Here’s a guide to quality training and conference spaces available here in Canberra that are suitable for any upcoming event.

WHEN learning a new skill, running a training session or hosting a conference, it’s important to get the setting right.

From a professional atmosphere, to quality catering, to accessible audio-visual capabilities, an event is made all the more memorable when all the details fall into place.

Here’s the “CityNews” guide to quality training and conference spaces available here in Canberra that are suitable for any upcoming event.

Premier meeting venue

CROWNE Plaza Canberra is a premier meeting venue and deluxe hotel accommodation, says director of sales and marketing Tim Bruen.

“This hotel opened in 1989 and has been operating under the Crowne Plaza brand for over 20 years,” he says.

“It offers eight meeting spaces, six with natural light, perfect for education and training seminars, workshops and board meetings. It also has Canberra’s largest single-hotel inventory – 296 rooms – to accommodate visiting delegates and facilitators.

“We have quality food, with a healthy-menu ethos, break-out spaces with natural light, hot buffet lunches served in Redsalt restaurant overlooking Glebe Park, video conferencing and high-quality audio-visual product and service, and secure undercover parking for delegates/attendees.”

Tim says the Crowne Plaza enables people to get the best out of their business travel.

“With a spacious atrium lobby set up with semi-private informal meeting spaces and LUME bar by Estate for that well-earned, post-meeting refreshment,” he says.

“Crowne Plaza has bookings open for Christmas buffet lunches, available for small and large groups, from late November to early December.

“And, if you book any meeting or group accommodation prior to November 3, go in the draw to win a trip to Fiji,” he says.

“Crowne Plaza Canberra makes business meetings work. Our ‘Meet How You Meet’ offer currently offers a fourth meeting free when you book a series of meetings, whether that be regular training, workshops, training or strata meetings.”

Crowne Plaza, 1 Binara Street, Canberra. Call 6274 5500, or visit canberra.crowneplaza.com

Ever thought of being a driving instructor?

ASCENT Training Services offers a 16-day course that enables people to complete their Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training (TLI41222). 

CEO Steve Lake says it’s a satisfying experience to be a driving instructor and help students, predominantly young people, become safe drivers. 

“It’s an important and responsible role in our community, as well as a flexible job where you can choose your own hours,” says Steve. 

Steve says the industry is calling out for more instructors, particularly female instructors. Anyone who has had their full licence for at least 12 months can start their training.

Steve says the course is about ensuring instructors are safe drivers themselves and have the skills to teach others in a one-on-one setting, according to the ACT’s regulations. 

Topics covered in the course include understanding the transport industry and the regulations instructors need to comply with, safe driving, training skills, teaching others safe driving, how to teach a learner, and other general topics. 

Steve says that Ascent is a premier road-safety training company that has designed and delivered training since 2000.

“We offer four courses a year for instructor training, which includes a mix of classroom and on-the-road training,” says Steve. 

“In the future we will be bringing some of the units online so students can complete these in their own time and pace. 

“It’s a nationally recognised qualification, which once completed, gives students the opportunity in the future to add a motorcycle and heavy vehicle qualification, by just completing these vehicle specific units, with an RTO that offers them.”  

Ascent Training Services (RTO No. 88096), visit ascenttrainingservices.com.au or call 6210 8765.

Clubhouse that boasts stunning views

FEDERAL Golf Club is one of Australia’s top 100 golf courses, and Canberra’s number one public access golf course, says general manager Anthony Sinclair.

“We have been open since 1933, and we offer a premium 18-hole golf course, restaurant, and wedding and seminar facilities,” he says.

“Our function rooms can fit 200 people, and we have a premium restaurant and catering service that is available every day.

“Federal Golf Club is located just a couple of kilometres from Parliament House. With free parking, the clubhouse boasts stunning views of the Brindabellas.”

Anthony says Federal Golf Club is a prestigious golf course, known as one of Australia’s very best inland clubs.

“Whatever the occasion, be it a birthday, an engagement, an anniversary, a christening, a wake, or a charity event, Federal Golf Club is committed to providing you with a solution that will ensure the success of your event,” he says.

“No matter how big or small, our dedicated team will assist you every step of the way and provide the guidance you require. Federal Golf Club is a well-connected member of the Canberra event community, having access to additional services that will complement the vision you have for your event.

“We also have a newly renovated sports bar.”

Federal Golf Club, Gowrie Drive, Red Hill. Call 6281 1888, or visit federalgolf.com.au

Conference facility with a view

OAKS Ranch is a luxury, 14-room boutique hotel, restaurant, bar, event and conference facility and golf course, says general manager Josh Tyler.

“We are situated on the south coast, five minutes from Broulee Beach on 300 acres, flanked by the Tomago River and Candlagan Creek,” he says.

“The Oaks Ranch first opened in 1970. The current owners closed the hotel in June 2021 to renovate and elevate the property’s offering, before we reopened in February 2022.

“Our conference and event facilities offer everything from boardroom-style to cabaret conferencing, weddings and events with a large alfresco breakout area, stunning views west across the property to the Deua mountain ranges. 

“The venue has high-speed, reliable wifi, a drop-down data projector with audio surround, flipcharts and a whiteboard.”

Josh says the restaurant and bar, Arlo, is a refined casual eating experience, influenced by Australian, Asian and European cuisines.

“For conferencing we offer full or half-day delegate packages, a selection of house-made sweets and savoury snacks for our morning and afternoon teas,” he says.

“Our conference lunches range from gourmet sandwiches on local artisan breads to dining in Arlo. We also offer barista-made coffee, specialty teas, and in-house breakfast for overnight guests.

“Oaks Ranch is a Spanish mission-style property, a rural oasis with a sense of tranquility, and the sunsets are truly amazing.”

Oaks Ranch, 340 Old Mossy Point Road, Mossy Point, NSW. Call 4471 7403, or visit oaksranch.com.au

Oval comes with lots of options for any event

ESTABLISHED in the late 1920s as Canberra’s original cricket ground, historic Manuka Oval now boasts a contemporary events facility, where GEMA Group offer their services, says events manager Lucy McLennan.

“Manuka Oval is one of Canberra’s most unique function venues, and GEMA Group can provide spaces at Manuka Oval for conferences and events with a variety of options available,” she says.

“A multitude of catering options are available at Manuka Oval. Choose from one of our day-delegate packages, cocktail packages or gala dinners.

“Otherwise, you can work with your dedicated event manager to create a bespoke menu best suited for your event.

“Function rooms have large windows with views of the field and extensive natural light.

“It’s located in the Parliamentary Triangle, close to the CBD, and there are a range of hospitality and accommodation options nearby with Manuka Oval being within walking distance of the Kingston and Manuka precincts.”

GEMA Group, Manuka Oval, Griffith. Call 0420 941572, or visit manukaoval.com.au

Industry leader for emergency response training

AS the industry leader for emergency response training, Ferst Training Solutions has a focus on safety throughout the whole year, says director Gary Cheeseman. 

“Our training gives people the skills to not only keep themselves safe, but anyone who visits their workplace or facility,” he says.

“People first” is the catchphrase that drives the team behind Ferst, which offers specialised emergency response training to workplaces in the ACT and NSW.

Since 2007, the family-run business has offered a range of courses to workplaces including: Training of Emergency Response Teams; Emergency Response Chief Wardens and Wardens; General Staff Training; Fire Extinguisher Use Training; and Building Evacuation Training.

“We endeavour to give people the skills so when something does go wrong, they have the tools to get out of that situation safely,” he says. 

All trainers have been in operational positions, in fields including the military, fire services or emergency services, meaning they have real-life experience in dealing with many situations, Gary says.

“Our training is practical and procedural,” he says.

Ferst Training Solutions. Visit ferst.com.au or call 1300 333778.