Mitchell’s been working for Canberra for 50 years | Canberra CityNews

Mitchell’s been working for Canberra for 50 years | Canberra CityNews

In this advertising feature we meet some of the top businesses operating out of Mitchell, the northside’s popular commercial and light-industrial hub.

Founded in 1975, Mitchell is named after Major Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, a surveyor-general, cartographer and early explorer of inland NSW.

Sir Thomas, born in 1792, famously named the Grampian Mountains in Victoria and the town of Swan Hill.

Alongside the Canberra suburb, Mitchell has a town in Queensland as well as a highway in Queensland and NSW named after him.

One of three industrial areas in Canberra, Mitchell’s location puts it close to Gungahlin, Canberra Centre and EPIC racecourse.

With all streets in Mitchell named after Australian industrialists, it’s also the suburb where CityNews calls home.

Here we meet some of the top businesses operating out of the northside’s popular commercial and light-industrial hub.

Wholistic Financial Solutions directors Chris McGuigan, left, and Michael Johnson.

Financial strategists have solutions for small businesses

Specialising in a comprehensive suite of financial services, Wholistic Financial Solutions co-owners, Michael Johnson and Chris McGuigan, say it’s their approach that sets them apart.

“We are often told by clients that what differentiates us from other accounting firms is how we do more than just prepare financial statements and tax returns,” says Chris.

“Our clients value and appreciate the need that their accountants should provide ‘real’ business advice to achieve their business goals.”

Although it’s common for businesses to file 2024 financial statements and tax work towards the end of autumn, Michael says it’s a trap they are trying to stop businesses from falling into.

“This isn’t ideal for future proofing your business, and people should be considering tax planning before the end of the financial year,” he says.

“Chris and I understand the pressures small businesses face in the current economic climate and want to assist with this through tax planning and building relationships.”

Michael says they can provide advice on strategies for cash flow planning and business financing options.

“We can see if you are in the correct structure for tax and succession planning and provide strategies to include whether you should have a self-managed super fund,” he says.

Chris says that she and Michael believe that excellence in financial services is a team effort and say they take great pride in ensuring their clients receive the highest standard of service.

Wholistic Financial Solutions, 5/133 Flemington Road, Mitchell ACT. Call 6162 4546 or visit wfscanberra.com.au

Sharon with husband Moses, second right, and their children.

Sharon believes in home-style cooking

King Arthur’s Feast co-owner Sharon Choong says cooking quality food in-house is incredibly important.

“Everything we make is in-house,” she says.

“We use real chicken breast and real meat because you can taste the difference.”

King Arthur’s Feast has been a part of the Mitchell cafe scene for more than 30 years,

Sharon and husband Moses took on its ownership in 2024. Previously, the pair had a takeaway shop in Melbourne.

“We’ve always loved food, and we’ve been home cooks all of our lives,” she says.

Known for its roast pork and beef rolls, curried sausages with rice, schnitzel burgers and fresh jam donuts, the shop has a rotation of three to four hot meals on offer each day, alongside a vast selection of burgers and other meals.

“We want it to feel like a home-cooked meal,” says Sharon.

Setting them apart from other takeaways is their fresh sandwich bar, which Sharon says is hugely popular for tradies and Mitchell workers.

Delivering to the broader Canberra community via Menulog, Uber and Doordash, Sharon says they see their meals travelling all over Canberra.

“It’s nice to have people enjoy our food,” she says.

“They really like a certain dish and sometimes that’s all they want!”

For time-poor people, Sharon says they can take phone orders to ensure food is hot and ready on arrival.

King Arthur’s Feast. 7/32 Sandford Street, Mitchell. Call 0481 881509.

Principal solicitor/director Wayne Warton and solicitor/director Chris Malfone of WMG Legal.

Law firm makes the move to keep growing

After moving the practice from Gungahlin to Mitchell, the principal solicitor at WMG Legal, Chris Malfone, says the firm is now able to continue expanding.

“We see clients all over Canberra and Australia,” he says.

“We are even beginning to see clients all over the world due to cutting-edge technology.

“We are streamlining our services to make them more accessible and efficient for our clients.

“It’s all part of our commitment to continue growing and helping our community.”

Partners Wayne Warton and Chris have been in business together since 2015 and the company has rapidly expanded with a diverse team of professionals catering to a broad audience.

Now located in Mitchell, Wayne says the location has helped the firm to broaden its reach.

“Being centrally located in Mitchell opens up an incredible opportunity for us to continue growing,” says Wayne.

“Since our move, we’ve been able to provide commercial and business legal advice to an increasing number of local Mitchell businesses.”

WMG Legal, 4/6 Pelle Street, Mitchell. Call 6253 9766 or visit wmglegal.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 or Darling Street Mitchell, call 6241 1557, or visit rivoland.com.au

A peaceful place to remember loved ones

Losing a loved one is a very difficult time, says Norwood Park Crematorium general manager, Michael Bridges.

“The best advice I can give to people is to organise your funeral and memorial well before you pass,” he says.

Providing cremation and chapel services for the ACT and the wider community of the southwest and south coast of NSW, Michael says they also offer catering services for the funerals that take place at Norwood Park.

“We offer personalised plaque services so families can put together a meaningful plaque in memory of their loved one,” he says.

“Our family service advisors can also help families with memorialisation with many options available for internment for their loved one.”

Working closely with funeral directors to ensure services are delivered with compassion and empathy for families, Michael says Norwood Park has been in operation since the early ‘60s, with space for interments for another 130 years.

“Norwood Park is a peaceful and beautiful park that gives families a pleasant atmosphere filled with nature and the sounds of birds to reflect on the life of their loved ones at rest when they visit the park,” he says.

Building for a new state-of-the-art modern crematorium and administration building has begun this month.

“We aim to open the new facility in December,” he says.

Norwood Park Crematorium, 65 Sandford Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 3177, email info@norwoodpark.com.au, or visit norwoodpark.com.au

Moto Central, Mitchell.

Motorcycle champion has a store in Mitchell

Having represented Australia in several motorbiking world championships, owner of Moto Central Don Murray enjoys sharing his knowledge with new and experienced riders.

His store sells a range of road bikes, off-road bikes and scooters with brands such as CFMoto, Benelli, Crossfire, Sherco and Beta, as well as Kymco and Lambretta scooters.

“Currently, our most popular adult bike is the CFMoto 450 MT, which is proving to be a big hit with the commuters and adventurers,” says Don.

“For the kids, you can’t go past the Sherco Electric kids’ balance bikes in two popular sizes: EB12 and EB16.”

Don says the store also has a fully equipped service centre with the latest, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment that can service most makes and models of motorcycles and scooters.

“Log-book servicing, tyres and brakes are our specialty,” he says.

Don has been riding motorcycles since he was a kid, and says it was a dream to be able to represent Australia as a rider and a team manager at multiple Australian championships.

“I love the freedom of being out in the elements. Meeting interesting people and exploring new places always seems better on a bike,” he says.

“We are more than happy to get people started on their first bike as well as help them with where to get their licence and help with all the right gear like helmets, jackets, gloves and more.”

Moto Central, 12 Sandford Street, Mitchell. Call 6248 0229, email sales@motocentral.com.au or visit motocentral.com.au

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