Surrounded by nature and only 10 minutes from the centre of Canberra, Woden Valley offers one of the premier destinations for shopping, community events and recreation in Canberra.

Developed in the 1960s as Canberra’s first satellite city, Woden Valley is now a bustling area with 12 suburbs flanking the town centre.

Lifting up Canberra’s small businesses

Kwik Kopy Phillip is a local, family-owned business that has been serving Canberra, particularly the Woden community, for the past 30 years, says owner Emilio Park, who took over the business 17 years ago. 

As a small-business owner, Emilio says he is dedicated to supporting local, family-owned businesses, as he sees them as the “cornerstone of this nation” and encourages them to come to Kwik Kopy for their signage or printing needs.

All four of his daughters have at some stage worked in the shop during their school years, he says, doing binding, stuffing, collating and a manner of other services.

His partner Julie is also involved, doing the accounts for the business. 

“I don’t think people think about how important it is to support small businesses, but when you do, you help move the community along,” he says. 

“And the local community is so important.”

Emilio says Kwik Kopy services vary from large-format printing, design, marketing and signage services, and acts as an all-in-one supplier to the local business community.

He says they can provide things as “simple as business cards” through to signage on business premises or vehicles, merchandise apparel, branding development, catalogue printing and even websites.

“Anything that you need in that space for your business, we can do,” he says. 

Kwik Kopy Phillip, 2/10 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6281 7700 or visit kwikkopy.com.au

Physiotherapy that’s all about connection

Greg Nash, practice principal of Manuka-Woden Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic, says they are a general physiotherapy practice with a special interest in sports physiotherapy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy and occupational health. 

Operating since 1990, Greg says they treat everything from sporting injuries to common variety gardening injuries, motor vehicle accidents, work injuries and rehabilitation after surgery.

“We strive to provide personalised service in the day and age of electronics and computers and tele consults,” he says.

“We prefer phone contact as opposed to booking yourself in an electronic system. 

“The reason for this [is] a computer program cannot be flexible, where with human contact, [you] can offer alternate times/locations.”

Greg says seeing the progression of people arriving in pain to rapid improvement from just one treatment keeps him passionate, as does getting to know their clients.

“We have been around long enough to sometimes see the next generation come through our doors,” he says.

They have preferred provider agreements with the big four health insurance companies, BUPA, HCF, Medibank and NIB, but for those who don’t have private health insurance, Greg says they are “more than happy to charge the same discounted rates as the health funds when you mention our ad.”

Greg says they also love supporting local charities and sporting teams, and are currently supporting the Centurions gridiron team.

Team organiser and secretary Jay Mundine says: “Having a physio supporting the club, of Greg Nash’s calibre, is greatly appreciated by players.”

Manuka-Woden Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic, 48 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6281 1382.

No more snoring, enjoy an easy sleep

Being constantly tired and enduring the discomforts of snoring might be more than just a nuisance, says Bryce Perron, CEO, CPAP Direct, with sleep apnea being a prevalent condition that is often overlooked.

However, Bryce says addressing it is simpler than clients might think, with participants beginning the process by taking a free online assessment to gauge the likelihood of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea.

“Results will direct the client to what the next steps should be,” says Bryce.

“If sleep apnea seems probable, clients should seek a referral for a sleep study through telehealth or through their healthcare provider. This will be conducted by Sleep Testing Australia.”

During the sleep study, clients will be fitted with a device to monitor sleep patterns that will then be analysed for a comprehensive report to be made within two weeks, he says. 

“With the guidance of a sleep consultant, you’ll understand your diagnosis and available treatment options,” says Bryce.

“For those already diagnosed, CPAP Direct offers support in navigating CPAP therapy, ensuring the right equipment for your lifestyle.

“By following these steps, you’ll embark on a journey towards better sleep and overall wellbeing. 

“Reclaim your vitality with the support of Sleep Testing Australia and CPAP Direct.”

C-Pap Direct, Unit 3 & 4/42 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6189 1256 or visit cpap.com.au

Leading law firm with decades of experience

Ken Hubert, of Capon and Hubert, began his career as an articled clerk with Romano and Verducci, and spent some time as an associate assisting Justice Kelly, says finance director Rhonda Hubert.

“He has spent his working life in legal practices in Canberra,” she says. 

“He then worked with William G Pierce, eventually buying out the practice, which then merged with that of Geoff Capon, and became what is now known as Capon and Hubert.”

Ken and Geoff made a deliberate decision to keep their practice in the suburbs, firstly at Mawson and then in Phillip, says Rhonda, because Ken and Geoff always wanted to work with people handling the ordinary matters of life, and assist them with issues they face.

Rhonda says Ken’s legal career spans over 40 years, and that he has spent many years involved in family law work, and also conducts mediations to assist clients to resolve differences without needing to go to court.

Ken is now very involved in wills and estates work, she says, assisting clients to have wills created which reflect their wishes.

He also assists those who are faced with the completion and tidying up of estates in Probate work.

Daryn Griffiths joined Capon and Hubert more than six years ago, says Rhonda, and his area of expertise is with property law, handling residential and commercial work. 

She says he also reviews retirement village agreements, which vary from village to village.

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Reviving Woden, one band at a time

The Austrian-Australian club is the place to be for music lovers at the moment, with the club placing a renewed focus on reviving the Woden live music scene, says acting manager Erin Weatherstone.

“We’re really trying to encourage people to get out more and enjoy live music,” she says.

“Especially after covid, people are struggling to get out there again, and we want to provide an opportunity for them to go and enjoy themselves.

“We want to just liven up the Woden scene and we have a number of free music events coming up in the lead up to Christmas.”

November will see local bands The Crossbenchers and Jerikye and the Crawdads perform, and 7 Shots will perform in December. 

It also remains the perfect place to go for a relaxing Sunday afternoon beer, Erin says, with more quiet music organised.

She says social pool, social darts and the meat raffle are all still available, as usual, but an exciting, new menu will be coming out in the next few months. 

The Austrian-Australian Club, Heard Street, Mawson. Call 6286 5793 or visit austrianaustralianclub.com

Old-school mechanics who value their customers

Nathan Lee bought JAWS Automotive in April 2022.

It had been in the hands of a family business for a decade and the name JAWS was inspired by the initials of the previous owner’s father, says Nathan, who was also the tow truck driver for the previous owner before buying the business.

“At JAWS we offer ACT Roadworthy Inspections, as well as NSW Pink and Blue Slip inspections for motor vehicles, motorbikes, trailers,” he says.

“We are a small, old school workshop that values our customers and their vehicle concerns [and] we try to help in any way we can if people are stuck needing a mechanic [at] the last minute.”

Nathan says they love helping the Phillip-Woden community, as a lot of the businesses are small, owner operated, and have been in the community for a long time. 

As part of that community, Nathan says they receive a fair bit of work from Lennock Motors, which is a large dealership that helps small, owner-operated businesses by sending work their way.

“We are, I believe, the only ACT Authorised Rego inspection station that does walk-in, on-the-spot rego inspections; all other authorised stations only do inspections by bookings,” Nathan says. 

JAWS Automotive, 4 Salamander Circuit, Phillip. Call 6285 3455.

Tai chi for relaxation and wellbeing

People everywhere are finding that tai chi is a rewarding and fulfilling way to enjoy relaxation and wellbeing, says Tai Chi Academy instructor Fontane Ip. 

“Tai chi is an ancient health art that combines flowing, circular movements with the science of mindfulness, relaxation and holistic wellbeing,” she says. 

According to Fontane, tai chi supports organ health, improves blood flow and promotes relaxed breathing, while externally loosening tension and strengthening joints, tendons and muscles. 

“A tense mind disrupts bodily function and decision-making,” says Fontane. 

“Tai chi’s rhythmic motions calm the nervous system, reducing everyday stress and tension. 

“A calmer nervous system not only relieves stress, but also supports digestion, respiration, cardiovascular health and immunity.”

Fontane says even watching people practising tai chi can be a peaceful experience as it reflects a sense of calmness and wellbeing.

Established in 1982, Fontane says Tai Chi Academy has utilised years of research to create a hands-on experience and runs classes in Aranda, Weston and Curtin to allow for a shorter commute for attendees. 

“These classes are catered to all levels of experience, with beginners welcome,” she says. 

“Tai chi guides you towards balance, inviting natural healing for both body and mind.

“The result is a proven system that quickly delivers effective results.”

Tai Chi Academy, Woden ACT. Call 02 6296 1357 or visit taichiacademy.com.au

Making access to eyewear easy

Curtin Optical stocks a wide range of eyewear and accessories, says owner Corey Nicholls.

Having been a part of the Curtin community for 29 years, he says Curtin Optical has three experienced optometrists available for appointments from Mondays to Fridays. 

“We cater to all tastes – from budget to well-known brands,” says Corey.

Curtin Optical also offers mobile optical dispensing services – spectacle selections and deliveries to the elderly or people unable to come into the store due to disability, he says.

“This includes spectacle repairs and adjustments, and an after-hours service,” says Corey.

“In addition, Curtin Optical offers an express service for those who have lost or broken their spectacles (Rx dependent). 

“Curtin Optical’s in-store services can offer a same-day turnaround and its mobile jobs have a 24-hour turnaround.”

Corey says its independence from large chains gives customers a more personalised service.

He says they are also providers to the ACT pension scheme and DVA, with Curtin Optical offering a 10 per cent discount to ACT Seniors Card holders on complete spectacles, when their card is presented at ordering.

Curtin Optical. Shop 1B, Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6281 1220 or visit curtinoptical.com.au

Make sure they’re the right shoes for running

“Running has a lot of benefits,” says Nick Walshe, owner of The Runners Shop.

“It’s got fitness benefits, health benefits, it’s got social benefits and I think what people are finding nowadays is that running is really an all-year sport.

Nick says running can be a great way to get the day started and get the blood circulating.

But, with so many people discovering running, Nick says it’s important to be wearing the correct shoes and gear. 

“Running can be hard on the body,” he says.

“When people run, studies show that there’s a force equal to about four times their body weight that’s going through their feet, knees and their lower back, so having adequate cushioning in the running shoes to help the body absorb the shock is really important.” 

Nick says this is particularly important for people who are getting into running for the first time and they’re increasing their level of activity but that it is just as important for seasonal runners. 

He says comfortable running socks can also go a long way to making the running experience a lot easier and more enjoyable, as can proper, breathable running gear.

The Runners Shop, 76 Dundas Court, Phillip. Call 6285 3508, or visit therunnersshop.com.au