In this feature we talk to some of Queanbeyan’s thriving businesses about their passion and the town they call home.

Founded in 1838, Queanbeyan is the flourishing home to many family businesses, designers, artists and everything in between. 

Podiatrists with a passion for healthy feet

Driven by a passion for healthcare and helping people maintain their mobility and quality of life, principal podiatrist at QCity Podiatry, Scott O’Ferrell, says he’s always been fascinated by how the human body works.

“After seeing firsthand how podiatry can prevent and manage chronic conditions such as diabetes-related foot complications and sports injuries, I knew it was the right path for me,” he says.

Fellow podiatrist at QCity, Oscar Skrbinsek, says his work blends a love of sports, medicine and “helping people live their best lives with top-quality care.”

Scott says QCity Podiatry offers a comprehensive range of podiatry services that are designed to cater to people of all ages and activity levels. With services including general foot care, treatment for nail and skin conditions, diabetic foot assessments and biomechanical assessments for gait and posture issues, Scott says their goal is to “offer patient-centred care that improves mobility, comfort and long-term foot health.”

Oscar says as a small clinic, they build close relationships with their patients, offering personalised care.

“I prioritise patient education,” he says.

“I ensure people understand their foot health and feel empowered in their treatment journey.”

Scott says the clinic values the personal connections they form with patients, many of whom had been part of the Queanbeyan community for years.

“We take pride in being a trusted healthcare provider for individuals and families in the region,” he says.

QCity Podiatry, 3/80 Morisset Street Queanbeyan. Call 6147 1616 or visit canberrapodiatry.com.au

Family business proud to give back to town

Established in 1980, a father-and-son duo have been successfully running Inkline Print & Signs for more than 40 years.

“Having operated in Queanbeyan for more than 40 years has provided us with a unique opportunity to foster strong relationships with both the local community and our customers,” says Robert Simpson.

“We are actively involved in local events and initiatives, and we support other local businesses whenever possible.

“This allows us to stay connected to the community’s needs and preferences, which in turn helps us better serve our customers.”

Robert’s son, Daniel, says they are proud to be a part of the Queanbeyan business community and are committed to contributing to its growth and prosperity.

Specialising in a comprehensive range of sign designs, manufacturing and installation services, Daniel says they cover everything from illuminated and three-dimensional signs to vehicle signage, shopfront and real estate signage, corflutes, stickers, window frosting, A-frames, banners, flags and business cards/flyers.

“Our company’s standout service is, in essence, the service itself!” says Daniel.

According to Robert, the company consistently receives positive feedback regarding the professionalism, accuracy and proactive approach.

“This combination of qualities distinguishes us within our industry,” he says.

Inkline Print & Signs, 94 High Street, Queanbeyan East. Call 6297 1633 or visit signsqueanbeyan.com.au

An unforgettable day at the rodeo

From heart-pounding bull riding to precision barrel racing, the 2025 Patches Asphalt Queanbeyan Rodeo promises an action-packed experience when it returns to the Queanbeyan Showground on Saturday, March 8.

Thousands of spectators are expected to fill the stands to witness some of the best rodeo athletes from around the country compete.

“The event will feature a thrilling line-up, including the adrenaline-fuelled bull-riding competition, where top riders will go head-to-head with some of the sport’s most powerful bulls,” says the president of the Queanbeyan Rodeo, Mark Mills.

The atmosphere is set to be electric, with the crowd’s energy driving competitors to deliver their best performances. Expect to see incredible displays of skill, determination, and courage as riders aim for high scores from the judges, says Mark.

Tickets via the Queanbeyan Rodeo website at queanbeyanrodeo.com.au

Queanbeyan Rodeo, 8 March. Queanbeyan Showground, visit queanbeyanrodeo.com.au for tickets.

Louise finds her true calling in helping people

Louise McMahon has been the owner of Deziner Beauty in Queanbeyan for 20 years, but it wasn’t her original plan.

“I actually wanted to be a chef,” she said. “My mum was a hairdresser and I used to help her a lot, and she said to me she thought I would be really good at beauty.

Louise describes herself as a people person, and says she’s more of a giver than a receiver, so she found beauty was her truer calling.

In her business, Louise says she has purchased some of the latest cutting-edge technology and skincare products to make her clients look and feel good.

“My passion is providing treatments with this new technology, I’ve made sure I’ve done the research, and have the best of the best that’s out there!” she says.

One of Louise’s most popular treatments for women and men is via her LED light-therapy bed.

Lousie says she currently has a special introductory offer of four treatments for $100, through to the end of March.

Deziner Beauty also offers facelifts, body contouring, teeth whitening, a skin analyser, as well as waxing, make-up and traditional beauty services.

Deziner Beauty, Shop 16/18 Cassidy’s Arcade, 72 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 5792 or visit
dezinerbeauty.com.au

Delivering quality windows, fast

More than 15 years ago, in a small factory, with a staff of five, Skyview Windows was created with the vision to supply quality products in the shortest possible lead times, says managing director Neil Thompson.

“The company mantra from day one was ‘quality windows, fast’,” says Neil.

“In January we moved our factory to Waterloo Street, Queanbeyan, to improve efficiencies. This, together with a new display centre in Lowe Street, will give Skyview the opportunity to highlight the large range of products available.”

Neil says part of Skyview’s success is being able to work closely with customers and suppliers to ensure consistency in quality and supply is maintained.

Using dedicated, local people, Neil says all windows and doors are manufactured to Australian standards.

“All our products are manufactured right here in Queanbeyan,” he says.

“All windows and doors are manufactured from a mixture of local and imported raw materials to ensure cost competitiveness and, unlike the major window companies, all the profits stay right here.

“Skyview is the only window company able to supply any powdercoat colour with no cost premium involved.

“This allows our customers to mix and match colour schemes for their houses without having to stick to the six standard colours our competitors offer.”

Skyview is the only window company to offer the “Texturer” colour range at a standard price. Texturer significantly reduces marks and blemishes on the powder-coat finish.

Skyview Windows, 13-15 Waterloo Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6232 9977 or visit skyview-windows.com.au

Show strives to find the ‘truth in the goof’

Continuing its impressive run of new musicals, Queanbeyan Players is set to present an unlikely show about a boy who grows up in a bubble, opening on St Valentine’s Day.

Bubble Boy is a 2008 musical with music and lyrics by Cinco Paul and book by Paul and Ken Daurio, and was based on the 2001 Touchstone Pictures’ film of the same name.

It introduces us to Jimmy Livingston, whose conservative, fearful mum is convinced that he has a deathly allergy to germs so raises him in a bubble-room for his own protection and educates him with nothing other than Better Homes and Gardens and the American Christian animated television series, VeggieTales.

“We’re being serious about being un-serious,” director Tijana Kovac says, “I tell the cast that we are finding the truth in the goof.”

Music director, Tara Davidson says that the music is a lot more complex than you’d imagine, with some demanding guitar work in it. As for the subject matter, “it’s crazy, but after lockdown, it feels timely,” she says.

She has engaged a six-piece band, led by Adam Bluhm at the keyboard and while they’ll be creating the sound, Jimmy, played by Rylan Howard will perform on a cardboard cutout guitar designed, like most of the props, to suggest a comic-book style.

Tickets from the Queanbeyan Players website.

Bubble Boy, Belconnen Community Theatre, February 14-23. Visit queanbeyanplayers.com

Canvas designers give back to the community

Established in 1972, owner and director of J&B Canvas Brendon Hourigan says they’ve been located on Shropshire Street in Queanbeyan since their beginning.

“The street number has changed a few times in that period, but we’ve been in the same spot since the beginning,” says Brendon.

Specialising in a range of canvas jobs from trailer, boat and ute covers to large shade sails, Brendon says they’ve also been contracted to do shade structures within ACT and NSW schools and council playgrounds.

Brendon says they are always looking to give back to the community and the company sponsors football and netball teams, equestrian events, shooting and even motorsports in Braidwood.

“We believe it’s a great way to give back to the community that spends their hard earned dollars locally.”

Now looking to expand the team, Brendon says they are on the lookout for an experienced industrial machinist.

“We make all our products in our Queanbeyan workshop but do go onsite and do the installation of the products we make,” he says.

“We are open to taking on an apprentice for the right applicant.

“Every day at J&B is different and exciting, as no two jobs are ever the same.”

J&B Canvas, 14 Shropshire Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 4863 or visit jbcanvas.com.au