Tuggeranong, one of the original 18 districts in the ACT, was derived from the Ngunnawal expression “Togranong”, which roughly translates to “cold plains”.

TUGGERANONG, one of the original 18 districts in the ACT, was derived from the Ngunnawal expression “Togranong”, which roughly translates to “cold plains”.

These days the district is a set of contiguous residential suburbs consolidated around Lake Tuggeranong, with a population of around 90,000.

Mobility services for the southside

OPEN Mobility opened in Tuggeranong in January, to service the community in southern Canberra, says area manager, southern NSW/ACT, Brooke Waters.

“It was very exciting to open, and we’re getting the word out. Customers have been very pleased to have the shop in Tuggeranong,” she says.

“At Open Mobility, we aim to give 100 per cent, A+ customer service, every day.

“We provide expert advice to assist everybody with their needs, to find the best, most suitable products.

“We are having a 10 per cent to 40 per cent stocktake sale on selected items in our showroom, including homyped shoes, cushions, scooters, reachers, sheep skins, tipping kettles, quick shoelace ranges, walkers and more.”

Brooke says the sale ends on May 31.

“Open Mobility also offers free delivery and install, as well as a five per cent price match,” she says.

“Open Mobility are Assistive Technology Specialists and authorised DVA equipment providers. We also trade in, rent and service mobility and accessibility equipment.

“We stock an extensive range of equipment and a range of wbrands including Afikim, Canterbury Concepts, DeVilbiss, Invacare, Karma, Merits, Otto Bock, Pride, Roho, Shoprider and Theorem.

“We also have stores in Belconnen, Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Dubbo.”

Open Mobility, 310 Anketell Street, Greenway. Call 1300 881355, or visit openmobility.com.au

Giving kids a head start on schooling

KIDSTART Southside Education and Activity Centre understands that the first five years of a child’s life are crucial for development, says owner Kristen O’Connor.

“Kidstart offers classes for children from five months to five years of age to develop them socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually,” she says.

Operating since 1996 and located in Wanniassa, Kristen says it’s wonderful to be part of the Tuggeranong community.

She says Kidstart offers three distinct and age-appropriate programs to ignite in kids a love of learning. 

This includes a “pre-preschool” program for children to attend by themselves in the year before preschool. 

“It focuses on literacy skills, social skills and all round school readiness so that children can thrive in a school format,” says Kristen.

KidStart is proud to have just welcomed their 21st class of three-year-olds into the program.

“It has been amazing to see 21 years worth of three-year-old Kidstart kids and their families growing, loving, enjoying and benefiting from the program,” says Kristen.

“We are passionate about developing a love of learning in each and every child.

“By allowing them to thrive in an educational setting and experience the joy in exploring and achieving, we hope learning will be a lifelong passion for all our Kidstart kids.”

Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. For enrolment enquiries visit kidstart.com.au

Fun way to get fit, socialise and compete

TEACHING a range of classic dance styles, Dale’s Ballroom Dancing offers a fun way to get fit, socialise and compete in a friendly environment, says owner Dale Harris.

“I have new adult classes that start on Wednesday, April 19, at 7pm,” she says.

“The classes will cover Latin, New Vogue and standard dances.

“Junior classes will also recommence on Thursday, April 27, from 5.30pm.

“Anyone can join. You can just rock up on the night and we can get you caught up. Everyone and anyone is welcome”.

Dale says she loves to welcome anyone to come and learn regardless of age or experience.

“We have people of all ages coming in for the classes,” she says.

“One of the great things about it is the fitness. You don’t realise how much exercise you’re doing, you’re constantly on the move.”

Dale is an expert in many styles of dance including tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese waltz and cha cha, samba, jive, rumba and paso doble. 

With more than 25 years’ experience teaching dance, Dale started dancing at the age of six, when she developed an interest in ballroom dancing. 

She’s since received many qualifications in ballroom dancing and is also a championship adjudicator who travels interstate to judge ballroom competitions.

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, 6/38 Reed Street North, Greenway. Call 0407 066110 or visit dalesballroomdancing.com

The go-to home renovator

ESTABLISHED in 2015, Canberra-based company TradeWise Renovations is quickly becoming the go-to company for home renovations, says owner Angelo Nardi. 

The business specialises in all aspects of interior renovations including custom built kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

“We also offer a comprehensive design and drafting service,” he says.

With a complete team of qualified tradespeople at their disposal and strong working relationships with some of Canberra’s largest suppliers, Angelo says “there is not much we can’t handle”.

The business is family owned and has more than 30 years of experience building and renovating in the Canberra area.  

“We believe our success comes down to three things: excellent service, excellent communication and excellent product,” he says. 

“It’s all about the customer experience,” says Angelo. 

The business also offers an “obligation-free quote”.

TradeWise Renovations. Call 0430 172451 or visit tradewiserenovations.com

Grooming dogs with pride

SHAMPOOCH is a dog grooming salon, with owner Anita – a long-time dog groomer – saying she couldn’t turn up the opportunity to buy the business.

“My husband Cheyne and I became managers in November, and we purchased the business at the beginning of February,” she says.

“We found the perfect shopfront so we moved it to Greenway.”

She says they wanted to keep the business on the southside, to keep servicing the same clientele, but they wanted the shop to have a divide between the grooming, bathing and reception areas.

Anita and Cheyne say they can work to specific timeframes, and can have pets ready to a high standard for special occasions to help celebrate weddings and baptisms.

“I’ve always loved animals, I’ve owned cats, dogs, horses, ferrets, birds growing up, but I knew I could never be a vet,” says Anita.

“We strive for difference, we don’t churn through as many dogs as possible in a day, we pride ourselves on always getting to know each dog personally, and making them as comfortable as possible.

“We do it for the love of the animals, and our senior groomer has 12 years of experience, specialising in poodle trims.

Shampooch, 230/142 Anketell Street, Greenway. Call 6286 9225, or visit shampooch.au

Valley Grill unveils a new menu

AT its Tuggeranong venue, the Canberra Southern Cross Club offers the Valley Grill Restaurant for food and drink, function spaces for events and an atmosphere to invite anyone in, says venue manager Jason Lowe-Moon.

“We also have a good relationship with the Tuggeranong Valley Australian Football Netball Club,” he says.

“We host a meat raffle every week, and we have an Anytime Fitness gym upstairs for the convenience of our members.”

Opened in the late ‘90s, Jason says they have had regulars coming every week, with a younger crowd filtering through towards the end of the week, and, of course, happy hour is very popular.

“It’s from 4pm to 6pm, with 49 per cent off tap beer, wine by the glass and soft drink post-mix,” he says.

“Tuggeranong is a good central location, and until recently there were not many food offerings.

“Until the end of April, we’re offering a free drink with every meal of $20 or more, to celebrate our new menu.”

Canberra Southern Cross Club, Tuggeranong, Cnr Pitman and Holwell Street, Greenway. Call 6293 7200, or visit cscc.com.au/tuggeranong

Sandy’s ‘happy’ store has more to discover

CHARLIE & Chums’ owner Sandy Borgo says there’s plenty to discover, and she’s having a storewide sale.

“It’s 20 per cent off, on April 21 and 22, with the exception of the Lisa Pollock and Mother’s Day ranges,” she says.

“We’ve got garden accessories, ponchos, a new range of umbrellas, mugs and new handbag hooks that are decorated with blue wrens, dragonflies or cockatoos.”

She says the store has added even more to its range of practical accessories and decorative pet-themed gifts.

“We’ve got a lot of dog bowls that are square and rectangle-shaped for water and food, which makes it easier for the bowls to sit up against a wall and they come in three colours,” she says.

“We’ve got some cheese boards and knives, picnic items, wine coasters and there’s plenty more stock coming soon.

“There’s toys for cats and dogs, pet hair brushes and brooms, bookmarks, bags, painted mugs, figurines, sculptures, leashes, collars and much more.”

Sandy says the store is also now better set out, with dedicated sections for garden, wall art, pet supplies, giftware and more.

“People tell me that the store makes them feel happy. I have people who can come in and spend an hour just looking around.”

Charlie & Chums, Tuggeranong South.Point. Call 0402 097580 or visit charlieandchums.com.au