Coming from the Latin verb “experius”, The Oxford English Dictionary defines an expert as a person with special knowledge, skill or training in a particular field. This week, we look at some of Canberra’s experts.

Parkinson’s conference returns to Canberra

For the first time since late 2018, Parkinson’s ACT will host a one-day conference aimed at those wishing to learn more about managing their disease, health professionals and carers. 

The conference theme is The Power Within: Living Well, Living Strong with Parkinson’s and will be held at the Southern Cross Club, Phillip, on October 29.

It will feature talks from neurologist Prof Simon Lewis, neuropsychiatrist Dr Linton Meagher, physiotherapist Associate Prof Natalie Allen and PD Warrior founder Dr Melissa McConaghy. 

“Living with Parkinson’s is like an iceberg,” says chair of the board of governors for Parkinson’s ACT, Marcia Kimball. 

“Physically you might notice someone walking rigidly or with a slight tremor, but there are just so many other symptoms such as anxiety, hallucinations and troubles with speech and swallowing.” 

Parkinson’s disease affects so many – those living with the condition as well as carers and families, says Marcia. 

“There are upwards of 3000 people within the ACT that have the condition,” she says. 

“One person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every 37 minutes across Australia.”

Closely following dementia, Parkinson’s disease is the second highest neurological disorder within Australia and only a small percentage of those diagnosed are caused by familial links. 

“Twenty per cent of people diagnosed are under the age of 50,” says Marcia. “And 10 per cent are under 40.”

Parkinson’s has no known cure and no known definitive cause. 

For almost 40 years, Parkinson’s ACT, a voluntary organisation, has been committed to supporting, educating and advocating for those with Parkinson’s. 

Parkinson’s works closely with the Hospital Research Foundation Group, from South Australia, for research and advocacy nationwide.  

For the first time since late 2018, Parkinson’s ACT will host a one-day conference for those wishing to learn more about managing the disease, health professionals and carers to attend on October 29 at the Southern Cross Club. 

Parkinson’s ACT Conference. Canberra Southern Cross Club, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip, 9am to 5pm on October 29. Tickets at give.hospitalresearch.org.au or visit fightingparkinsons.org.au

More than just jewellery at Venetia’s

Visitors to Venetia Major – Bespoke Jewellery can expect a welcoming space filled with creativity and craftsmanship, says owner and master jeweller Venetia Major. 

With more than 20 years of experience as a qualified jeweller, Venetia creates and completes most of her work in house. However, she also collaborates with trusted niche specialists, such as engravers and stone setters, when a job requires their expertise. 

“This ensures my clients receive the highest level of skill and finish in every detail, while having the reassurance that their piece is designed, managed and cared for by me from start to finish” she says. 

“My favourite pieces to craft are bespoke designs, especially when they hold a personal story.

“I love when clients bring in old or sentimental jewellery and ask me to reimagine it into something new.

“There’s something very special about preserving the history and emotion tied to a piece while giving it a fresh life that can be worn and loved every day.”

For Venetia, she isn’t just making jewellery, she’s weaving together memories, meaning and beauty into something that is one-of-a-kind. 

“Jewellery is never just an object,” she says. 

“It’s tied to milestones, memories and beauty, and being trusted to create or restore something so precious is an honour.” 

Born and raised in Canberra, Venetia has been running her shop in Hall for almost four years and says she’s proud to offer a personal, handcrafted service that clients continue to return to. 

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

The diabetes professionals for 87 years

Established as a support service for those living with diabetes within the ACT and NSW in 1938 (then known as the Diabetes Association of Australia), Diabetes Australia has evolved into the national peak body. 

Diabetes Australia general manager of the NSW & ACT Health Service Operations Natalie Smith says it is their role and personal ethos to help those diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes to live their best life. 

Since the establishment of the service in the late ’30s, management of the condition has improved, although Natalie says it’s always easier with the support of a healthcare team. 

“Diabetes Australia offers telehealth appointments via video or a phone call with a diabetes educator or dietician,” she says. 

“I recommend those living with Type 1 diabetes to also see an endocrinologist and those living with Type 2 to regularly see a GP.

“Anyone living with diabetes should have a multidisciplinary team available to guide them through the process.

“I encourage anyone living with diabetes to reach out for help and guidance on how to self-manage their condition.” 

Natalie says the association is something of a “care navigator”, as it helps people living with diabetes to find the right support or information to meet their needs. 

“Until we find a cure for diabetes, we will continue to provide customised support, while advocating for our patients with new equipment, programs, education and research,” she says. 

Diabetes Australia. 19 Moore Street, Turner. Call 1800 177055, or visit diabetesaustralia.com.au

The industry experts in second-hand furniture 

Co-owners James Fullerton and Taylor Radnall have more than 60 years of combined experience in picking out quality pieces of furniture.

“We are on the road at least once a week and have developed a keen eye for furniture,” says James. 

“We can spot different qualities and can explain the difference between two tables that may look alike but are priced differently.

“That’s what makes us experts.” 

James says they are available to guide customers from an idea to picking out the right piece to suit any need. 

“We can help you pick what’s right for you and your budget,” he says. 

James says now is the time to shop for furniture as their removalist services have been almost booked up.

“We’ve had a lot of sit-stand desks come into the warehouse as well as office chairs,” he says. 

“Unlike other furniture shops, we don’t just stock one brand.

“We have everything from basic $5 chairs to some of the best money can buy.” 

Now located at 26 Molonglo Mall, just off the Shell service station roundabout, James says they encourage anyone to “just ask”. 

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, because most of the time, we can make it work,” he says. 

Ex-Government Furniture, 26 Molonglo Mall, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com, facebook at exgovfurniture or on instagram at exgovfurniture

Jack offers professional moves with care 

With a focus on care, professionalism, reliability and efficiency, JWS Removals is Canberra’s removalist of choice, says owner Jack Stafford.

Jack, who’s been specialising in furniture removals, logistics, as well as fine arts and antique relocations, for more than 10 years, established JWS Removals to fill a gap in the industry, offering a more personalised removalist service. 

Being a small, privately-owned and operated business, Jack says he works with clients personally, from the quote all the way through to the unload. 

“We pride ourselves on our professionalism and that’s why we don’t use labour hire, only quality, experienced removalists who know how to get the job done right,” Jack says.

“We leave nothing to risk, using specialised furniture blankets, boxes, plastic furniture protective covers, trolleys, carpeted truck floors, felt pads for in-home floor protection and much more to ensure a risk and stress-free move.”

And, so there’s no hidden costs, JWS Removals offers in-person, no-obligation, free quotes.

This also allows Jack to see the furniture and valuables in advance so he knows exactly what protective materials are needed to make the move as quick and safe as possible, he says.

JWS Removals. Call 0448 401604 or visit jwsremovals.com.au

Retirement village offers independence and activities

Adria Care combines access to important facilities with a feel of privacy, making it the perfect place for retirement, a spokesman for the village says. 

“There’s close access to Cooleman Court and Woden Westfield, but we are surrounded by reserves and parklands making it a very peaceful atmosphere for residents,” he says.

Located in the heart of Weston Creek, Adria Care, which has two dedicated respite rooms and a special care unit, offers residential care for 42 residents. The village also contains 36 independent living units.

It offers residents a wide range of things to do, and that they can get involved as little or as much as they’d like.

“We have an active residents’ committee who organise lots of get-togethers. Residents can play cards, go to morning teas and happy hours, enjoy exercise, and much more,” he says.

Established in 1994 by volunteers of the Croatian community of Canberra and Queanbeyan, the village is home to a multicultural group of people.

“We have residents [from] Australia, Croatia, China, France, Macedonia, Hungary and more,” he says.

“There are great residents and great staff committed to the best outcomes for the community.”

Adria Care, 89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling. Call 6288 0198, or visit adria.org.au

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