“CityNews” meets experts from in and around Queanbeyan who are passionate about what they do.

HOME to more than 64,000 residents, Queanbeyan’s name is the anglicised form of “quinbean” – an Aboriginal word meaning “clear waters”.

It was officially proclaimed a township in 1838 when the population numbered about 50, but is now one of the fastest growing inland cities in NSW, according to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.

“CityNews” speaks with experts in the Queanbeyan region who are passionate about what they do.

Property advice focusing on service

FUSE Property was started in 2018, but owner Zoe Stead took over in 2021, bringing with her more than 22 years of experience.

“I started as a receptionist, and was thrown in the deep end of property management six weeks after that role began, and I’ve loved this work ever since,” she says.

“FUSE Property offers expert customised service that specialises in property management and sales.

“Our big focus is on customer service, we are fair and reasonable with everyone and we aim to make sure everyone is happy.

“With our years of experience, we have learnt that communication is key. We will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear, and some of my clients have stuck with me for nearly 20 years.”

Zoe says she loves the job, and the Queanbeyan community.

“Every day is different and presents a different challenge, which I love,” she says.

“Queanbeyan is amazing, too, we have nicknamed it our Hollywood. I have lived here for more than 20 years. Everyone is so friendly and our office on the main street is really good.”

FUSE Property, 56 Monaro Street. Call 5110 7090, or visit fuseproperty.com.au

The passion to build runs in Andrew’s blood

AFT Building Solutions is a family-run, boutique, custom builder, with 17 years of experience behind sole director Andrew Trevenar.

Andrew says he is a third-generation carpenter builder, so the know-how is in his blood, as he works alongside his wife and brother.

“In 2021 I went full time in my own business, I’m very passionate about bringing the quality of this work back up to a high standard,” he says.

“I limit my project numbers each year to ensure I can do a quality job, I have never wanted to be the biggest, just one of the best. It helps me ensure the utmost time and effort is being put into your project.

“I know what I’m doing, and I know the industry, if what you are wanting is a quality, decent human being who is proud of their work, come to me. I like to leave my clients happy, so I can walk away from the job with a smile on my face and leave a smile on theirs.”

Andrew says he gets lots of support from the people in Queanbeyan.

“Local people ring me because I’m a local, they have a good loyalty, they will come to me over businesses in Canberra” he says.

“We understand that every project is unique and we take the time to understand each client’s needs based on their lifestyle, ideas and budget.”

AFT Building Solutions, call 0431 287742, or visit aftbuildingsolutions.com.au

Niche flooring with a strong reputation

CHAPMAN Floor Coverings (CFC) has been operating since 1985 by David Chapman, who says he has been passionate about the flooring industry since completing his apprenticeship.

“CFC is a family-based business with a strong reputation that is continuously growing,” he says.

“We cater to residential, commercial and hospitality industries, and we aim to maintain our commitment to providing excellent customer service.

“No job is too big or too small, or too far.”

David says Chapman Floor Coverings showroom and shop opened seven years ago in Queanbeyan, offering customers a variety of different flooring options, with friendly staff to give advice.

“We offer hybrid cork, cork tiles and planks, hybrid vinyl, engineered timber, a variety of different carpets, sheet vinyl and many more,” he says.

“My extensive training and background in cork products gives me the passion and expertise in CFC, as a leader in the world’s most eco-friendly product.

“CFC specialises in all cork ranges, including tiles, planks and a new hybrid cork.

“The hybrid cork is a very exciting and new, niche option that sets us apart from other companies.”

David says CFC is one of only two flooring shops in Queanbeyan.

“Our location allows our building signage to be seen from a great distance, and we’re in a great location, residents know where we are,” he says.

Chapman Floor Coverings, 5 Gregory Street. Call 1300 711351, or visit chapmanfloorcoverings.com.au

Proactive approach to strata management

BRIDGE Strata offers more than 100 years’ experience in strata and community management across two offices in Queanbeyan and Dickson, says co-director Jan Browne.

“The name we have chosen for our company highlights the way we see ourselves, as a bridge to assist in overcoming the day-to-day issues that an owners’ corporation will meet, be it legislation, maintenance or financial,” she says.

“We understand that we need to take the time to listen to your needs so that we can work to develop the solutions that best work for your circumstances.

“We offer two highly experienced owners in myself and Craig Bowditch, who are active in the day-to-day management of strata and community associations to ensure our commitments are met.

“We also have experienced team members, a proactive but mindful approach and a price-competitive service.”

Jan says she has been in the industry for more than 35 years and manages the Queanbeyan office, servicing the local areas, and is the recipient of numerous industry awards with the most recent being the ACT Professional Standards & Ethics.

“Craig Bowditch manages our Dickson office and has also been in the industry for more than 30 years with experience in strata management in both Victoria and the ACT,” she says.

Jan and Steve are also certified trainers for the Strata A100 course.

Bridge Strata, Level 1, 95-97 Monaro Street. Call 6109 7700, or visit bridgestrata.com.au

Quality food served with pride

YASS Road Takeaway opened in 1988, and quickly became a Queanbeyan favourite, says co-owner Nick Giannis.

“We are open from 5am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and we do it the traditional way.

“After so many years, we try and keep the same staff on, as that gives us a good team of workers and some familiar faces for customers, and we have some really great customers that come in.”

Nick says he and his brother take pride in their work, doing it the traditional way by doing as much as possible themselves.

“We come in very early to cut up fresh vegetables, we make our own schnitzels and roast meals, it’s just chips and scallops that we get in frozen,” he says.

“Most of our customers hear about us through word of mouth, and Queanbeyan brings very loyal customers once you’re established as a local, now we can’t go out to the pub without getting recognised.”

Nick says they make sure to keep the shop clean, and present their food nicely, “food we want to eat and be served, is what we give our customers”.

Yass Road Takeaway, 51 Yass Road. Call 6297 3479, or search Yass Road Takeaway on Facebook.

Insulated blinds are key for a warm home

BLINDS and curtains that provide insulation are ideal for keeping homes warm this winter, says BMAC Window Furnishings owner Ben McCallum.

“People tend to think that the best way to insulate is by using blackout curtains but there are so many great products available,” says Ben, who started BMAC Window Furnishings with his wife Allana nearly a decade ago from a home office, which has since grown to a showroom in Queanbeyan with 10 staff.

“As well as curtains, honeycomb blinds do a great job, with hexagonal shaped cells that hold air in the pockets, keeping homes cool in summer, warm in winter and reducing energy bills [too].

“Verosol silverscreen blinds are [also] popular because the metallic fabric offers effective heat control [and] they’re translucent so people can still enjoy their outlook.”

“Folding arm awnings extend the outdoor living space and can be used over an outdoor area for shade when needed.”

Automation of blinds has been in high demand, too, according to Ben, who loves the Somfy smartphone application, which allows users to set timers and even close blinds from their phone while they’re away or at work.

But BMAC Window Furnishings doesn’t just offer window treatments for the home, it also caters for commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, government buildings, new apartment complexes and residential properties.

BMAC Window Furnishings, 1/5 Penney Place, Queanbeyan East. Call 6285 1717, or visit bmacwindowfurnishings.com.au

Comprehensive and confidential medical care

BRINDABELLA Family Practice is a thriving and growing practice that has served the Queanbeyan region since 1993, says practice manager Lorraine Straker.

“We provide comprehensive and confidential care which endeavours to improve patients’ quality of life and wellbeing,” she says.

“From humble beginnings, combined with committed staff, Brindabella Family Practice has grown and expanded to our new purpose-built facility at Suite 4, 7-9 Morisset Street.

“Our focus however has never changed and that is our care and commitment to the patients and community.”

Lorraine says serving the community is important to them, as many of the staff live in Queanbeyan and surrounding areas.

“We love being an integral part of this vibrant, growing community,” she says.

“With the relocation of the practice we are excited to offer many new services, including on-the-day and emergency appointments.

“Our in-house pathology streamlines appointments and our proximity to the chemist means patients don’t have to travel far to collect scripts.

“Our new and existing services include travel medicine and vaccinations, iron infusions, skin cancer checks, diving medicals, vaccinations and immunisations, family planning, implanon and mirena insertion and removal, cosmetic injectables and fillers, dietetics, cervical screening tests, antenatal shared care, fibreglass casts, ear syringing, wound care, sexual health screening, hearing screening and testing, ingrown toenail surgery, smoking cessation, women’s and men’s health, chronic disease management, COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, and spirometry.”

Brindabella Family Practice, Suite 4, 7-9 Morisset Street. Call 6299 6990, or visit brindabellapractice.com.au

Delivering quality windows, fast

MORE than 15 years ago, in a small factory, with a staff of five, Skyview Windows was created with the vision to supply quality products in the shortest possible lead times, says managing director Neil Thompson.

“The company mantra from day one was ‘Quality Windows, Fast’,” says Neil.

Since then, Skyview has grown and about 12 years ago expanded to a 2500sqm factory in High Street, Queanbeyan.

Neil says part of Skyview’s success is being able to work closely with customers and suppliers to ensure consistency in quality and supply is maintained.

Using dedicated, local people, Neil says all windows and doors are manufactured to Australian standards.

“All windows and doors are manufactured from a mixture of local and imported raw materials to ensure cost competitiveness and, unlike the major window companies, all the profits stay right here,” he says.

“Skyview is the only window company able to supply any powdercoat colour with no cost premium involved.

“This allows our customers to mix and match colour schemes for their houses without having to stick to the six standard colours our competitors offer.”

Last year Skyview launched the “Texturer” colour range. Starting with “black” and “monument”, the range significantly reduces marks and blemishes on the powder-coat finish.

Skyview Windows, 77 High Street. Call 6232 9977.