Retaining its historic charm, Hall village is an attractive getaway for Canberrans looking to escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life.

Hall is a small village north of Canberra that features buildings that pre-date the establishment of the ACT (and its forerunner the Federal Capital Territory). 

The village was unofficially established in 1861, with a group of homesteads, workers’ cottages, a store and a post office.

It was named in honour of the village’s first landowner, Henry Hall.

Home to around 300 people, these days Hall has all the perks of a small country town combined with proximity to Canberra.

Here are some of the businesses proud to call the historic village their home.

More than a location, it’s an inspiration

Drawn to Hall for its sense of community, character and slow lifestyle, jeweller and designer Venetia Major decided to set up her workshop and gallery in the village after working 15 years in the industry.

“My location on Victoria Street has become a space where creativity meets craftsmanship, and where clients can be involved in every step of the design journey,” she says.

“Hall is more than just a location, it’s an inspiration.

“The village’s calm and welcoming atmosphere encourages thoughtful, considered design and genuine relationships.”

Each piece Venetia makes is crafted by hand in her workshop using traditional techniques with modern design.

From reimaging cherished heirlooms, designing custom engagement rings or crafting something entirely new, she says her goal is to create pieces that tell stories that last for generations.

Venetia says her brick-and-mortar store has allowed her to build a personal connection with her clients.

“I love that my clients can visit, see work in progress and be part of the process,” she says.

“Every day in Hall reminds me that I became a jeweller to create beautiful, meaningful work in a place that values craftsmanship and connection.”

Venetia says being part of the community also means giving back, and she regularly supports local initiatives and enjoys collaborating with other local businesses and makers who “share the same passion for quality and authenticity.”

Venetia Major – Bespoke Jewellery, 3/8 Victoria Street, Hall, call 6230 9587 or visit venetiamajor.com.au

Clinic brings elite knowledge to injury recovery

Many injuries require more than one way of treatment.

With a long history of working with elite sporting teams, Dr Wilson Lo opened up his medical practice, Bruce Sports Medicine, two years ago in Hall with the aim of offering the same services to the general public.

A multidisciplinary allied health team, the medical practice covers physiotherapy, osteopathy, sports podiatry, acupuncture, dietetics and counselling.

“We are Canberra’s own multidisciplinary sports medicine clinic offering services with our sports doctors, orthopedic surgeon and allied health providers,” says Dr Lo.

“This includes rehabilitation classes in our onsite gym for pre and post-surgical programs, weight management and osteoarthritis in our GLA:D program.”

Hall has had a long history of having a medical practice on the main street, and Dr Lo says he is honoured to continue the tradition on the same plot of land as the previous practice.

“The peaceful rural setting is the perfect place to start your road to injury recovery,” he says.

Offering seven consultation rooms and an onsite gym and free parking for patients, Dr Lo says the heritage village makes for the perfect location to rest and recover.

Dr Lo says being part of the community is important, and the practice is the major sponsor of Canberra Brass’ annual Brass on the Grass concert at the old Hall Primary School grounds.

Bruce Sports Medicine is about to start a comprehensive multidisciplinary weight management program.

Bruce Sports Medicine, 9 Victoria Street, Hall, call 6253 5386 or visit brucesportsmedicine.com.au

The two Kylies want everyone to feel like family

Twenty-three years ago, two friends shared a vision to create a hair salon where everyone feels like family.

What had initially started from scratch on the outskirts of Canberra has become a thriving reality in The Shearing Shed Hair Salon.

For co-owners Kylie Harmey and Kylie Hartshorn, what had initially started as a small six-chair salon has doubled in size.

“It stands as proof that when you combine passion with experience something special happens,” they say.

“We’ve grown with our clients, some of them have been with us since day one, and now their kids and grandkids come in too.

“Clients come not just for exceptional haircuts, but for the warmth that greets them every single visit.”

With clientele travelling from all over Canberra, the co-owners say what sets them apart is the country feel of the village combined with their large salon space.

The Shearing Shed Hair Salon, Unit 1/2-4 Victoria Street, Hall, call 6230 2284 or visit theshearingshedhairsalon.com

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