved ones</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Canberra Memorial Parks (CMP) operates three cemeteries across the ACT, says CEO Kerry McMurray.</p> <p class="p2">These include Woden, Gungahlin and Hall, with a mausoleum at Woden, and the only public crematorium in Gungahlin, which he says includes a viewing room to hold small services and meet the specific needs of cultural and religious groups.</p> <p class="p2">There is also a natural burial area at Gungahlin, which Kerry says provides the community with an option to conduct an environmentally friendly service in a natural bushland setting.</p> <p class="p2">“There are three key factors that make CMP standout,†says Kerry.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“Firstly, and most importantly, it is the dedication and commitment of all staff to providing a professional, empathetic, and compassionate service to all our families, in what is the most challenging time for many of them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“The next is the high standard that the grounds and surrounds are maintained, to provide an environment that provides a picturesque landscape for families to honour the life of their loved one.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“Each service we provide for is done with an eye of detail and a commitment to meet the needs of each family.â€</p> <p class="p2">Kerry says CMP is also investing in the construction of an architecturally designed new memorial hall and condolence lounge at Gungahlin Cemetery, to provide enhanced services to the community.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">They are also investing in the establishment of an Ash Memorialisation Garden parkland, which Kerry says will offer the community a range of new and bespoke options to celebrate and memorialise the life of their loved one.</p> <p class="p1"><i>Canberra Memorial Parks, call 6207 0000 or visit <a href="http://canberramemorialparks.act.gov.au">canberramemorialparks.act.gov.au</a></i></p> <p><img class="size-full wp-image-327903" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gungahlin-Lakes.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="401" /></p> <caption>Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>Club’s a ‘hole-in-one’ for dining</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club, is the jewel of North Canberra and the heart of Gungahlin, says marketing manager, Tori Heron.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“Nestled amid picturesque natural surroundings, our club offers a serene and private setting that transforms any event into an unforgettable experience,†she says.</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“Even when dining, you can enjoy a floor-to-ceiling view.â€</span></p> <p class="p2">Gungahlin Lakes is a drawcard for the Canberra community, says Tori, with a world-class golf course and an expert team of staff.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">She says the facility is open year-round, and has seasonal menu changes to accommodate variety and affordability, making it the perfect place to spend time, no matter the weather.</p> <p class="p2">There is also an array of locally produced beer and wine on offer, and Tori says there is no shortage of entertainment, with Unplugged Sundays providing the chance to enjoy live music sessions, and themed trivia nights the whole family will love.</p> <p class="p2">Then there’s live sport on the big screen, and the annual celebrations of Anzac Day, Spring Carnival and Christmas, she says.</p> <p class="p2">“Gungahlin Lakes is a true hole-in-one, perfectly complemented by ample free parking, friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere,†says Tori.</p> <p class="p1"><i>Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club, 110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls. Call 6242 6283 or visit <a href="http://ainsliegroup.com.au">ainsliegroup.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-327902" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Jax-Tyres-Mitchell.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Jax Tyres Mitchell.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>All about the customer experience</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">JAX Tyres & Auto Mitchell carries the best brands in the world to make sure they can always provide the safest tyres, and best customer experience possible, says franchise owner Hamilton Pohla-Murray.</p> <p class="p2">“We like putting the best tyres on people’s cars because it’s people’s lives we’re dealing with,†he says.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“But of course, it’s also budget dependent, some people want the best value for money and I understand that there are different demographics in buyers.</p> <p class="p2">“Whether it is bare necessities or the hot-up drag car, we want to put the safest tyres, and for the best price that we can.â€</p> <p class="p2">Hamilton says they also offer complimentary safety inspections.</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“We like to make sure customers know what’s going on with their cars, if brake pads are low, or shock absorbers are leaking, or there is something that’s defective that could cause injury or a lack of safety,†he says.</span></p> <p class="p2">“That’s a great thing about having not just a tyre workshop, but tyres and mechanics.</p> <p class="p2">“It’s a thriving workshop and we look forward to servicing all of our customers.â€</p> <p class="p2">JAX Tyres & Auto Mitchell has been operating since the ‘90s, says Hamilton, and while he only took over as franchise owner this year, he says he is dedicated to maintaining its reputation as always prioritising the customer’s experience.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1"><i>JAX Tyres & Auto, 10-12 Winchcombe Court, Mitchell. Call 6241 8586 or visit <a href="http://jaxtyres.com.au">jaxtyres.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-327900" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Wholistic-Financial-Solutions-Directors-Chris-McGuigan-left-and-Michael-Johnson.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Wholistic Financial Solutions directors Chris McGuigan, left, and Michael Johnson.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>Teamwork makes the financial dream work</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Wholistic Financial Solutions (WFS) is proudly locally owned by Michael Johnson and Chris McGuigan, and this week the two directors are moving into their new office on Flemington Road, Mitchell.</p> <p class="p2">Chris and Michael say they have been successfully operating in Canberra for more than 20 years, and together bring more than 50 years of experience in accounting across public practice and various industries.</p> <p class="p2">“With a focus on integrity and excellence, we aim to build lasting partnerships and deliver unparalleled financial expertise,†they say.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“We believe that by empowering our clients with the knowledge and resources they need, we can contribute to their long-term financial security and prosperity.â€</span></p> <p class="p2">Chris says the difference between WFS and other financial services lies in their dedication to establishing strong relationships with clients, enabling them to fully understand and meet all their financial needs.</p> <p class="p2">“When you choose WFS, you’re not just getting an accountant or business manager – you’re getting a partner who is invested in your success,†Michael says.</p> <p class="p2">“We take the time to understand your goals, challenges and aspirations, and we’re always here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.â€</p> <p class="p2">Chris and Michael believe that excellence in service is a team effort, with both of them taking pride in the fact that the entire WFS team shares these core values and qualities.</p> <p class="p1"><i>Wholistic Financial Solutions, 5/133 Flemington Road, Mitchell. Call 6162 4546 or visit <a href="http://wfscanberra.com.au">wfscanberra.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-327901" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Karate-Canberra-Cummings.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Karate Canberra - Kodokan Cummings Karate Dojo.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>Traditional martial arts for the modern world</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">When Reece Cummings, owner of Karate Canberra – Kodokan Cummings Karate Dojo moved to Canberra 15 years ago, he established the dojo with the intention of it being a small, not-for-profit, training group.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">Over the years, it has grown, but he says the sense of community has stayed the same.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“We remained a not-for-profit because the essence of what we do is community,†he says.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“So whilst we have 300 students and we operate at a commercial facility, the money that is generated is for the benefit of its members.â€</p> <p class="p2">This sense of community is what keeps Reece driven, he says.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“The people I have met through martial arts, whether it’s been my own school or whether it’s been in other schools, that network really keeps me going,†he says.</p> <p class="p2">“And the fact that you can see the difference that it makes, not only in children, but in adults as well, in their building of resilience.â€</p> <p class="p2">Reece says the karate that they practise is one of the oldest styles, and is founded in discipline, self-confidence, respect and courtesy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“These traditional values, mental as well as physical, still apply today,†he says.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“The way we approach karate is, the skills that we learn in the dojo, those traditional skills, can still be applied at school, at home or in the workplace today.â€</p> <p class="p1"><i>Karate Canberra - Kodokan Cummings Karate Dojo, 3/36 Sandford Street, Mitchell. Call 0429 392785 or visit <a href="http://karatecanberra.com.au">karatecanberra.com.au</a></i></p> </body>