One of the oldest parts of the ACT, the inner south is home to much of Canberra’s history and commerce.

Encircling the south side of Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra’s inner south is one of the oldest parts of the ACT.

It’s home to a multitude of historical icons, such as Parliament House, embassies from around the world and the parliamentary triangle with its national institutions including the National Library, National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery, Questacon and the National Archives. 

Canberra’s inner south is a highly sought after location for residents and businesses alike. 

Today, Red Hill, Griffith, Red Hill, Manuka, Yarralumla, Barton, Kingston and Narrabundah call the inner south home.

Property management team sets high standards

Built on a foundation of specialist knowledge, unwavering compliance and a strong culture of care and consistency, Little Bird Properties’ director, Heidi Rosin, says the company stands out as Canberra’s largest property management-only agency. 

Heidi says her all-women team of dedicated property managers brings a depth of experience and professionalism that has earned them a reputation for excellence. 

“Our strength lies in focus,” she says. “We don’t do sales, just property management, and we do it exceptionally well. 

“We’ve built a closeknit team of specialist property managers who are fully compliant, experienced and passionate about what they do.”

Heidi says the agency prides itself on having one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry, something she attributes to their strong, supportive culture and shared values. 

“The fact that our team genuinely enjoys coming to work makes a huge difference to the service we deliver,” she says.

With a consistent record of 100 per cent legislative compliance, Heidi says Little Bird Properties has proven its ability to stay ahead of regulatory changes while safeguarding clients’ interests. 

“It’s about being proactive and prepared,” she says. 

“We’ve invested in the right systems, training and technology to ensure that every property we manage is in safe hands.

“Little Bird Properties continues to set the benchmark in the Canberra region [by being] dedicated, knowledgeable and ready to lead the future of property management.”

Little Bird Properties. 4/16 Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6153 3173 or visit littlebirdproperties.com.au

Leading the way in indigenous health care

Julie Tongs has been the CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah, an Aboriginal community controlled health service, for more than 25 years. 

She says her vision has always been for Winnunga to be a leader in the provision of primary health care.

“Winnunga is a leader in providing comprehensive primary health care and is pivotal to the overall health system in the ACT and surrounding NSW region,” she says, with the Narrabundah-based health centre providing more than 60,000 occasions of service a year. 

Alongside clinical services, an Australian Family Partnership Program and social health campaigns, Julie says they offer immunisations, testing clinics, telephone consults, walk-in services to GPs, as well as psychologists, psychiatrists, podiatrist, optometry, physiotherapy, dieticians, drug and alcohol help and mental health nurses.

Clients come from all walks of life, Ms Tongs says.

“They come to us because they feel safe here and not judged.”

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. Call 6284 6222 or visit winnunga.org.au

Family law firm puts clients one step ahead

Fulcrum Family Law specialises in all things family law, from dividing the assets of a relationship to parenting arrangements.

Principal Courtney Mullen says the firm is dedicated to helping families work through law matters in what can be an emotional and challenging time. 

“We are the team that puts you first and are always one step ahead,” she says. 

Whether clients are looking for assistance on protecting pre-existing assets before entering a new relationship or making a separation smoother, Courtney says they can assist with any case, no matter what stage a client is at with family law matters. 

She says her favourite part about working in family law is delivering the best outcomes for clients and their families, as well as being given an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives. 

“Every situation allows us to help families find a sense of calm and direction,” she says. 

“Whether we’re guiding [clients] toward a fair agreement or ensuring a child’s wellbeing is protected, our work helps bring reassurance and balance to uncertain situations.” 

For people who are new to seeking help in family law, Courtney says it’s important for clients to remember that knowledge is power. 

“We always recommend that people get advice early and be aware of their options,” she says. “No matter how simple or complex the matter is, we can assist.”

Fulcrum Family Law. Level 1/34 Bougainville Street, Griffith. Call 6176 3431 or visit fulcrumfamilylaw.com.au

The Purnells know the area inside out

With a passion for helping buyers find homes they love, real estate agent Nick Purnell says he genuinely enjoys working within the Kingston community and surrounding inner south suburbs.

As director and head of sales at Purnell Real Estate, a boutique family-run agency based in Kingston, Nick works alongside his co-director and sister Brie, continuing the legacy started by their parents Genette and Kevin Purnell, who established the agency in 1987.

“Our family grew up in Griffith, and we know the area inside out,” says Nick.

“With more than 35 years of experience in the inner south, we bring extensive local knowledge of Canberra’s property market and pricing.”

Purnell Real Estate specialises in the sale and management of established residential properties across key inner south suburbs including Barton,
Narrabundah, Kingston, Griffith, Forrest, Red Hill, Deakin and Yarralumla.

Brie Purnell leads the property management division and oversees a dedicated team, many of whom have been with the agency for nearly 20 years.

“At Purnell’s, we value our tenants as much as our landlords,” says Brie.

“Tenants are respected clients too, and happy tenants stay longer. 

“One of the greatest compliments we receive is when tenants go on to become buyers, because they appreciate the exceptional service we provide.”

Purnell Real Estate, 82 Giles Street, Kingston. Call 6295 2011 or visit purnellrealestate.com.au

An agent for gemstones

Buying jewellery is very similar to buying a house, says Vivid Jewels owner, Josh Mulrine. 

A gemstone acquisitions agent by trade, Josh says his passion for collecting gemstones and minerals turned into a career three years ago. 

“I wanted to do [jewellery] differently,” he says. 

“I’ve always had a lifelong interest in gemstones and know that Australia doesn’t have the big jewellery houses, such as Cartier, that Europe does.

“Australia also has lesser-quality gemstones.”

With no shopfront or online store, Josh says he is somewhat like a real-estate agent, sourcing quality gemstones at a fraction of the price.

“We don’t hold stock or have any overheads,” he says. 

“Clients hire us for our international trade network and ability to outsource quality gemstones and jewellery makers within the area.”

Working with clientele across Australia, Josh says he is proud to call himself a third generation Canberran. 

Unlike mass-produced jewellery organisations, Vivid Jewels creates bespoke pieces. 

“We don’t charge extra for the design process,” he says. 

“It’s all part of what we do.

“It’s quality gemstones at an unparalleled price because we aren’t jumping through hoops.”

Outside of his work as an agent, Josh works as the managing director of a video production company, which he says keeps his attention to detail sharpened, allowing him to discern quality gemstones. 

Vivid Jewels. Visit vividjewels.com.au