CityNews speaks to some of the businesses that are professionally delivering a variety of services to the people of Tuggeranong.

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

While it’s named after “cold plains”, the businesses in the region bring plenty of warmth to the community through their customer service and expertise. 

KAMBAH
Pharmacy with the community at heart

Angela Miller, owner and pharmacist at Terry White Chemmart Kambah says while she only took over the pharmacy at the end of last year, she already feels a strong sense of community.

“It’s a very friendly area and I like working in this area because there are other services, lots of other small businesses.

“It sort of has that country town, friendly feel.”

Angela says she has been working as a pharmacist for nearly 30 years.

“My husband and I used to have a country pharmacy for 18 years and then we moved to Canberra, and then the opportunity arose to go into this business” she says. 

“We love doing what we do.”

Angela says it’s a relatively small team, with some staff having been there before she and her husband took over, along with new staff they have hired recently. 

“I’m very interested in the health sector and looking after patients and trying to provide health solutions for patients is a joy to do,” says Angela.

“We love being part of a community, and getting to know customers and building that relationship, and then helping them with their health journeys.”

Terry White Chemmart Kambah, 1/9 Jenke Circuit, Kambah. Call 6162 1004 or visit Terry White Chemmart Kambah on Facebook.

GREENWAY
Mobility services on the southside

Open Mobility opened in Tuggeranong early last year, to service the community in southern Canberra, says Kim Nelson, Belconnen and Tuggeranong showroom manager. 

“Customers have been very pleased to have the shop in Tuggeranong, offering easy parking in the main shopping area” she says.

“At Open Mobility, we aim to give 100 per cent, A+ customer service, every day.

“We provide expert advice to assist everybody with their needs, to find the best, most suitable products.

“Open Mobility also offers free delivery and install, as well as a five per cent price match,” she says.

The autumn sale catalogue is now available in store or online with great savings on a range of products, says Kim, including iCare beds and a range of iCare bedding, and 10 per cent off all bedding accessories.

“Open Mobility are assistive technology specialists and authorised DVA equipment providers,” says Kim. 

“We also trade, hire and service mobility and accessibility equipment.

“We stock an extensive range of equipment and a wide range of brands including Afikim, Canterbury Concepts, Kcare, Invacare, Karma, Merits, Otto Bock and Pride. 

“We also have stores in Belconnen, Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Griffith NSW and Dubbo.” 

Open Mobility, 310 Anketell Street, Greenway. Call 6108 3899, or visit openmobility.com.au

GREENWAY
Boost confidence and self-esteem through dance

Renee Mandanici-Baldwin, owner and director of Dance Edge, says Dance Edge is more than a dance school, it is a hub where passion for dance and performance arts is nurtured. 

Dance Edge offers a broad spectrum of programs for students aged two years and above, says Renee, all under the guidance of VET and degree-qualified educators. 

“At Dance Edge, we set ourselves apart by committing wholeheartedly to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all our students and their families,” says Renee. 

“The unregulated nature of the dance industry in Australia presents unique challenges, particularly in maintaining consistent standards of safety and professionalism. 

“However, Dance Edge rises to the challenge by actively promoting and maintaining rigorous safety standards.”

Renee says Dance Edge is a member of the Dance Arts Alliance. 

“This affiliation is more than a badge; it’s a promise to uphold the highest standards of child safety and ethical practices in dance education,” she says.

Dance offers children a blend of physical, mental, and emotional benefits, says Renee. 

“It’s not just an art form but a holistic activity that nurtures the overall development of all children,” she says. 

Renee says this creative expression is linked to emotional development, as dance offers a constructive outlet for emotions and can boost confidence and self-esteem.

“Enrol for classes in term two and quote ‘City News’ to receive a 10 per cent discount,” says Renee.

Dance Edge, 12 Joseland Street, Greenway. Call 0499 998 049 or visit danceedge.com.au

GREENWAY
Accessible care for all medical needs

Principal GPs Dr Senthil Kumaar and Dr Sam Balogun started the Greenway Medical Centre in 2019, with the idea of providing quality healthcare for all says, Senthil.

“We offered bulk billing for all patients during the covid pandemic, which allowed patients to access telehealth without any restrictions and also it helped us to provide our services to a large number of patients,” he says.

Senthil says they still offer a mixed-billing model, with an affordable low gap fee and bulk billing for children and concession and health card holders, without compromising the quality of care.

Senthil says he and Sam offer a full range of services with special services including skin-cancer checks, dermatology, iron-infusion clinics, implanon insertion and removal, and mirena insertion and removal.

He says the clinic is open 7am-6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

“We take pride in our responsibility to look after our patients’ health and strive to achieve the best outcome for them,” says Senthil.

“Our success is reflected in our large patient database which continues to expand.

“We are also in the process of expanding our services by offering dental services and radiology services,” he says.

Greenway Medical Centre, Unit 6, 175 Anketell Street, Greenway. Call 6100 9956 or visit greenwaymedicalcentre.com.au

GREENWAY
Continental deli brings memories of Europe

Alpha Continental Deli in Greenway opened in 2019, but Judyta Malkus became the new owner in February 2022.

“From the beginning, Alpha Continental Deli was focused on providing European products to the people of Tuggeranong and beyond,” says Judyta.

“We offer mostly eastern European goods including deli products from Polish, German, Croatian and Australian butchers.

“We sell frozen dumplings, pastizzis, burek, breads, prepared meals and cakes, as well as a wide range of sweets, teas, spices and jars full of healthy and delicious salads, preserves and relishes.”

Judyta says what is most important is that customers of Alpha Continental Deli feel like they are at home.

“They enter the shop and they are in a different dimension, many of them go back to their childhood memories or they say it is like in their own country, the real European shop. For many others it is a learning adventure or a sentimental moment,” she says.

“I love my job now. I am still learning and gradually expanding the range of products in our shop with a huge help from our devoted customers who always ask for something new.

“We welcome everyone in our shop with joy, and love talking to our customers. Everyone is invited to come and have a look, try our products and become a regular customer.” 

Alpha Continental Deli, Shop 11, 150-180 Soward Way, Greenway. Call 6170 2230, or visit Alpha Continental Deli on Facebook.

WANNIASSA & CALWELL
Fish, chips, burgers and customer friends

“Everyone likes fish and chips,” says William Zhan, owner of Willy’s Fish & Burgers.

“Serving the community and having them come to us all the time, and seeing how they leave with happy faces or come and greet us, it is a great feeling.

“There is a feeling that our customers are not just customers any more, we have started becoming family and friends.”

During the covid years when his customers were struggling, William says he made sure to not put his prices up because he wanted to make sure everyone could still eat fish and chips. 

“I had customers come back to us and ask us if we were okay and why we had not taken our prices up, and I said: ‘I know it is tough right now… This is how I want to serve our community, because we are family and friends and we will go through this tough time together’.”

William says he is very attentive to quality, hand picking every single item of product that is served to customers. 

“All of our fish is 100 per cent NZ hake and barramundi,” he says. “My goal is to let our customers have the best quality in our shop.”

Willy’s Fish & Burgers is open seven days a week, 8am-9pm. 

Willy’s Fish & Burgers, Erindale Shopping Centre, 68 Comrie Street, Wanniassa. Call 6231 9303. Calwell Shopping Centre, 1 Webber Crescent, Calwell. Call 6291 0250.

GREENWAY
Real estate agents who keep it in the ‘family’

Hodgkinson Real Estate is a family business that director Quinten Hodgkinson says was originally established by his father in 1970, and has now been located in the Tuggeranong Valley for more than 25 years.

Quinten has been in the business since 1993, giving him more than 30 years of experience, and is a licensed agent for the ACT and NSW, as well as an auctioneer.

Quinten says Hodgkinson Real Estate can assist with the listing, selling and renting of residential and southern rural properties in Canberra and NSW. 

“I believe sales is about people, not property, so getting outcomes that help people is what the appeal is, both in rentals and sales,” says Quentin.

“We’ve got a strong boutique, family culture here.

“Our agents look after the clients themselves, they don’t get passed on to assistants. 

“It is a very personal, hands-on experience with us, where the agent you list with handles the whole process from start to finish.”

Quinten says they have long-standing staff members, with some having been with Hodgkinson Real Estate for more than 20 years.

“We have a lot of longevity in staff and that’s important,” he says.  

Hodgkinson Real Estate, 191-203 Level 1, Four Seasons House, Anketell Street, Greenway. Call 6293 1033 or visit hodgkinsonrealestate.com.au

GREENWAY
Fun way to get fit, socialise and compete

Teaching a range of classic dance styles, Dale’s Ballroom Dancing offers a fun way to get fit, socialise and compete in a friendly environment, says owner Dale Harris.

“I have adult classes on Wednesdays that start at 7pm,” she says.

“The classes will cover Latin, New Vogue and standard dances.

“Junior classes run every Thursday from 5pm.

“Anyone can join. You can just rock up on the night and we can get you caught up. Everyone and anyone is welcome”.

Dale says she loves to welcome anyone to come and learn regardless of age or experience.

“We have people of all ages coming in for the classes,” she says.

“One of the great things about it is the fitness. You don’t realise how much exercise you’re doing, you’re constantly on the move.”

Dale is an expert in many styles of dance including tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese waltz, and cha cha, samba, jive, rumba and paso doble. 

With more than 25 years’ experience teaching dance, Dale started dancing at the age of six, when she developed an interest in ballroom dancing. 

She’s since received many qualifications in ballroom dancing and is also a championship adjudicator who travels interstate to judge ballroom competitions. 

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, 6/38 Reed Street North, Greenway. Call 0407 066110 or visit dalesballroomdancing.com

GREENWAY
Spare parts for any and every car

“Basically, we are a spare parts store for automotives,” says Autobarn Tuggeranong store manager, Wade Simon, “we sell everything from spark plugs through to bull-bars, tow-bars, roof racks.”

“We do also sell some of the hard-to-find bits but generally by order, so we can basically supply anything for any car.”

Wade says they also offer a fitting service for items such as bull-bars, and roof-racks, as well as stereos or other audio components, and dash cams.

Wade has been in the motor industry for more than 20 years, and says cars are something he has always been passionate about.

“To be able to help other people out with those sorts of things has been pretty good,” he says.

“With what we do and the way the market is at the moment, a lot of people can’t afford to service their cars and things like that, so we offer a cheaper alternative by selling the parts to do it.

To celebrate its seventh birthday, Wade says, Autobarn Tuggeranong will have a one-day sale on April 27, with a store-wide 20 per cent discount and a 30 per cent discount for Sony audio equipment. 

He says there will also be a sausage sizzle on the day, and the local Torana car club is involved. 

“All proceeds that we make from the sausage sizzle will be going towards the Cancer Council,” he says. 

Autobarn Tuggeranong, Block 1/310 Anketell Street, Greenway. Call 6214 0600 or visit autobarn.com.au

GREENWAY
Local MP David Smith says he’s here to help

“I am honoured to represent the people of Bean in the Federal Parliament,” says David Smith MP. 

“Bean is Ngunnawal-Ngambri country taking in the southern part of the ACT including Tuggeranong, the Lanyon Valley, Woden, Weston Creek and the Molonglo Valley, as well as Norfolk Island.

“At 1900 square kilometres, it’s the largest electorate in the ACT and is a part of the diverse and complex Murrumbidgee River catchment.”

The electorate of Bean includes some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the ACT, fringed by the Brindabellas and encompassed with the Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla, says David.

“The real beauty, though, is in the people that make our community work, from our schools, workplaces, sports clubs, unions and faith organisations to our community councils, voluntary associations and organisations devoted to care and support,” he says.

“The Australian government offers many Australians support for an array of issues, but I know that it can be complex to navigate at the best of times and that’s why my team and I are always ready to assist you with issues whether they are local or national.

“My electorate office is located on Anketell Street in Greenway and has been serving the community for decades.”

Office of David Smith, MP for Bean, 205 Anketell Street, Greenway. Call 6293 1344 or visit davidsmith.org.au

WANNIASSA & ISABELLA PLAINS
A welcoming environment for teachers and students

While St Mary MacKillop College has all the advantages a large, co-ed secondary school can provide, principal Michael Lee believes that his teachers are its greatest strength.

Michael says MacKillop places a large focus on the recruitment of staff, because “a school can be no greater than the quality of its teachers”.

“When our students graduate, they comment that the best thing about MacKillop was their relationships with teachers and the sense of community,” he says.

“Teachers are central to the culture, community, and sense of identity that schools impart to young people and few professions can claim such responsibility.

“Our teachers are passionate, well-qualified, and believe that students have a right to learn, to be challenged intellectually and to be given opportunities that broaden their experiences and perspectives.”

Michael says MacKillop will have a twist to its Open Night on May 6, with special information for prospective employees on top of the usual information that will be available for future students.

College captains Harry Angus and Avari Petersen say visitors to Open Night will find that there’s a lot to like about their school.

“We have amazing people, good teachers, a supportive and welcoming environment, great facilities and we have had so many opportunities here,” they say.

“We believe any students or staff who are thinking about joining us will really enjoy the MacKillop experience.”

Michael says MacKillop is now accepting enrolments for the 2025 school year.  

St Mary MacKillop College, Junior Campus, Mackinnon St, Wanniassa and Senior Campus, Ellerston Avenue, Isabella Plains. For information or to register for enrolment events, call 6209 0100 or visit mackillop.act.edu.au

TUGGERANONG
The ‘go-to’ home renovator

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