Queanbeyan’s economy is based on light construction, manufacturing, retail and agriculture but this continues to grow, with a variety of other businesses settling in the region such as art organisations. This is a sponsored post. 

QUEANBEYAN, which started as a squattage, held by ex-convict and inn keeper Timothy Beard, pre-1838, is now one of the fastest growing inland cities in NSW, according to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council. 

It became a township in 1838 when there were about 50 people in the town, and more recently has grown to a population of almost 60,000, according to the 2016 Census. 

Queanbeyan’s economy is based on light construction, manufacturing, retail and agriculture but this continues to grow, with a variety of other businesses settling in the region such as art organisations. 

Locals keep Darren’s steel company moving 

WHEN it comes to keeping the business going, the Independent Steel Company always keeps it local, says director Darren Tredgold.

For more than two decades, Independent Steel Company has based its steel distribution and agricultural supply business out of Endurance Street in Queanbeyan East.

It can take a lot to keep a business like Independent Steel Company moving, but Darren says when it comes to buying their cars, trucks or other machinery, they always like to support local Queanbeyan businesses.

“For services we buy for our business we always try to buy local,” says Darren.

The Independent Steel Company is the only supplier that provides necessities for local farmers in the region such as loading ramps and hay feeders, and without their business many would have to travel as far as Wagga Wagga, says Darren.

The business also supports the local community through sponsorships, and for more than five years has sponsored local rugby team the Queanbeyan Whites and nearby bar and restaurant Campbell and George, according to Darren. 

“A lot of customers are local in this area and we feel that they support us so we support them,” says Darren.

And, Darren says they particularly support Yass Road takeaway, which has become a staple of the team’s diet!

Independent Steel Company, 27 Endurance Avenue. Call 6298 4999 or email sales@independentsteelcompany.com.au

Traditional tile finishes make a comeback 

TILE trends have turned to warmer colours and textures blended with classic chevron, herringbone and encaustic looks, says Rivoland Tiles general manager James Hibberson.

“Finishes often seen as traditional are making a comeback, with reinvigorated style and colour,” he says.

“Terrazzo and marble styles are available with so many great options and attributes that they can work with almost any space.”

With showrooms and trade stores in Queanbeyan and Mitchell, the flagship store in central Queanbeyan sits across from a beautiful park, close to cafes, restaurants and shops, servicing people from regional NSW and the coast, James says. 

He says Rivoland Tiles is a proud family-owned business, built on a strong ethic of customer service and product choice. 

“We’re one of the largest stockists on the east coast importing unique and exclusive products from Italy, Spain and China, allowing our customers the best choice and competitive prices,” he says. 

“If customers have found something they like online, ask us about it. We’re more than happy to help them source that perfect tile.

“Our customers make what we do, what we love to do. Working on all aspects of tiling from repairing a sill tile to supplying developments, no two days are ever the same. 

“Best of all, the people of Queanbeyan are great.”

Rivoland Tiles, 100 Crawford Street. Call 6297 4510 or visit rivoland.com.au

Innovative ideas for any metal project

FROM a custom gasket for a rare engine to a screening system for a home landscaping project, bespoke metal fabrication company Innovative Metalworx has a range of products available, but can also bring customers’ own ideas into reality, says owner Cheryl Moulden. 

“We’re a hands-on team that quickly brought to life our vision to be the region’s number one sheet metal fabrication specialists,” says Cheryl, who started the business in 2014 after years working in the residential building industry. 

“We have a team of highly skilled experts in metal fabrication and can create items in raw-finish steel, powder-coated steel in the clients’ choice of colour, stainless steel and Corten steel.”

Innovative Metalworx’s range of products include precision laser cutter and sheet metal fabrication, a metal bending and cutting service, metal roofing, fascia and gutter, arbours, pergolas and carports, privacy screens, gates and fencing, balustrade and handrails, bespoke signage, custom-made letterboxes, unique hand-cut fireballs, custom-made car parts and Corten garden edges.

“The Corten steel edging is a weathered steel product that needs no painting and develops an on-trend ‘rusted’ exterior that complements the latest outdoor designs and goes perfectly with more traditional gardens as well,” she says. 

“We can manage the production of specialised componentry and custom laser-cut steel to any exact specifications.”

Innovative Metalworx, Unit 1, 43 Aurora Avenue. Call 6232 9207 or visit innovativemetalworx.com.au

From concepts to building quality dream homes 

BORDEAUX Construction and Management doesn’t shy away from complex renovations, extensions or “knock-down rebuilds”, says project manager Michael Milutinovic.

No matter what an existing home or block looks like, Michael says the family-run business will work with clients from the initial concept stages all the way through to building them a dream home. 

“Everything we deliver is a high-quality product that we can stand by for the long term because our reputation and our clients’ needs are very important to us,” he says.

And, Michael says that’s the case for any project, whether it’s from scratch or refreshing a home with a renovation or extensions. 

With any home extension, he says they work with clients from the start to understand the vision they have in mind and then work with them step-by-step from the beginning to handover.   

“We provide an obligation-free initial consultation which covers initial design and costs,” says Michael, who holds an unrestricted, “A”-class builder’s licence and has more than 14 years’ experience in the construction industry in Canberra and Sydney.

When families outgrow their home but don’t want to move, Michael says Bordeaux Construction and Management can offer professional extension solutions for areas including new sunrooms, master suites and ensuites. 

“We have worked with clients to open up their living spaces,” he says.

“Our ultimate goal is always constructing their dream project at the highest quality possible.”  

Bordeaux Construction and Management, 8 Aurora Place. Call 6299 4642 or visit bordeauxbcm.com.au

Society fills a need for all artists

WITH a focus on giving artists more exposure and the chance to sell their work, the Queanbeyan Art Society hosts 11 monthly exhibitions per year, competitions and a range of art classes, says president Barry Cranston.

“We’re a working gallery, and give artists more exposure and competition than any other society in the region,” he says. 

“Our membership is rising all the time, with members from Canberra, Queanbeyan, the surrounding region and down the coast. We’re proving a need for this for all forms of artists.”

Barry says the society has already set the program of exhibitions for 2021, with the exhibitions available to be viewed online because of covid. 

“Some are competitions that are open to everyone and others are members only,” he says. 

Barry says the gallery is open on weekdays and weekends, with art classes held on weekdays, weekends and evenings. 

“The classes cover all mediums and some specialise in a particular subject matter, with a relaxed and supportive environment. Students of all levels are welcome,” he says.

The Queanbeyan Art Society is located in the historical O’Neill’s Cottage, which was built near the banks of the Queanbeyan River in 1880.

Queanbeyan Art Society, 6 Trinculo Place. Call 0439 392709 or visit qasarts.org

Taking the stress out of moving

HAVING started House to Home more than 10 years ago, long-time friends and co-owners Deborah Harper and Renee LeGrande cover everything from helping people move house, decluttering, home styling and packing up deceased estates. 

“We help busy people move into their new home quickly and efficiently,” says Renee, who promises to take the stress out of moving. 

“It’s all about making our clients happy. Every move is tailored to their individual requirements; we can do single rooms like the kitchen or bathrooms, through to the whole house and garage. 

“Our minimum booking is two packers for four hours. We pack, unpack and even make up beds.”

With House to Home’s range of personalised services, Renee says they can help clients during tough times, too.

“Our team understands that losing a loved one is difficult, and for many, packing up their possessions can be too hard,” she says.

“We can sort, pack, and remove all items from a loved one’s home respectfully and professionally.

“We can also help with getting a property ready for sale or auction by organising a collection of items to be sold by an auction house, donations to charities and organise rubbish removal.”

As for Queanbeyan, Renee and Deborah say they love working in the region, describing the homes there as being beautiful and being filled with treasured collectables. 

“We love Queanbeyan’s tree-lined streets, larger blocks and easy parking,” she says.

House to Home. Call 0457 456767, 0423 883606, or visit house-to-home.com.au

Mechanic offers a reliable, friendly service

FOR more than 25 years, the dependable and friendly service at Transtate Tyre and Mechanical Services, keeps customers coming back, says owner Steve Rowland. 

Using leading brands, Steve says Transtate Tyre and Mechanical Services offer a range of trusted services, including brake and suspension work, rego inspections and wheel alignments.

While his business has expanded and his team of 10 highly qualified locals has grown, Steve says it’s the same dependable and friendly service that keeps people coming back. 

“I’ve done people’s cars and their kids’ cars, and now I’ve had the pleasure of doing their grandkids’ cars,” Steve says.

“The fact it’s been the same people for over a quarter of a century is a good thing.

“[We have the] same people, same place, same everything, [and the same] good friendly service.

“I’ve been happy to have Queanbeyan and they’ve been happy to have us.”

Transtate Tyres and Mechanical Services, 141-143 Uriarra Road. Call 6299 6747 or visit transtate.com.au