In this feature we meet some of the people delivering a variety of professional services to the people of Tuggeranong.

Tuggeranong, one of the original 18 districts in the ACT, was derived from the Ngunnawal expression “Togranong”, which roughly translates to “cold plains”.

These days the district is a set of contiguous residential suburbs consolidated around Lake Tuggeranong, with a population of around 90,000.

The businesses in the region deliver a variety of services passionately to the Tuggeranong community, priding themselves on customer service.

Aidacare opens new southside showroom

Aidacare, a leading provider of healthcare equipment and services, has opened its new showroom in Tuggeranong, providing local knowledge with national support for mobility and daily living equipment for people in Canberra’s south.

The showroom offers a wide range of products to support independence at home, in aged care, or in the community, and customers can test drive a scooter, trial adjustable bed and mattress combinations while gaining expert advice from our trained staff.

The showroom also includes a private area for health professionals to carry out equipment assessments with their clients.

Aidacare’s Tuggeranong branch builds on the company’s long-standing presence in the ACT, supporting private customers and healthcare providers.

“The aim is to make it simpler for people to find the right equipment close to home, with staff available to provide clear, helpful advice, without pressure,” says branch lead Kerrie Hagan, who believes the new location will make a difference for people living in Canberra’s southern suburbs.

“Having a local showroom means people can drop in, ask questions and take their time exploring what works for them.”

The showroom is open to the public with no appointment or referral needed.

“Whether you’re buying for yourself, a family member or a client, Aidacare Tuggeranong is ready to help,” says Kerrie.

Aidacare. 56 Athllon Drive, Greenway. Call 8529 8460 or visit aidacare.com.au

Getting a headstart on education

Kidstart is celebrating its 24th year working with children and owner Kristen O’Connor says it’s a privilege to allow parents and carers to have “all the educational fun with children without having to make the fun, just join in!”

“We are not a childcare centre, but provide classes with opportunities for each child to develop socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually through sequential programs full of fun, structured and stimulating activities

“We bring families together to create relationships and connections within the Canberra community.”

Kidstart is accepting term two enrolments with classes available for children aged five months to five years, Kristen says Kidstart has a program to suit all children before they start school.

“If you want to assist your child to develop a lifelong love of learning, give them the headstart they deserve at Kidstart!” she says.

Operating since 1996, Kristen says Kidstart offers five different age-based programs.

According to Kristen, it’s a privilege to see the children thrive each day, from rolling over on the floor to learning phonics in their literacy program.

“We’re fortunate to have long-serving staff members dedicated to providing the optimum learning environment for all our children at Kidstart.

“There’s a special bond with teaching children, from when they are babies and seeing them grow and develop before heading off to school.

Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. Visit kidstart.com.au

Riana’s resilience and advocacy paves the way

Riana Janse van Rensburg has been working in the beauty industry for more than 38 years, and is the founder and director of Aesthetic Medicine Canberra and Dermaplaning Australia.

“Many women in leadership are inspired by a passion for driving change and empowering others,” she says.

“I’ve always had my own businesses and have always worked for my own money.”

Overcoming bias when working as a business owner, Riana says facing setbacks such as the ones she has encountered teaches adaptability.

“Mentorship and support systems also reinforce the importance of lifting others as they rise.”

Riana says overcoming these challenges requires resilience, strong networks and advocacy for inclusivity to pave the way for future leaders.

Her business, Aesthetic Medicine Canberra – previously known as Riana’s Health Skin Care Clinic – was founded in 2010 and specialises in skin ageing.

“Beauty is a tough industry to be in,” says Riana.

“But I have never seen it as a competition, always a challenge. I have never lost focus on my goals.

“Through my passion for the health and beauty industry from an early age, and being brought up with a family who owned a pharmacy in South Africa, I undertook relevant training and qualifications to enter the profession.”

Riana says she had a thirst for learning, which continues to this day.

Aesthetic Medicine Canberra, visit aesthetic-medicine-canberra.com, or Dermaplaning Australia, visit dermaplaningaustralia.com.au

Pharmacist’s help for at-home customers

With a “customers-come-first” approach, pharmacist and co-owner of the Capital Chemists Calwell and Isabella Plains Kathleen Tran says she is filling in the gaps in the healthcare industry by providing at-home services to those aged over 65 and in need.

“I always make time,” she says, often going to community members’ homes during her days off or after work hours.

“Doctor’s are always busy, and there’s certainly a gap that needs to be filled to ensure we are protecting those around us.

“The service is for those eligible with mobility issues or living independently alone and might struggle to get to a chemist.”

Combining flu, covid, shingles and Prolia shots (for osteoporosis) in one sitting, Kathleen says it helps make sure those unable to come into the chemist aren’t required to come in for further vaccinations.   

Ahead of the upcoming flu season, Kathleen urges people to get on top of their flu shots.

“This year, we’ve already had some positive cases for the flu in Canberra,” she says.

“I highly encourage people to get on top of their shots as a preventative measure.”

To check eligibility to get on Kathleen’s home-visit list, call the Calwell store at 6292 1111.

Capital Chemist Calwell, Shop 14 Were Street and Webber Crescent, Calwell. Capital Chemist Isabella Plains, 131 Ellerston Avenue, Isabella Plains. Call 6292 1111. Visit capitalchemist.com.au

School’s true strength is its teaching staff

With two new facilities opening at St Mary MacKillop College, principal Michael Lee says the new developments to the school will add a huge range of pathways and opportunities to their students.

“The PE Centre, which opened on the junior campus (years 7-9), includes two new indoor courts and one multi-purpose outdoor court, as well as a strength and conditioning room and several classrooms,” he says.

“The performing arts centre, which is based on the senior campus (years 10-12) has provided MacKillop with a new 400-seat theatre, modern dance, music and drama rooms, as well as areas for students to construct sets, design costumes and apply stage make-up.”

Michael says the new facilities at the school underpin the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning at MacKillop.

“Our facilities are designed by architects in consultation with the teachers who will use those spaces, leading to quality teaching and learning experiences for all our students,” he says.

“While our students enjoy having modern facilities, the true strength of MacKillop is its teaching staff and the way they seek to get the best out of each and every learner.

“Our teachers are passionate about the school’s vision and firmly believe that each student has a right to learn, be challenged intellectually and be given opportunities that broaden their experiences.”

The school’s open night is on May 5 with a “Try MacKillop Day” on May 9.

St Mary MacKillop College. Junior campus, MacKinnon Street, Wanniassa. Senior campus, Ellerston Avenue, Isabella Plains. Call 6209 0100 or visit mackillop.act.edu.au

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