Canberra has no shortage of family businesses, with experience that spans generations and still growing today.

THERE’S something special about a family business, where skills and legacy are passed between generations.

Canberra has no shortage of family businesses, with experience that spans generations and still growing today.

Meet some of the family businesses and family-friendly businesses who proudly share expertise both in their family and with the Canberra community.

Making furniture from historic timbers

WHEN Thor Diesendorf opened his Canberra furniture making business – Thor’s Hammer – almost 30 years ago, he says he was championing the use of recycled timber in furniture making, well ahead of its trendiness.

“Back then, people didn’t understand the quality and beauty of our recycled Australian hardwoods, or appreciate the nail holes and patina. These days though, there is a real acknowledgement of the uniqueness of recycled timber, and how special the history it comes with can be,” he says.

Thor’s persistence in the early years paid off, he says, as the demand for ‘waste’ timber grew exponentially.

“I have always been passionate about the power of design, and from the very beginning I knew that if we could design and make furniture that people fell in love with, we would grow the appreciation of recycled timber, too,” he says.

“We’ve developed a catalogue of furniture designs that really celebrate the unique patina and the high quality of recycled timber… something that I am very proud of.”

With a 30-strong team of skilled furniture makers and designers, Thor’s Hammer can design and build a wide range of bespoke furniture and joinery pieces.

“We love a challenge!” says Thor.

“We have some great designs for tables, beds and bookcases, but we also love working on one-off pieces for our customers – anything

from fancy dog houses, to board game tables or wine cellar fit outs… if you can dream it, we can probably make it!”

Thor’s Hammer, 10 Mildura Street, Griffith. Call 6282 9900, or visit thors.com.au

Mechanical team win another award

IN a triumph for dedication and outstanding service, Car Mechanical Services has been bestowed with the prestigious title of Champion Automotive Mechanical Repairs at the Small Business Champion Awards, says co-director Charlie.

“The team’s unwavering effort and commitment have truly paid off, and this award has revitalised our spirits. We believe it’s a recognition of the sheer volume of work we undertake and the genuine care we extend to our valued customers,” says Charlie.

“The key to our success lies in our tireless endeavors, honesty, and empathetic approach to clients.

“Our foundation rests on hard work, transparency, and empathy towards our customers. Our service is ingrained in the spirit of community support.”

The accolade, according to Charlie’s wife and co-director, Raffy, can be attributed to the team’s integrity and the consistently high-quality service they deliver. 

“The resounding feedback we receive consistently revolves around our reliability and honesty. We take immense pride in this,” she says.

Charlie has worked in mechanics for more than 42 years, with “three or four years’” experience beforehand, in helping his dad repair their tractor, where his passion began.

“I’ve done it all my life; never had another job,” he says, and enjoys working alongside family still.

“My wife knows I know how to run a workshop and I know she knows how to do office work.”

Car Mechanical Services, Unit 2, 82 Kalgoorlie Crescent, Fisher. Call 6126 4111, or visit carmechanicalservices.com.au

Spring is here, stock up on sale plants

LIVING Simply, a small family enterprise, is offering a 50 per cent off sale on last season’s outdoor plants, says owner Graham Holbrook.

“I am the small business operator, with a family of long-serving staff members that exceeds 10 years,” he says.

“The sale plants are mainly courtyard plants, but some indoor.

“Spring is here, so if you’re looking for plants to put in pots or the ground you’ll get a bargain at Living Simply, particularly on this more advanced stock.”

Graham says in the spirit of having a sale, all new stock is also 25 per cent off.

“But, the sale is ending September 30,” he says.

“At the heart of everything we do and offer here at Living Simply, is the appreciation of and respect for biophilia, which is defined as an emotional and physical connection between humans and nature.”

And, Graham says everyone is encouraged to visit their lush, boutique store.

“Over the years, the business has evolved and expanded to offer the public a superb, comprehensive range of indoor-outdoor decorator and feature plants, decor pots, water features, garden furniture and so on,” he says.

Living Simply, 10 Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6249 1552, or visit livingsimply.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 adult classes on Wednesdays that start at 7pm,” she says.

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

“Junior classes run every Thursday from 5pm.

“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

Flooring passion spans generations

SUPREME Timber Floors is a business of hardwood specialists, who offer the supply, installation, finishing and restoration, “because solid timber is a lifetime floor,” says co-director, wife and mum Emily Matthews.

“We opened up more than 10 years ago, but my husband, Haydn, has been working in the industry for all of his life,” she says.

“His pop has been working in the industry for probably 70+ years, so it runs in the family.

“Majority of the work we do is in Canberra, but if Haydn is very passionate about a job, we are happy to travel.”

Emily says recently they’ve done work in Wee Jasper, restoring a historical police barracks.

“Haydn just really enjoys this old restoration work, this one is being featured on ‘Restoration Australia’ on television,” she says.

“The barracks are just being turned into a place for people to stay, it was just such a special project, but we are also part of the new War Memorial build, which Haydn’s very passionate about, too.”

Highschool sweethearts, Haydn and Emily have a son and daughter together who love coming to work, too.

“It’s mostly because their dad will get them some treats, but they have little work shirts and they just love it, I think they’ll end up being floorers, too,” says Emily.

Supreme Timber Floors, call 1300 844488, or visit supremetimberfloors.com.au