This week “CityNews” meets some of the diverse businesses operating out of the northside’s commercial hub.

MITCHELL is home to a growing variety of businesses and services.

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.

This week “CityNews” meets some of the diverse businesses operating out of the northside’s growing commercial hub.

Courses committed to reducing road trauma

ROAD Ready Centre is committed to making learner drivers more safe and aware out on the road, says CEO Steve Lake.

Providing a range of courses to improve learner confidence, Steve says learner drivers can get up to 30 hours contributed to their logbook out of the 100 they need to get their P’s, all while becoming more aware of the risks they’ll face while driving.

“The first course we have is called the ACT Pre-Learner Licence course. It’s a 10 hour course that drivers can take before they do their knowledge test to get their L plates,” he says.

“After they’ve got their L’s, our Safer Driver course provides a two and a half hour workshop. Then learners get to go out on the road in an instructor’s vehicle for an hour and get 20 hours counted toward their log book.

“The other course they can do is the Vulnerable Road Users course. It’s a two hour workshop that makes learners aware of who is at highest risk on the road and can contribute up to 10 hours’ credit.”

Steve says courses can be taken both online and in person, and can be booked together for convenience.

“A lot of young drivers come out of the courses surprised at how much space they need to keep in front of them when they drive,” says Steve.

“They come out feeling more confident and aware of what hazards to be looking for and what responses to implement.”

Road Ready Centre, 4/54 Hoskins Street, Mitchell. Call 6103 0463 or visit roadreadycentre.com.au

Matt and Maz give household appliances a second chance

BROTHERS Matt and Maz Shajiee are saving hundreds of washers, dryers, and other appliances from landfill by fixing them up for sale again.

The co-owners of Preowned Appliances in Mitchell say the idea behind their business is that everything deserves a second chance.

“There are about a million tonnes of appliances people send to landfill every year and our idea behind this company is to prevent those potentially good items being wasted,” says Matt.

“We gather them up, fully test them, repair them, wash them, sanitise them, and we put them in our showroom for sale.”

Matt says the duo keep a keen eye on the market and try to keep their products at a third of the price of what they’d cost brand new. 

“We sell them with warranty, we usually do same day delivery and all our stock is also on our website,” he says.

“People can see details, photos, designs online and they just confirm it and next step we’re at their door with their delivery and we can install.”

Matt says they also strive to give back to the community, offering discounts on their products to local charities like the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

“We’re providing more affordable prices on these products and doing the best we can to help the environment,” he says.

Preowned Appliances, 1/4 Pelle Street, Mitchell. Call 6156 3709 or visit preownedappliances.com.au

Rivoland ‘tiles’ its way to showroom excellence

NESTLED in the industrial area of north Canberra is Rivoland Tiles’ Mitchell showroom and trade centre, one of the best tile showrooms in the region, according to general manager James Hibberson. 

“We have received commendations from customers and suppliers as being one of the best showrooms they have seen,” James says.

“[We have] displays to inspire in a comfortably-sized [space which] makes selecting tiles an enjoyable experience.”

Staying abreast of design trends, James says Rivoland Tiles is also proud to offer one of the biggest tile ranges in eastern Australia. 

“There is always something new and different to look at and explore,” says James, who is proud of his expert, friendly staff. 

“The showroom staff boast a myriad of experience and knowledge across all works and aspects of residential and commercial projects and are more than happy to assist you with your needs. 

“Having the trade centre on site ensures we meet all your tiling needs. “Renovators and professionals will find a comprehensive range of products and tools which, teamed with expert advice, ensures the best possible finish and complete solution for every project.”

And, James says, the Mitchell location is close to new developments and established suburbs where many redevelopments and renovations are taking place.

Rivoland Tiles Showroom, 55-57 Darling Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 1557 or visit rivoland.com.au

Family landscape supplier grows from humble beginnings

FAMILY business Corkhill Bros aims to incorporate the family ethics and values in its day-to-day business operations, says co-founder Brian Corkhill. 

From humble beginnings with a few trucks in 1954, Corkhill Bros now provides wholesale landscaping materials to the public, as well as green waste recycling services.

Corkhill Bros’ commercial operations include chipping, screening, grinding, processing, bulk production and special blend production as requested. 

Then its waste side has services such as the hire of skip bins of various sizes and recycling of drop off and kerbside garden organics.

And now, at the Mitchell depot “there is a new and exciting range of exterior gardening pots,” says Brian.

The family-owned business started with Brian and his brother Patrick, who established Corkhill Bros after the family dairy farm was removed to make way for the construction of Lake Burley Griffin. 

“We strive to create a workforce of hardworking, committed, trustworthy and loyal employees that promote this culture,” Brian says.

Through its multi-faceted operations Brian says the company’s intention is to successfully extract, process and deliver its products to meet the needs of varied target markets; both residential and commercial.

Corkhill Bros’ landscaping supply outlets are located at Mugga Lane, Symonston and Darling Street, Mitchell. Ordering is also available online.

Corkhill Bros, 33 Darling Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 8860 or visit corkhillbros.com.au

It’s a fun day everyday at Funland

Funland Canberra is an exciting indoor play centre, offering a modern collection of safe, imaginative and engaging play equipment to suit children of all age groups, says a spokesperson. 

“We have created an environment to keep the busiest of children happy and entertained, while parents and friends can gather and enjoy our delicious selection of food and beverages from our cafe. We have a huge range to choose from including a healthy choice range,” they say.

Families are encouraged to relax and enjoy Funland Canberra, which is open 9.30am – 5.30pm every day of the week.

The team at Funland also specialise in hosting birthday parties or group functions and welcome any enquiries. 

Funland Canberra, 1/181 Flemington Road, Mitchell. Visit funlandcanberra.com.au or call 0487 880805.