Queanbeyan has carved itself out as an exceptional corner of Australia, and it’s thriving now more than ever. “CityNews” heads over the border for a closer look.

Queanbeyan is considered one of the oldest colonial settlements in Australia, and now represents one of the fastest-growing cities in regional NSW.

All that and more shows Queanbeyan has carved itself out as an exceptional corner of Australia, and it’s thriving now more than ever.

Empowering patients to live healthier lives

Brindabella Medical Centre doctors Shanket Bhakta, Vithya Indrakumar and Dr Shyama Gonakumbura are renowned for their compassionate approach, attentive listening and dedication to patient care, says operations manager Anita Segal. 

“We are a mixed-billing medical centre, prioritising personalised care,” says Anita.

“We bulk bill Commonwealth concession card holders, children under 16, and DVA gold card holders for standard in-person consultations on weekdays, excluding phone and form-related appointments. 

“Our independent general practitioners focus on building long-term patient relationships and offering a wide range of medical and health services, including pre-employment and insurance medicals, childhood immunisations, travel vaccinations, women’s and men’s health, stress management, cardiograms (ECGs), spirometry, cryotherapy, occupational health counselling, medical check-ups, Implanon insertion and removal, and nutrition and exercise physiology.”

Anita says the Brindabella Medical Centre team is deeply passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care, and committed to fostering a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued and empowered in managing their health.

“We pride ourselves on our holistic approach to healthcare, community engagement initiatives and ongoing educational programs aimed at promoting wellness and empowering patients to lead healthier lives,” she says.

Brindabella Medical Centre, Suite 2/80 Morisset Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6188 8400 or visit brindabellamc.com.au

Family lawyers to help with the separation process

Going through a separation can be a highly emotional experience, but RMB Lawyers has a team of lawyers ready to assist with meaningful and practicable advice, says lawyer Hannah Cudaj.

Most matters do not proceed to court and can be resolved by way of negotiations, Hannah says, but it is important to speak with a family lawyer.

“If you have arranged to consult a family lawyer or are thinking about it, it is important to gather your financial disclosure documents to inform your lawyer of the relevant property pool that requires division, as well as have information relating to the current care arrangements of any children,” says Hannah. 

“Where parties have children, they will also need to reach agreement as to the time arrangements of the children, focusing on the best interests of the child.”

It is a common misconception that there is a starting percentage division when negotiating property settlements, says Hannah. 

She says the court calculates property settlements by assessing the contributions of the parties throughout the course of the relationship, including both financial and non-financial contributions. 

The court also determines whether either party requires an adjustment for their future needs post-relationship. 

RMB Lawyers can help navigate families through all of these complex stages.

RMB Lawyers, 70 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 1800 68121, email rmb@rmblawyers.com.au or visit rmblawyers.com.au

Steve is pleased with his progress

Steve Whan says it has now been more than a year since has has been back as a state member for Monaro 

“When I stood for election last year, I made it clear that my priority was to fix the mess the previous government created with children missing lessons in our schools, understaffed hospitals and essential service workers leaving in droves,” he says.

“I am pleased to say that in our first year we have abolished the Nationals’ unfair wage cap and we now have a wages policy that is helping us to reverse the drain of teachers, paramedics and nurses who were going to the ACT and other States that paid much better.”

Steve says he feels a deep sense of satisfaction when he hears from a Queanbeyan teacher that they have stayed teaching at one of the high schools, instead of leaving to work in Canberra, or when one of the essential ambulance paramedics says that they can now afford to stay.

“In our hospitals, Labor has started the roll out of historic safe staffing levels. Over time that means more staff in the emergency department in Queanbeyan, Cooma, Bombala, and Braidwood,” says Steve.

“We have also made a great start on the capital commitments for our local area. Planning is underway for traffic lights at the intersection of Ellerton Drive and Kings Highway; for the high school at Googong and stage two of Jerrabomberra and new Government pre-schools at Queanbeyan South and Queanbeyan East Public Schools.”

Steve says it has been an interesting first year back and he looks forward to the next three!

Steve Whan, 213 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 4899 or visit stevewhan.com.au

State-of-the-art podiatric care

QCity Podiatry has been assisting Queanbeyan residents with all their podiatric needs for many years, and will continue doing so at their new location, says owner, Michelle Prophet.

The practice has recently moved to new premises in the Mercury Business Centre on Morisset Street, after spending years servicing Queanbeyans from their Monaro Street site.

She says QCity is a hub for all aspects of podiatry, where she and her team offer a wide range of services, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for medical or surgical conditions relating to the feet and lower limbs. 

“We’re providing all podiatry services,” she says.

“We’ve got Swift Microwave treatment, we’ve got laser therapy, shockwave therapy, all general treatments, orthotic therapy and pediatrics.” 

Michelle says QCity is also accessible through NDIS, Enhanced Primary Care plans and Chronic Disease Management plans, and the only people requiring referral are DVA patients.

“All you need to do is ring up and make an appointment,” she says.

Michelle says QCity has the most state-of-the-art equipment in Queanbeyan, ensuring everything patients could need in terms of podiatry.

Canberra Podiatry & QCity Podiatry, 3/80 Morisset Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6147 1616 or visit canberrapodiatry.com.au

Long line of motivated landscaping experts

A long line of family experience in the industry has allowed Earth Moving Creations to develop innovative techniques that make construction projects less complex, says director Blake Scerri.

“Earthmoving Creations have over 150 years of combined experience in the local, civil and landscaping industry, so we can guarantee quality, reliability and professionalism,” says Blake.

“We are a passionate and motivated team that can help you with any job regardless of how big or small.”

With services in bulk excavation, swift site clearing, detail excavation, civil construction, concreting and more, Blake says all jobs are run in order to provide the client with quality workmanship and to ensure a safe standard.

Earth Moving Creations also has an expanding fleet of heavy earthmoving equipment available for hire. 

“From truck and dog to excavator and bobcat hire we have something to help with your project,” says Blake.

“We also provide top-quality landscaping construction services at affordable prices. Contact us today to organise a time for a quote and to discuss the many different ways we can help with your project.”

Blake says that at Earth Moving Creations, they are dedicated to achieving the best results for clients, and carry out thorough quality assessments at every stage of the process, from design input to execution. 

Earth Moving Creations, Paterson Parade, Queanbeyan West. Call 5154 9999 or 0439 733044, visit earthmovingcreations.com.au

Musical that marks album’s 20th anniversary

Brad McDowell, director of American Idiot, says this latest Queanbeyan Players production is the perfect opportunity to come and see something new, fresh and exciting.

This is the first time the American Idiot show has come to the Canberra and Queanbeyan region, says Brad. The cast has been rehearsing since February.

“It’s been a long time coming,” he says. 

American Idiot is based on the music of two of Green Day’s albums, says Brad, with 2024 marking the 20-year anniversary of the American Idiot album.

“People that were teenagers in the early 2000s really, really resonated with this album and that music was so prevalent at the time that I think people in that age range are really going to appreciate the show,” he says. 

But, even the most unsuspecting audience member will recognise at least one song from the production, Brad says.

“You will know this music, and you will know these songs,” he says.

American Idiot runs June 20-29, and tickets are on
sale now.

Queanbeyan Players, 18 Barrow Place, Queanbeyan East. Call 0402 353443 or visit queanbeyanplayers.com/american-idiot

Where the perfect smile is possible

The perfect smile is possible with the help of Dentistry at Karabar.

Located on the ground floor of Karabar Shopping Mall, Queanbeyan, the surgery is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm, or Saturdays by appointment, to provide a full range of dentistry treatments – general and cosmetic – for adults and children.

Oral health therapist and hygienist Koco Clarke says: “We offer bleaching and whitening for $450, where the customer can come in, we clean and freshen their teeth and they go home with a kit, which is very easy to use. They can have perfect teeth in a non-harmful way and not spend a fortune”.

With 25 years’ experience, Dentistry at Karabar has developed a friendly, approachable service that helps relieve the anxiety of visiting the dentist.

Dentistry at Karabar, Karabar Shopping Mall, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 1570 or 6297 3760 or visit dentistryatkarabar.com.au