This week “CityNews” takes a tour of Fyshwick’s bustling business scene and speaks with some of its proudest retailers.

TAKE Fysh, the surname of former Tasmanian premier Philip Fysh, and “wick”, an Old English suffix for “dwelling place”, and one gets the name of one of Canberra’s most recognised suburbs.

First built in the early 1900s, Fyshwick has today become home to a diverse selection of businesses, from second hand office furniture suppliers to floor coverings. 

This week “CityNews” takes a tour of the suburb’s bustling business scene and speaks with some of its proudest retailers.

Eager to deliver a stand out home

VAMOS Group was established in 2018, and specialises in commercial, residential and fit-out property development and construction, says founder and CEO Phil Ma.

“Our culture is to change the landscape, we are a little bit out of the box,” he says.

“I’ve been in the industry since 2007, I started as a cadet and my training ground was on the New Acton projects, and this has molded who I am now, who Vamos Group is.

“We use a lot of marble, stone and glass to promote natural light, and we make sure to deliver something unique and special that stands out in the landscape.”

Phil says Vamos Group is an award-winning builder through the Master Builders Association, and has been featured in Open Homes Australia.

“Our penthouse project in New Acton made its television debut in November 2019,” he says.

“This is the first project in Canberra to ever be featured on Open Homes Australia, and we were thrilled to showcase this high-end development.”

Client Project Spots have just become available for 2023, says Phil.

“We are currently offering three spots for new clients seeking to design and construct their dream homes. Our commitment to maintaining a close relationship with our clients throughout the entire process, from conception to completion, is unwavering, and we are eager to begin planning with you for your dream home.”

Vamos Group. Call 0409 909595, or visit vamosgroup.com.au

Experienced in keeping Canberra warm

FAMILY-run and owned for 40 years, Fyshwick Home & Heating is backed with quality products, a large range and extensive knowledge, says owner Mike Bresnik. 

Since opening four decades ago, Mike says the range of products has changed but heating has remained a constant in their growth. 

After four shop moves all in Wollongong Street, Mike is proud of their large showroom with an attached warehouse.

“We have over 80 wood heaters on display in our showroom along with 25 working models of gas log fires,” he says.

“Given electric fires popularity is on the rise, we offer a large range of those and have more than 15 working models on display.

“We’re also currently conducting our end-of-season sale, and it’s a great time to install as the pressure is easing for installers.”

Mike says Canberrans never think of their air conditioning in the winter, and never think of the heating in summer, often leaving it too late.

He says they also stock Hark smokers in both gas and wood, Green Mountain grill pellet smokers and the US famous Big Green Egg, which are all supported with a range of accessories, sauces, rubs, wood chunks/chips and a range of flavoured pellets. 

“Not only can we keep your body warm, but your belly as well,” he says. 

Mike says they ensure the customer gets great choice and advice for not only new purchases but also spare parts, flues and accessories. 

Fyshwick Home & Heating, 88 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 5522 or visit homeheating.com.au

Big believers in transforming kitchens with passion

THE Kitchen Company was started by Adam Batley’s father, Peter, in 1981, but Adam has been working there for 25 years, says wife and general manager Charlotte Batley.

“He’s been running it for 15 years now, and I’ve been here for 10,” she says.

“We are very much a Canberra-focused family business, and we are all about the homeowner.

“We offer custom kitchens in forever homes, we have dedicated interior designers who will work with clients for months or even years to achieve their dream, and a fabulous team who can do it all, from start to finish.”

Charlotte says the next step doesn’t start until the client is happy.

“The kitchen is such a big part of the home, so really we feel like we’re transforming people’s lives,” she says.

“We are big believers in Canberra, we love it here and we love the community, some clients are repeat clients or spread the word about how pleased they are with us, and seeing them so happy keeps us passionate.

“People really get a personal, lovely and different experience when they come through us.”

The Kitchen Company, Unit 1/4 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick. Call 6239 2944, or visit thekitchenco.com.au

Get in quick for warmer weather preparation

LEADING second-hand furniture store, Ex-Government Furniture, has some exciting stock in, as spring and summer approach, says co-owner James Fullerton.

But, he says it’s going quickly to those who are prepared.

“Spring is just around the corner so we have some lovely outdoor furniture available, including a big picnic table,” says James.

“We also, in the lead up to summer, have some fire-proof safes available, and there are more enquiries coming in.

“There are only a limited number of them in stock, so we are urging people to get in quick and not leave it too late. The most prepared are getting ready now before the peak of summer hits.”

James says the business, which has been operating for more than three decades, has become a well recognised part of Fyshwick, offering a wide range of dining and comfort options, as well as outdoor tables and wall accessories.

And, for those looking to do some spring cleaning, James says Ex-Government Furniture has ample storage solutions.

“We’ve just received a huge amount of metal shelving and storage units,” he says.

“With ongoing shipments, we are inundated with new items every week, and they are one-off, unique pieces of high-end furniture.

“We provide furniture and accessories to help personalise any space. There’s a huge range and we can work with customers to their budget.”

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com

Carpet sale to keep the home cosy

ENDEAVOUR Carpets is offering a “never before seen sale running until the end of August, offering $10 to $50 per lineal metre off selected suppliers,” says co-owner Taylor O’Brien.

“Endeavour offers the largest range of top-quality floor coverings in Canberra and Queanbeyan, with options that will help keep the home warm this winter,” she says.

“Established in 1970, Endeavour is a family-run business and is proud of its personalised service.”

Taylor says carpet is the cheapest floor covering option for your home, and the business has exceptional choices of carpet from the top brands in the industry.

Taylor describes Endeavour’s Fyshwick showroom as Canberra’s “greatest floor show” with thousands of samples on display, and an experienced team of specialists to make the customer experience as easy as possible.

“Our showroom is so great that other retailers send their customers to view our huge range of top-quality floor coverings,” she says.

As a member of the Independent Carpets group, Taylor says Endeavour Carpets can offer customers greater choice and the best available prices.

“As a family business, Endeavour Carpets appreciates that customers are spoilt for choice in a competitive market place, and so maintains an objective to offer the best service and products available and for the best possible price,” she says.

When customers visit Endeavour Carpets, Taylor says they experience a good, old-fashioned service from a long-standing, local family business.

“This is what really sets Endeavour Carpets apart from any regular carpet store,” she says.

“At Endeavour Carpets, we don’t just endeavour, we do.”

Endeavour Carpets, 33 Isa Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6132, or visit endeavourcarpets.com.au

Store celebrates the benefits of hemp

SOUTH Pacific Hemp, Canberra’s first all-hemp shop, is run by Darren Steinhardt and Brett Walker, who also own South Pacific Hydroponics next door, a family business in Canberra for more than 30 years.

Manager Sue Booth says the store celebrates the versatile benefits of the plant.

Located in Fyshwick, she says the store supports Australian small businesses and producers who work with hemp, an eco-friendly, sustainable material that can be used in a myriad of products.

“Our clothing is designed for wearability and versatility, is breathable, natural and easy to care for,” she says.

“Hemp protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light. It also resists bacterial growth and breathes excellently, preventing odours, has four times the strength of cotton and it won’t weaken when washed.

“Our selection of products extends to a unique collection of hemp foods, hemp seed oils, with gorgeous balms and skin creams, babycare, homewares, bags and accessories, fabrics and pet products.”

Sue says the team is always excited to help customers explore the extensive range.

“Come ask us about what the hemp plant offers, from the benefits of CBD oil to the selection of skincare and beauty products.”

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898, or visit southpacifichemp.com.au

Damian’s got auto repairs covered

“WHEN it comes to specialised auto repair and maintenance services, no one does it better than Latin Motors,” says owner Damian Jones.

“We’re a European car service and repair centre. We specialise in Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda and Saab but do service all other European makes and models.”

Having moved from Townsville Street to a repair centre in Gladstone Street last year, Damian says no matter how minor or major car repair needs are, he has it covered.

Being both factory-trained in Audi and SAAB and having 18 years of experience in all European vehicles, he says he prides himself on providing reliable, honest and efficient customer service and information.

“I notify of any additional work required prior to it being carried out. You will be liaising directly with the mechanic who is working on your vehicle,” he says.

“I use premium German made and manufacturer approved Ravenol lubricants. When you come to me, you can rest assured that I can provide auto services in accordance with your car’s manufacturer requirements that do not affect new car warranties.”

Latin Motors, Unit 6, 106 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 5586 or visit latinmotors.com.au