“CityNews” heads northside to chat with the Belconnen businesses that are proud to share their skills and services.

The district of Belconnen is one of the original 18 districts of the ACT and remains one of Canberra’s most populated areas.

With more than 100,000 residents, the area has become home to one of the capital’s most thriving business scenes.

Stocktake sale offers quality mobility aids accessible to all

The Open Mobility stocktake sale is underway and running until June 30, says Kim Nelson, showroom manager Belconnen and Tuggeranong. 

Known for empowering independence through exceptional service, Kim says Open Mobility offers a comprehensive range of products including mobility scooters, lift chairs, beds and daily living aids.

“With over two decades of experience, Open Mobility has established itself as a leader in the field of assistive technology equipment and services,” says Kim.

“The company has consistently prioritised customer satisfaction, earning a reputation as a trusted provider of mobility solutions across ACT.

“The stocktake sale is a testament to Open Mobility’s commitment to making high-quality mobility aids accessible to all.” 

She says customers can expect significant discounts on a variety of products and can pick up a stocktake sale catalogue in store now.

“Whether visiting in person or shopping online through the user-friendly e-commerce website, customers can benefit from the same quality service, including free delivery, setup, and demonstrations for all purchases,” she says.

As a registered NDIS provider, Kim says Open Mobility ensures the highest level of care and support for participants, reflecting their unwavering commitment to enhancing mobility and accessibility.

Open Mobility, 32 Cohen Street, Belconnen, call 6251 4470 and 310 Anketell Street, Greenway, call 6108 3899, or visit openmobility.com.au

Physiologist Gillian helps people live their best lives

CLEAR Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation have been at its new Belconnen site for 18 months, after moving from Deakin, says owner, accredited exercise physiologist and Pilates instructor Gillian Logan.

She says a lot of people seek her help for chronic conditions, such as chronic fatigue and chronic pain or diabetes, mobility issues and women’s health problems.

“The beauty about working with an exercise physiologist is it’s very client-centred,” says Gillian.

“You focus on their needs and their goals and improving their quality of life.”

She says she also incorporates Pilates movement into her practice, which is great for women’s health issues such as pelvic floor pain. 

Gillian says she empowers people by providing strategies to help set realistic goals to improve their mobility. She says by improving their mobility they are able to maintain more social connectivity, in turn helping with mental health and better quality of life. 

“I’m very interested in how people can live their best lives,” she says. 

Gillian says the small group classes on offer also provide an important social outlet for people, keeping people motivated to exercise but also to get out and meet new people.

CLEAR Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation is an NDIS provider and also accepts GP referrals.

CLEAR Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation, Unit 5 Birubi Chambers, 121 Hawker Place, Hawker. Call 6254 5909 or visit clearep.com.au

Pain support with a personal touch

Arthritis ACT can support people no matter what type of chronic pain condition they have, says CEO, Rebecca Davey.

“It’s important to remain active at all ages, to condition muscles that protect against injury”, and Arthritis ACT has solutions for people of varying abilities.

Rebecca says Arthritis, Pain Support & ME/CFS have staff who are not only experts in their fields, but many are peers in that they also live with the conditions that bring our clients to us.

“This means we really understand where you are coming from, your fears, your hopes, and what you can do,” she says.

“Many of our programs are held as group programs. This helps keep the costs down for you, but it also means you get to meet other participants who are dealing with similar issues.

“Sometimes when we’re living with invisible disabilities or illnesses, you feel really isolated because you feel no one else understands. In our programs, everyone understands. Many people come to our programs and make lifelong friends with others who really do ‘get you’.”

That’s only the start, Rebecca says, with Arthritis ACT also offering services such as exercise physiology and disability support to help people in managing their pain.

“No task or question is too big or small for us.”

Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

Marina’s salon makes customers ‘feel and look good’

Marina Belibassakis opened her hair salon, Artistry M Hair, two years ago.

“I’ve been hairdressing for 20 years, freelancing for the past three years and it was just time to open up my own salon and do my own thing,” she says.

“This is my journey, this is a step into doing my own thing, control my own decisions and have more freedom and flexibility, which is the dream.

“It’s nice seeing your work walking around on people, and just making people feel and look good. I like meeting people from all walks of life and making and keeping those relationships.

“We do cuts and colours, and we’re good at it,” she says.

Marina has a freelancer working with her at Artistry M Hair.

“We’ve been working together for a while, Hair by Genevieve is her business name,” says Marina.

“We provide a safe environment, we’re professional, we do the best that we can and we love what we do, and we make it fun.

“We know what we’re doing, we’re making Artistry M Hair inviting and we’re approachable.”

Artistry M Hair, Shop 70/27 Wiseman Street, Macquarie. Call 5105 7304 or 0422 348694, or visit artistrymhair.com.au

Pamper the ones you love these holidays

Quintessence Nail and Beauty in Belconnen has everything needed to feel pampered with gift vouchers, skin care kits, gift sets, make-up sets, handmade earrings, candles, diffusers and more, says owner Alicia Fragopoulos.

“We are a one-stop beauty shop for all beauty needs,” she says.

“We provide waxing and tinting services, manicures and pedicures, massages, facials, tanning, laser hair removal, lash extensions, lash lifts, henna brows, brow lamination, teeth whitening and spa packages.”

Alicia says she loves the feeling of being pampered and relaxed, and purchased the business in 2016 to provide the same kind of escape for others.

“Every day brings different treatments, clients and conversations. It’s very rewarding to see clients leaving happy, fresh and relaxed,” she says.

“We are professional, caring and kind and enjoy making people look and feel good,” she says.

This winter, Alicia says they are offering rejuvenating winter facial experiences that reflect a holistic and naturopathic approach to skincare.

They also have a 10 per cent discount for seniors’ card holders on Tuesdays, she says. 

Quintessence Nail and Beauty, 2/9 Page Place, Page. Call 6278 5334, or visit beautysalonbelconnen.com.au