From exercise to beauty, health to art, and more, Canberra is home to plenty of experts passionate about their skills and services with the community. This is a sponsored post.

NOTED American educational psychologist Benjamin Bloom once said experts are always made, not born.

If that’s true, Canberra’s certainly helped make more than a few experts.

From exercise to beauty, health to art, and more, there are plenty of professionals in the ACT passionate about sharing their insights and skills.

Serving clients through growing knowledge

RMB Lawyers is a full service personal and commercial law firm providing legal services in the areas of property law, commercial law, employment law, family law, wills and estate planning, personal injury claims, and criminal law, says associate Paul Bartholomew.

“RMB is one of the largest regionally based law firms in Australia,” he says.

“This provides the ability for our lawyers to specialise in certain areas of law; we have a ‘one office’ approach, which means our lawyers use technology to see clients, no matter where the lawyer/client is based geographically; and our focus on delivering value to clients.

“Our lawyers are required to participate in regular and ongoing external legal education and are required to hold seminars for our internal team and stakeholders on their area of speciality to ensure deep expertise and the sharing of knowledge within the team.

“Many of our lawyers have undergone further examination and accreditation with the NSW Law Society to become accredited specialists in their respective field.”

Paul says he is currently enrolled in a Masters of Applied Law program majoring in wills and estates and commercial litigation.

“I have a fundamental belief that being a lawyer is a privilege, that we are part of the communities we operate in and serving our clients is tremendously rewarding.”

RMB Lawyers, 70 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6284 2855, rmblawyers.com.au

Gym takes a ‘different approach’ to fitness

DIRECTOR of Evo Health Club, Jason Barry says their small, but expert team of trainers and coaches take a different approach to fitness.

“Our intelligent approach to training and the latest technology are the perfect storm for success,” he says.

“Focusing on your abilities and taking account of where you need development, we want to train your body so you have the strength to sustain your busy life. We push you to be skilled, fit, focused, joyful and energised.”

Featuring an extensive variety of exercise facilities, including a 25-metre lap pool, Jason says Evo is a health club that brings people “life satisfaction beyond their fitness goals”.

“Coming into summer and those warmer months, it’s nice to come inside to exercise in a temperature-controlled environment,” he says.

“We also have a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy spa as part of the offering.

“We also currently have a promotion running which includes a one-day trial pass to use all club facilities, including taking a class.”

“Our group fitness classes are small and intimate, which is great because it means the trainers get to spend most of their time with the members, give them cues on form and really focus on each individual.”

Evo Health Club, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. Call 6162 0808, or visit evohealthclub.com.au

Wellbeing for the mind, body and soul

MUDD The Spa is a wellness sanctuary located in the heart of Canberra, says owner Erin Barry.

“Indulge in the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation experience at our luxurious day spa, where tranquility and serenity await you,” she says.

“Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of calm. The day spa is thoughtfully designed to create a peaceful haven where you can escape the stresses of everyday life.

Erin says Mudd The Spa offers everything from soothing massages that melt away tension to rejuvenating facials that leave your skin radiant.

“Our expert therapists are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care and attention,” she says.

“They will customise each treatment to address your specific concerns and preferences.”

Erin says guests can enjoy access to her state-of-the-art facilities, including a tranquil relaxation lounge, 25-metre heated indoor lap pool, steam room, sauna, and hydrotherapy spa.

“For those seeking the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity, we offer a private couples suite where they can enjoy their chosen spa experience in complete seclusion,” she says.

“Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a day of self-care, our luxury day spa promises to provide our guests with an unforgettable experience that will leave them feeling refreshed, revitalised, and utterly pampered.

“Above all, our luxury day spa is a place where you can reconnect with yourself, find balance, and rejuvenate your spirit.”

Mudd The Spa. Hotel Realm, Level B1, 18 National Circuit, Barton. Call 6162 0909, or visit @muddthespa instagram or mudd.com.au

Michelle helps others to put their best foot forward

PRINCIPAL podiatrist at Canberra Podiatry Michelle Prophet says she has the expertise and passion for helping others to put their best foot forward.

“My journey began long before I opened my own business in 1997,” she says.

“Prior to that milestone, I worked alongside my father, Stephen Prophet, a renowned orthopedic appliance consultant, and together we crafted orthotics and shoes, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving podiatry practice and eventually inclusive of a physiotherapist, David Kennard.”

Michelle says her business is a hub for all aspects of podiatry and physiotherapy, where she and her team offer a wide range of services.

“My own special interests within the field are biomechanics, with a particular focus on gait and posture analysis, as well as podopediatrics (the assessment of children), sports podiatry, and a dedicated emphasis on dance and ballet,” she says.

“We’re proud to highlight the unique strengths and passions of our dedicated team members.

“Jake, our senior podiatrist, is a true enthusiast in all aspects of podiatry. Mai comes highly recommended for her proficiency in wound care, laser therapy, and providing comprehensive treatments, our remarkable practitioner Mia is our youngest podiatrist, based at our Queanbeyan clinic, and our friendly reception staff Eva at Canberra Podiatry and Chrissie at Qcity Podiatry, are always ready to help.”

Canberra Podiatry, 4 Chifley Place, Chifley, call 6281 1200. QCity Podiatry, Cassidy’s Arcade, 72-74 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan, call 6147 1616. Visit canberrapodiatry.com.au

Pain support with a personal touch

ARTHRITIS ACT can support people no matter what type of chronic pain condition they have, says CEO, Rebecca Davey.

“It’s important to remain active at all ages, to condition muscles that protect against injury”, and Arthritis ACT has solutions for people of varying abilities.

Rebecca says Arthritis, Pain Support & ME/CFS have staff who are not only experts in their fields, but many are peers in that they also live with the conditions that bring our clients to us.

“This means we really understand where you are coming from, your fears, your hopes, and what you can do,” she says.

“Many of our programs are held as group programs. This helps keep the costs down for you, but it also means you get to meet other participants who are dealing with similar issues.

“Sometimes when we’re living with invisible disabilities or illnesses, you feel really isolated because you feel no one else understands. In our programs, everyone understands. Many people come to our programs and make lifelong friends with others who really do ‘get you’.”

That’s only the start, Rebecca says, with Arthritis ACT also offering services such as exercise physiology, disability support and meal planning to help people in managing their pain.

“No task or question is too big or small for us.”

Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

Home designs that make a healthy difference

REIMAGINED Habitat was established in 2017 as a passive house design business, says owner Michael Drage.

“Our aim is to help people live in healthier, more energy efficient, sustainable homes,” he says.

“We incorporate energy efficient principles throughout the design process – without compromising on the aesthetic.

“We offer a complete interior and building design service for home improvements and new construction, with a team blend of experienced designers and graduates who bring fresh perspectives to the thinking and visualisation of our projects.

“This combination of experience and unbridled design thinking creates enviable results for our clients.”

Michael says his research showed the number one driver to increase energy efficiency was the quality.

This led him to a global search for the best products and eventually Michael established Net Zero Plus which imports European, high-efficiency windows.

“Our research shows windows and airtightness to be the key drivers for energy efficiency. We now have access to triple-glazed windows at around the same price of even the better double glazed units. An example recently was a client whose windows were eight per cent more costly through us, but reduced their heating and cooling costs by half. An unbelievable outcome.”

Michael says he found huge interest since he’s been able to supply such amazing windows at such good prices.

Reimagined Habitat and Net Zero Plus, 18 Creswell Street, Campbell. Call 0419 391282, or visit reimaginedhabitat.com.au

Leading lawyer with a ‘can-do’ attitude

KEN Hubert, of Capon and Hubert, began his career as an articled clerk with Romano and Verducci, and spent some time as an associate assisting Justice Kelly, says finance director Rhonda Hubert.

“He has spent his working life in legal practices in Canberra,” she says.

“He then worked with William G Pierce, eventually buying out the practice, which then merged with that of Geoff Capon, and became what is now known as Capon and Hubert.”

Rhonda says Ken’s legal career spans nearly 40 years.

“Ken’s main area of expertise revolves around family matters, where he listens to clients to define issues and determines possible options, before he then handles negotiations and court proceedings,” she says.

“Ken aims to define what is most important to his clients, walking through the process with them to achieve an outcome they can live with.

“Other than family law, Ken has extensive experience in the areas of estates litigation, commercial and property, and he also sometimes deals with criminal and traffic infringement matters.”

Ken helps people with their legal issues with confidence and compassion, says Rhonda.

“Ken is a people’s person and always leads with a ‘can-do’ attitude.”

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Decades of passion and experience

RENOWNED for their expertise in residential architecture, interior design, hospitality and heritage projects, co-directors of Filardo Ercan Architects say they bring a combined wealth of knowledge to the table.

“The diverse skill set of myself and Can Ercan enables us to adopt a comprehensive approach in serving their clients,” says Maria Filardo.

“Our portfolio extends beyond Canberra, encompassing notable projects such as Hyde Park Cafe in Sydney, ventures in Victoria, and undertakings across regional NSW.

“I have over two decades of architectural experience, supplemented by my role as a lecturer at CIT specialising in building and interior design.

“Can brings a formidable 25 years of expertise in heritage conservation, having served with esteemed organisations like the NSW Heritage Office and ACT Heritage Unit. He also held positions as an associate and senior architect at prominent firms in Canberra and Sydney.”

Maria says they deliberately opted for a compact firm with substantial influence.

“To ensure we can consistently deliver a personalised service to our clients,” she says.

“We complement each other, allowing our work to shine uniquely,” says Can.

They say they both express a genuine passion for their craft, and this enthusiasm is mirrored in the strong rapport they maintain with their clients, culminating in exceptional project outcomes.

Filardo Ercan Architects, visit feas.com.au or call Maria on 0421 342625 and Can on 0415 550801.

More bang for your exercise buck

A NEW, scientifically studied exercise technique called Nordic Walking is more effective than jogging but as gentle as walking, and is the perfect way to get in some regular exercise this year, says Capital Nordic Walking founder Kristen Pratt.

The technique, which keeps European cross-country skiers fit during their off season, uses specially designed poles that are planted behind the user to propel them along using the power of the upper body as well as the legs.

“It doubles the number of muscles being used and strengthened compared to walking and running, making it easy to get a high-intensity cardiovascular workout,” says Kristen.

“It strengthens arms, shoulders, back and core while also massively reducing strain on leg joints.”

Kristen says Nordic Walking is quickly growing in Canberra, beneficial to those who need some low-impact exercise and for those with a competitive spark.

“The great thing about Nordic walking is you don’t have to go very fast to get a good workout but competitive Nordic walkers can get up to speeds similar to running,” she says.

“For people who like walking, it can turbo charge your walk and for people who are really fit like runners and crossfitters, it’s a really good cross activity to build muscle because it is so low impact.”

Capital Nordic Walking, visit capitalnordicwalking.com.au

Brents got years of flooring knowledge

BRENT Souden first started working as a flooring installer in Canberra 2007, moving here from West Wyalong, NSW, where he learnt the trade from his father and grandfather who have operated their store since 1953, says wife and Soudens Floor Collective business co-owner Lewarna Souden.

“He began as a sub-contractor working for various flooring stores throughout Canberra,” she says.

“Over the years he has grown the business from one person to 11, moving from our home garage to our Fyshwick showroom in March 2021.

“Our carefully curated showroom has thousands of flooring samples on display for our clients to choose from to suit a wide range of budgets and styles.

“We’ve created a space that feels warm and inviting and which sparks inspiration.”

Lewarna says they offer residential and commercial flooring solutions including carpet, vinyl, hybrid, timber, laminate and polished concrete. 

“The business was born out of our desire to provide something no other Canberra stores were offering, an end-to-end service with experts at every stage of the process – sales, estimation and installation,” she says.

“Brent’s experience covers a wealth of knowledge that only comes with years of dedication to learning the trade, which is also uncommon in our industry. 

“It means he has the practical knowledge and skills to teach our team every aspect of flooring with a special focus on floor preparation which is ultimately the key to a beautiful long lasting floor, like our unique vinyl wrapped staircases.”

Soudens Floor Collective, 14/8 Beaconsfield Street, Fyshwick. Call 5134 3970, or visit soudens.com.au

Promoting Italian culture and language

THE Dante Alighieri Society (DAS) of Canberra is a prominent member of the international network of Dante Alighieri Societies dedicated to the promotion of Italian language and culture throughout the world, says president Franco Papandrea.

“Established 1957, it has been offering an authentic experience of Italian language and culture to the Canberra community for more than 65 years and is widely regarded as the best place to learn Italian in the national capital,” he says.

“It offers the widest range of adult Italian courses available in Canberra at very competitive prices. In addition, fee-paying adult students are able to practice what they learn in the classroom in a welcoming and friendly setting at no extra cost.”

Franco says the DAS is also the only place in the region where non-native Italian speakers can sit exams for the internationally-recognised Plida certificate of Italian competency.

“Thanks to generous assistance by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the DAS employs mother tongue Italian language assistants to support the teaching of Italian in Canberra’s primary and secondary schools,” he says.

“Membership of the society is open to anyone with an interest in Italian language and culture. Members are provided with an extensive program of cultural and social activities including weekly social conversation groups, special events and social occasions.”

The Dante Alighieri Society, call 5117 3996 or visit danteact.org.au

Gallery gets into the spirit of spring

GRAINGER Gallery is getting into the spring spirit with “Spring Jardin & Falling Flowers,” says owner Kacy Grainger.

“It’s a group show celebrating the works of leading local and national artists focused on the art of flora and still life,” she says.

“Featuring a huge line-up, the show will include the works of Jane Aliendi, Jessica Ashton, Sally Browne, Ann Maree Clark, Fiona Cotton, Michelle Fogarty, Kate Gorman, Jessica Guthrie, Elizabeth Hersey, Sarah Hickey, Elisabeth Howlett, Thea Katauskas, Gabby Malpas, Kirsty McIntyre, Matilda Michell, Veronica O’Leary, Gosia Orzechowska, Bethany Saab, Kean Onn See, Llewellyn Skye, Miranda Summers, Sam Tidbeck, Oliver Shepherd and Sarah Waghorn.”

Kacy says almost all artists have been finalists or winners of major art prizes.

“Local artist, Fiona Cotton is a finalist in this year’s international 16th ARC Salon in Spain,” she says.

“Kean Onn See was a finalist in this year’s Sulman and Mosman Art Prizes. Llewellyn Skye has recently featured prominently at Sydney Contemporary and was a winner of numerous prizes, including 2023 Best and Brightest in ‘Home Beautiful’ magazine.

“Jessica Ashton has been a two-time finalist in the Archibald and many of the artists have been included in the Portia Geach and Doug Moran prizes among others.”

Kacy says she is proud to present this joyous show dedicated to the colours of spring.

“Show opens at 6pm, September 21, and runs until October 8, and the gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm.”

Grainger Gallery, Building 3.3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick. Call 0404 769843, or visit graingergallery.com.au

The many ways that hemp can help

SOUTH Pacific Hemp store manager Sue Booth says at South Pacific Hemp they go to great lengths to source only the best hemp products.

“We get to know the story and origin behind each wholesaler, we pride ourselves on knowing these individual companies’ stories and telling our customers exactly where the products originated,” she says.

“The global market for hemp is predicted to nearly quadruple in value between 2020 and 2027.

“This is because of hemp’s hardiness across a wide range of climates, its ability to grow in and improve poor soil, as well as absorb more carbon dioxide than any other crop, and that every part of the plant is useful.”

Sue says she also takes pride in having vast knowledge about the different hemp products and uses.

“We have a green hemp healing balm that is good for arthritis, psoriasis, bruising, nerve pain and eczema,” she says.

“Or, we have a popular hemp and cherry balm or black sheep, which can help with nappy rash, inflammation, bites and stings.

“The store also has a range of clothing and linen, fabrics, bedding and cushions all made to promote wellbeing.

“Hemp protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light. It also resists bacterial growth and breathes excellently, preventing odours and has four times the strength of cotton and it won’t weaken when washed.”

Sue says hemp gives years of wear, while its breathing ability, antibacterial and antiviral properties help promote good sleep.

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898 or visit southpacifichemp.com.au