In this sponsored post, CityNews speaks with local businesses from Woden Valley.

Woden Valley is said to be named after a nearby homestead, whose owner Dr James Murray titled it Woden in October, 1837, after the Old English god of wisdom.  

It was a fitting name from Dr Murray, who wanted to spend his life pursuing wisdom. 

But another man, Dr Harold Koch, questions this and believes Woden Valley’s origins come from the Aboriginal word for possum. 

The Aboriginal word, either “wadyan” or “wadhan”, became known to English speakers as “Woden”. 

The traditional custodians of the district are the indigenous people of the Ngunnawal tribe.

In this advertising feature we speak with local organisations prospering in Woden Valley.

New hands, same reliable printing service

For more than 30 years, printing business Kwik Kopy has been serving the Woden community.

Recently changing hands in ownership, new owner Geoff McKenzie reassures his customers that nothing will be changing that won’t positively impact their services.

“My priority was to maintain our customer base by continuing to provide a reliable service,” he says. 

“This means no changes to what we do, only improvements.”

Inspired by Kwik Kopy’s “we make possible” logo, Geoff says he was influenced by the company’s ability to seamlessly manage different jobs four months ago, which is when he took the plunge and took over the business.  

“They had a passion for creating quality products, and I was inspired,” he says. 

With plans to bring in new equipment with new capabilities for larger projects, Geoff says he is excited at the prospect of what’s to come. 

Current services range from flyer, brochure, catalogue and letterhead printing to signage solutions involving A-frame signs, pull-up banners, window decals and more. 

Also on offer are branded packaging solutions, custom business card services and even graphic design services. 

With a dedication to ensure branding “shines across all formats”, Geoff says they continue to be committed to providing the very best in printing and marketing services. 

Kwik Kopy Phillip, 2/10 Townshend Street, Phillip, call 6281 7700 or visit kwikkopy.com.au

Builders who believe great design is a dialogue

With more than 27 years of experience across residential, commercial and bespoke design projects, Arkitex founder and director, Alessandro (Alex) D’Ambrosio says they don’t just deliver drawings, they craft spaces that improve how people live, work and connect. 

“At Arkitex, we approach each project as an opportunity to blend creativity with functionality,” he says. 

“What sets us apart is our commitment to thoughtful, client-focused design where innovation, sustainability and context all play a central role.” 

Bringing a deep understanding of architectural principles, planning regulations and project delivery, Alex says they strive to stay at the forefront of design trends and technologies. 

With a masters in architecture and an unrestricted A Class builders licence, Alex says the most rewarding part of his job is seeing their clients’ visions come
to life.

“From that first sketch to the final reveal, we love the collaborative journey transforming ideas into tangible spaces that truly reflect our clients’ goals, lifestyle and personality,” he says. 

Whether a client is building from scratch, renovating or reimagining a space, Alex says they will be there from start to finish. 

“At Arkitex, we believe great design is a dialogue,” he says. 

“We are passionate about creating architecture that feels purposeful and personal.

“We welcome projects of all sizes and stages, and are always excited to explore new ideas.” 

Arkitex. Unit 5/24 Torrens Place Torrens, call 0413 570599 or visit arkitex.com.au

Restoring balance with kinesiology and mind body medicine

Offering a holistic approach to healing through kinesiology and mind body medicine, Jodie Evans is the newest medical professional at the Woden Wellness Centre. 

With more than 20 years of experience in holistic and energetic healing, Jodie specialises in helping clients release stress, emotional blockages and unhelpful patterns by giving them a pathway to return to balance and vitality. 

“Kinesiology is a gentle, yet powerful way to communicate directly with the body’s innate intelligence,” she says. 

“Through muscle monitoring, we can identify where stress and imbalance is being held, and then use a blend of traditional Chinese medicine and modern therapeutic tools, such as acupressure, flower essences, nervous system regulation and visualisation, to restore balance.”

Jodie says her sessions provide a safe, supportive space for self-discovery and healing.

“Clients come seeking relief from ongoing pain, emotional overwhelm or feeling stuck and leave feeling lighter, clearer and more aligned,” she says. 

Jodie works alongside other practitioners at Woden Wellness Centre to support whole-person health. 

Other services available include chiropractors, counselling, naturopathy, myofascial unwinding, hypnotherapy, cranio-sacro therapy and breathwork. 

“This team shares a unified goal of supporting whole person wellness by addressing the physical, emotional and energetic aspects of health,” says Jodie. 

Located in the heart of Woden, Jodie says the centre offers a calm, nurturing space where clients are guided to heal, grow and reconnect with their natural state of balance. 

Woden Wellness Centre, Unit 2, Gadal Chambers, 48 Corinna Street, Woden, call 6281 5494 or visit wodenwellness.com.au

Celebrating positive ageing in Canberra

Nominations for the 2025 COTA ACT Positive Ageing Awards are open. 

COTA ACT CEO Jenny Mobbs, says this is a great opportunity for Canberrans to honour the people, organisations and services who help make the ACT a great place to grow older. 

There are two overall categories for award winners, those who work with seniors and make a significant contribution/difference, as well as seniors themselves who have made a significant contribution/difference. 

“The awards recognise extraordinary seniors, community groups, businesses and advocates who promote inclusion, connection and wellbeing for older Australians,” says Jenny. 

For more than 10 years, the awards have recognised resilience, inclusivity, exceptional support, initiatives and compassionate service. 

Jenny says the awards are an opportunity to showcase the creativity and generosity of Canberra’s senior community. 

“They highlight the individuals and organisations ensuring ageing is a positive and celebrated experience for all Canberrans,” she says.

“The awards shape and celebrate Australians as they positively age.” 

Nominations close on October 31 and the winners will be announced at the Positive Ageing Awards Ceremony at the Hughes Community Centre in November. 

Nomination forms can be filled out online, or physical copies can be sent upon request. 

“We will go out of our way to help Canberrans have their say for nominations,” says Jenny. “Just give us a call.” 

For details or to submit a nomination, visit cotaact.org.au/events/awards

COTA ACT, Hughes Community Centre, 2 Wisdom Street, Hughes, call 6282 3777 or visit cotaact.org.au

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