These locals have spent years mastering their craft and are passionate about sharing it with others.

There’s always something new to learn or new ways to improve daily living. Whether it’s wanting to improve health, learn a new creative skill or language, or even looking at ways to a better night’s sleep, the ACT region has experts in every field imaginable.

These locals have spent years mastering their craft and are passionate about sharing it with others.

Christian sets the benchmark in sleep services

Benchmark Sleep Services’ owner Christian Rabatsch has more than 30 years’ experience in dealing with sleep apnea and related conditions.

“I used to run a sleep lab and have worked for all the major companies – Philips, Fisher & Paykel, ResMed,” he says.

“I set up this business about 12 years ago, because I used to go around and see the retailers and what they did, and I actually felt they didn’t do a good job.

“So, I called mine Benchmark Sleep Services because we want to be the best at what we do.”

Now there are 10 stores throughout Canberra and NSW, and Christian says their success has come from a focus on the patient, not sales.

Christian says he and his staff are not only clinical people, but are also like motivational counsellors.

“People really want to know that there’s someone on their side, they’re not out there on their own,” he says.

“It’s all about trying to create a nice image for the public, not that they feel they’re coming in and have to buy something, they’re coming in because they’re getting help.”

Benchmark Sleep Services, level 1, 8/48 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6105 9000 or visit benchmarksleepservices.com.au

Expert services for children with additional needs

“We are a not-for-profit organisation that was started by a group of passionate parents that had children with additional needs about 30 years ago,” says Karen Mills, Treehouse Queanbeyan director. 

“We provide services to families with children with developmental delays and disabilities from birth to the end of primary school.”

Karen says they have a range of services available but particularly their early intervention groups for children younger than school age. 

“Through early intervention groups we offer specialised support for young children who have a disability or learning support needs and their families,” says Karen. 

“The overall aim of this service is to provide parents and families with the knowledge, skills and support to meet the needs of their child and to optimise the child’s development and ability to participate in family and community life.

“Services are provided using a family-centred approach, recognising the importance of working in partnership with the family. 

“Our quality group program individualises all goals for each child through

collaboration with families, relevant therapists and outside services.

“As far as I am aware there is no other organisation in the Queanbeyan/ACT region offering this range of services and support for families with children with a disability.”

Treehouse Queanbeyan, 1 Thorpe Avenue, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 7271 or visit treehouse.org.au

Reliable and accessible help with your health

“Our organisation’s mission is to eliminate Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Australia by 2030,” says Sarah Ahmed, Hepatitis ACT executive.

“That’s what we’re here to do, we want to facilitate that move, that change.

“We want to support our local government and our local community to just get this mission accomplished. 

“We specialise in helping people access healthcare, we refer people to doctors, specialists, we provide them with information on medication, treatment, how to prevent reinfection, how to avoid getting infected. 

“What people don’t realise is that there is no such thing as a healthy carrier for Hepatitis C or Hepatitis B, everyday that you let yourself go untreated, your liver is getting more and more damaged. 

“Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B are significant contributing factors towards liver cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Australia.” 

Sarah says that when people come to Hepatitis ACT and see a doctor, they don’t have to pay any doctor fees or any pathology fees. 

Even medication fees are taken care of, says Sarah.

“Everything is covered by Hepatitis ACT, we receive some funding from ACT Health in order to facilitate that treatment, ensuring that treatment is accessible to everyone,” she says.

“If people have any questions about liver health or about hepatitis, they should call the Hepatitis Australia information phone line, 1800 437222 (1800 HEP ABC).

“There is a very simple treatment for Hepatitis C,” says Sarah. 

“Call us and have a chat.” 

Hepatitis ACT is located at 36 David Street, Turner (opposite the O’Connor shops). More information at hepatitisact.com.au or call 6230 6344.

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 and disability support 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

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

Mechanics with a passion to ‘do something good’

Car Mechanical Services co-owners, Raffy and Charlie Sgroi, have been in business for 15 years, with Charlie having more than 40 years of mechanical experience. 

“In the last five years we have really focused on being a profit-for-purpose business, which is for us to create a legacy and not just make money but do something good,” says Raffy.

Last year, Car Mechanical Services won the sustainable small business of the year award, one of the first automobile companies in Canberra to do so, says Raffy.

“We have continued trying to improve that, so proper recycling, use less chemicals and reusing pretty much everything we can, and maintaining the vehicles a little bit more frequently, so you don’t have too much wastage there.

Raffy says the automotive industry only has one per cent females. 

“We want to be approachable for them and a choice of career,” she says.

“In the last couple of years we had a few girls come in and do work experience and hopefully they will pick up an apprenticeship. 

“We also do work experience and a little bit of career coaching for neurodiverse kids.

“As we know it can be difficult for them to find a path in the industry, it might sound very noisy, very disruptive, so we try to create positions for them to thrive and do whatever they can. 

“When you see these kids come in and show their passion, it’s a big joy.”

Car Mechanical Services, 82 Kalgoorlie Crescent, Fisher. Call 6162 4111 or visit carmechanicalservices.com.au

Masters of the must-see range of tiles

For more than 40 years Rivoland Tiles has developed a reputation for excellence in the floor and wall tile industry, says general manager James Hibberson.

“Whether you’re seeking inspiration, advice or looking for that perfect tile, come and visit the showrooms and talk to one of Rivoland Tiles experienced staff,” he says.

“The Crawford Street (Queanbeyan) and Mitchell showrooms are a must-see according to leading interior designers. 

“Our showroom display ranges are selected to provide inspiration and ideas for both inside and outside your home or a commercial setting.”

James says Rivoland Tiles is an example of a successful family business that has grown and adapted with the times because of the knowledge, commitment to customer service and genuine passion for the industry given by family and staff.

“With the advice from helpful staff, you could transform your environment to suit your personality, using the best floor and wall tiling products available in Australia,” he says.

By regularly travelling around the world, their import buyers are offered the latest available and in many cases exclusive stock.

“Whether you are seeking modern sophistication or a quirky and unique personal touch, the team at Rivoland will help you find that perfect tile,” he says.

Rivoland Tiles, 100 Crawford Street Queanbeyan, call 6297 4510 or 55-57 Darling Street Mitchell, call 6241 1557, or visit rivoland.com.au

Physiotherapy to absolve aches and pains

Director Roy Daniell says Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic was founded by his mother, Yvonne Daniell. 

“We have provided physical health care to the people of North Canberra and Belconnen for over 50 years,” the senior clinician says. 

“We have always been involved in looking after local athletes at all levels, but our main theme has been caring for the aches and pains, injuries, sprains and strains of the general population.

“We understand that at the beginning of a year, many people are keen to reclaim control of their health.

“To help people get started, we are happy to offer a $20 discount on initial consultations from now until Easter.”

There are also three new additions to the Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic team, says Roy.

“Zoe Zeuschner joined us late in 2023, Zoe has a long history of exercise prescription for health and injury recovery, as well as working in team sports,” says Roy.

“She came to Canberra to complete her Master of  Physiotherapy, and we are very grateful that she has chosen to stay.

“Lara Rankin is a lifelong Belconnen resident. Her clinical interests are in helping people at all levels return to sport and improve their performance. She has particular interests in soccer and AFL.

“Matt Chan just joined our team. He has extensive experience helping people manage injuries from workplace trauma and strains, to sporting injuries at all levels. 

“He prides himself on empowering people to look after themselves better.”

Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic, 1/20 Purdue Street Belconnen. Call 6251 3487 or visit belconnen.physio

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

Knowledgeable staff with a big range of native plants

Cool Country Natives stocks the largest range of Australian native plants in the ACT and surrounds, says owner Karen Brien.

“We have deliveries of new stock every week, and offer drought and frost-hardy plants for your home garden,” says Karen. 

“Drought and frost-hardy plants will be easier to manage, and make it easier for watering.”

Karen says her dedicated team of reliable and knowledgeable staff are happy to talk to customers and help them with any queries. 

“We go out of our way to help people find the right plant for the right spot; we’re attentive and we know what stock is in the nursery,” she says. 

“Please come and talk to us for advice. We have plenty of tubestock and farm trees, and we know how it grows and what it requires.

“The team do their best to help our shoppers wherever they can.

“We are open seven days a week, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, and most public holidays between 10am and 4pm.” 

Cool Country Natives, 5A Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6257 6666, or visit coolcountrynatives.com.au

Low-impact exercise technique keeps skiers fit

A new, scientifically studied exercise technique called Nordic Walking is more effective than jogging, but as gentle as walking, and is even used by cross-country skiers to stay fit in their off-season, says Capital Nordic Walking founder Kristen Pratt.

The technique 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.

“When there’s no snow the Scandinavian and Nordic skiers shorten their poles and do exactly the same movement as they would in cross country skiing,” says Kristen.

“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.

But while the technique is perfect for skiers, Kristen says anyone can try the versatile exercise.

“Because we have so much control over the range of movement and the level of intensity, you can adapt it to where you’re at and scale it up as you start to improve,” she says.

“The great thing about it 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.

“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, email hello@capitalnordicwalking.com.au or visit capitalnordicwalking.com.au