Tuggeranong is home to more than 89,000 people. Here are some of the businesses and practitioners who make it shine.

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

The 2021 census found more than 89,000 people called the district home in one of its 19 suburbs.

Early learning centre grows confident learners

Building confidence in children’s early learning journeys, Galileo Early Learning’s small, 20-place centre “offers a genuine home-away-from home environment”.

“Children feel safe, secure and supported to thrive,” says early childhood educator and owner, Sarah McCulloch. 

Since opening their doors five years ago, Sarah’s team has been with her since the beginning and says they foster strong, trusting relationships with both children and families, creating a sense of belonging for all. 

“Our consistent and nurturing team supports each child’s identity, wellbeing and confidence in line with the Early Years Learning Framework outcomes,” she says. 

“We value every child as capable and competent, encouraging their agency, curiosity and voice as they explore, play and learn.”

Sarah says early learning plays a pivotal role in every child’s life, laying a “foundation for future success”. 

“We recognise that children learn best through play, exploration and meaningful interactions with their peers,” she says. 

“These early experiences help them develop important social skills, such as sharing, co-operating and communicating, while also nurturing a genuine love for learning.” 

Seeing children flourish as they master new skills and grow into confident learners, Sarah says each day offers many moments of pride as educators watching their pupils explore, ask questions and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging. 

Galileo Early Learning, 3 Carleton Street, Kambah. Call 0447 757475 or visit galileoearlylearning.com

The business empowering women to feel confident in their skin

Awarded the best brow technician in Tuggeranong in 2025 and a finalist for the ACT Salon of the Year at the Australian Beauty Industry Awards for 2024 and 2025, About Face Beauty & Anti Aging Salon owner, Suzy Mooney says these acknowledgements are not only a huge milestone, but also a testament to the passion, hard work and commitment to everything they do. 

“Our mission has always been about more than just beauty treatments,” she says. 

“It’s about creating a space where women feel empowered, valued and confident in their own skin.”

Suzy started her business in a small salon after years of struggling with her own skin. 

“From that moment on, I was hooked,” she says. 

“This career has allowed me to combine my personal experience with professional expertise to truly make a difference for my clients, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”

Today, Suzy’s salon is three times larger than when she started, employing a team of five professionals, including a nail and brow technician. 

Facials and advanced anti-aging treatments are at the core of what Suzy and her team does, with professional-grade peels, LED Light Therapy and Microdermabrasion tailored to target concerns such as pigmentation, fine lines, acne and dullness. 

Their newest addition is a High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that stimulates collagen production to deliver lifting and tightening results. 

“From targeted skin treatments to the perfect brow, we pride ourselves on offering services that are both luxurious and effective, helping our clients look and feel their best,” she says.

About Face Beauty & Anti Aging Salon, 1/146 Scollay Street, Greenway. Call 0488 932883 or visit aboutfacetuggeranong.com.au

A social approach to exercise that matches all levels

With a focus on group fitness, X-Hale Pilates Studio co-owner Sarah Felstead says they offer a selection of exercise classes that are open to all levels of fitness. 

“All of our classes are designed to cover beginners to advanced,” she says. 

“We have such a lovely community.” 

Opening the studio with her husband Daniel, Sarah says they look at group fitness classes as opposed to traditional, “clinical” pilates work by encouraging people to get moving in a group environment in a social setting. 

Opening in May 2024, Sarah brings years of experience with her as a personal trainer. 

“I’d only been doing pilates for three months before I realised then and there that I wanted to own my own studio,” she says. 

From post-natal “Cherish” classes to dynamic classes involving gym circuits and the reformer machines, Sarah says there is something for everyone to get moving. 

“So many friendships have been formed after meeting in the studio,” she says. 

“It’s amazing to see them spiral off to meet up outside of classes.” 

All of Sarah’s instructors are qualified to teach and welcome new attendees. 

From fitness junkees to new mums and retirees, she says the instructors will do their best to find a class and flow that works for everyone.

X-Hale Pilates Studio, 17 Sidney Nolan Street, Conder. Call 6105 9020 or visit x-halepilatesstudio.com.au

A studious passion for the future of dentistry

Dr Meghna Karoor pursued a career in dentistry after growing up in a family of dentists, inspired after seeing them help lives through improved oral health and confident smiles. 

She is in the throes of completing a master’s in aesthetic dentistry at King’s College, London. It’s a three-year program designed to integrate clinical excellence with the latest digital and aesthetic innovations. 

Dr Karoor says she is building a strong foundation in advanced restorative techniques and evidence-based practice. 

“It’s a never-ending journey when it comes to education in dentistry, as the field is constantly evolving and demands continual enhancement of skills and knowledge,” she says. 

She is dedicated to staying at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry by mastering digital smile design, CA/CAM restorations, intraoral scanning, 3D printing and the use of artificial intelligence to help diagnostic accuracy, treatment precision and patient experience. 

Dr Karoor says her studies have helped enhance her efficiency and provide evidence-based, patient-centred care aligned with the modern standards of excellence in digital dentistry. 

“Dentistry offers the unique opportunity to blend science, technology and artistry to create lasting, meaningful results,” she says. 

“I find great fulfillment in understanding each patient’s goals, addressing their functional needs and using advanced digital tools.

“Empowering patients through education and transforming their smiles not only enhances their oral health, but also positively impacts their emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.” 

Greenway Dental, 38/1 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway. Call 6293 9339 or visit greenwaydental.com.au

Sandy’s got the perfect gifts for pet lovers

For Sandy Borgo, owner of Charlie & Chums, her business only exists due to her deep love of dogs and other animals. 

“Dogs are always there for me and I for them,” she says. 

“My dogs are my solace in life and I’m not the only one, many people find their pets are their best friends. They keep you active and give you happiness in life.”

Although Sandy doesn’t have a physical store, she ships nationwide and says she has plenty of items that are perfect to herald the arrival of spring. 

“We’ve got so many lovely ornaments of animals and flowers to stick in your garden to brighten it up,” she says.

“It’s perfect to compliment Canberra’s spring colours.”

Sandy also stocks a selection of animal statuettes, which she says have been hugely popular. 

“I love stocking beautiful items,” she says. “I’ve got dog collars and leads, dog and cat wooden plaques, and bright metal dog and cat metal plaques.

“The bright metal plaques list the pet traits.”

Also available is giftware, including spec holders, ladies’ ponchos, scarves and brooches, says Sandy. 

Sandy says she has sculptures of dogs and cats made from old 44-gallon metal drums, from the company Think Outside.

Charlie & Chums, call 0402 097580 or visit charlieandchums.com.au

Creating joy and connection with rural charm

A “place with heart”, Tuggeranong Homestead is spread across 28 hectares of land in the countryside. 

Featuring heritage buildings, tranquil gardens and a relaxed rural atmosphere just minutes away from the city, owner Ann Filmer says the  venue is the perfect location for weddings, private celebrations, corporate functions and community events. 

“We provide tailored event planning, on-site catering by our talented chefs, hospitality staff, and access to our beautiful heritage grounds and rustic indoor-outdoor spaces,” she says. 

“We also support fundraising initiatives and community-focused gatherings.” 

A pet friendly venue, Ann says they welcome all enquiries to help clients bring their vision to life, although they ask that visitors check in ahead of time to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety with pets onsite. 

“Whether you’re planning something grand or intimate, we’re here to help make it memorable,” she says. 

“Seeing joy and connection in this beautiful setting is what we love most.” 

Priding themselves on personal service, warm hospitality and their ability to create meaningful experiences, Ann says their team goes above and beyond to ensure every event feels special. 

Tuggeranong Homestead will host a fundraiser on October 24 for Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief. 

Tuggeranong Homestead, 130 Johnson Drive, Richardson. Call 0419 533298 or visit canberrahomestead.com

The ‘go-to’ company for interior home renovations 

Established in 2015, Canberra-based TradeWise Renovations is quickly becoming the go-to company for home renovations, says owner Angelo Nardi. 

The business specialises in all aspects of interior renovations including custom-built kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

“We also offer a comprehensive design and drafting service,” he says.

With a complete team of qualified tradespeople at their disposal and strong working relationships with some of Canberra’s largest suppliers, Angelo says “there is not much we can’t handle”.

The business is family owned and operated, and has more than 30 years of experience building and renovating in the Canberra area. 

Angelo says that TradeWise Renovations prides itself on achieving high-quality results by working collaboratively with clients to ensure their vision is understood and delivered.

“We believe our success comes down to three things: excellent service, excellent communication and excellent product,” he says. 

“It’s all about the customer experience.” 

The business also offers obligation-free quotes.

TradeWise Renovations, call 5112 2969 or visit tradewiserenovations.com

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