Expertise is defined as having special skill or knowledge that is acquired by training, study or practice. In this feature, we meet some of Canberra’s best experts.

In this feature, we meet some of Canberra’s best experts in all sorts of things.

Rebecca helps people ‘find their tribes’

At Arthritis ACT, CEO Rebecca Davey says “you are not just a number.”

“You’re an individual with an individual plan and goals to improve your health.”

Tackling the rising cost of living is a constant nightmare for anyone living with a chronic condition, says Rebecca. 

“When you are stressed about keeping a roof over your head and food on the table, some of those other things that are essential to your health and wellbeing do have to become secondary matters.”

Rebecca says Arthritis ACT offers a range of lower-cost programs to allow people to continue to stay connected and do their exercise therapy. 

“We also offer free services such as support groups, so people remain connected and working on maintaining their health and wellbeing,” she says.

Arthritis ACT offers a vast array of exercise classes that have stemmed from client ideas. 

“We now even run dance classes!” says Rebecca.

“We may not get you out on the stage, but people are exercising and reliving their youth through dance.” 

Every day, Rebecca says she hears people say “you’ve changed my life”.

“At Arthritis, Pain Support and ME/CFS ACT, we provide holistic services to look after your mind and body.”

Rebecca says living with a chronic condition can get lonely, which is why she is passionate about people “finding their tribe”. 

“Once you start doing classes, attending support groups, coming along to education sessions, you start to realise that you are not alone,” she says. 

Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

 

David knows what’s best in e-bikes

Working in the bicycle industry in Canberra since 1986, David Cook is the owner of Cookies Cycles in Franklin. 

Working predominantly in repairs, David says he has been selling electric bikes (e-bikes) for more than 20 years.

“What seems to be the most popular e-bikes at the moment are the Ampd Bros Ace bikes, which have 20-inch fat-tyre wheels that are popular with teenagers all the way through to adults in their senior years,” he says. 

“These bikes are really fun to ride with plenty of power for off-road as well.

“They are definitely the highest quality and best performing on the market at the moment which is why they are so popular.”

David says all bikes sold at Cookies Cycles come with a 12 months free labour plan.

“This means if anything goes wrong with the bike in the first 12 months, and if it is in warranty, you pay nothing,” he says. 

“If it’s out of warranty, such as a flat tyre or other damage, you only pay for the parts.

“You can also bring the bike back when it is about 10 months old to get an extra free service done to make sure everything is okay.”

David says they are currently offering a free essentials pack with any Ampd Bros bike sold.

“The essentials pack includes a series three rear cargo rack, thumb throttle and rear folding foot pegs, all valued at $150.”

Cookies Cycles, 227 Flemington Road, Franklin. Call 6242 0338 or visit cookiescycles.com.au

James sets trend for sustainable furniture

According to Ex-Government Furniture co-owner, James Fullerton, clients are increasingly prioritising affordability, durability and sustainability. 

“Many businesses and individuals seek high-quality furniture at a fraction of retail prices, especially with the rising costs of new office furniture,” he says. 

“There’s a growing demand for ergonomic setups with a focus on workplace wellness.”

According to James, clients love the idea of repurposing government furniture rather than contributing to landfill waste. 

“Years of handling commercial-grade furniture has given us a deep insight into durability, materials and top manufacturers,” says James. 

“This expertise allows us to guide clients toward the best-value, ergonomic and space-efficient solutions for their needs.”

James says many of his clients struggle with budget constraints, durability and ergonomic needs.

“Many government agencies and corporations refresh their office setups periodically, which means we get access to high-quality and well-maintained desks, chairs, filing cabinets and more,” he says. 

“We carefully inspect and refurbish items as needed, ensuring they meet client expectations.”

For clients with specific needs, James says they track inventory trends and source targeted items when possible. 

“Establishing trust and continuing positive relationships with our long-time customers is incredibly important to us and our commitment to customer service and helping our clients find exactly what they need is a joy.” 

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com or facebook.com/exgovfurniture

Charlie and Raffy pave the way for young mechanics

Charlie Sgroi has dedicated more than 45 years of experience to his business, Car Mechanical Services, alongside his wife and co-owner, Raffy. 

Car Mechanical Services provides training programs for young mechanics, as there is always a training shortage in the automobile industry, Raffy says.

The company’s Skills and Inclusion Programs and My Career Portfolio, which are ongoing programs, blend mentorship, practical experience and hands-on learning to equip students.

Raffy’s dedication to changing the industry extends to encouraging more female participation and inclusion by creating a safe space for women and those living with a disability to learn the skills and confidence necessary to enter and navigate the complexities of the modern job market. 

“We’re leading by example, and when you’ve got an inclusive workplace, there is harmony,” she says.

The Fisher-based company was named champion in the automotive services category at the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards and Raffy won a gold Stevie award in the Best Entrepreneur – Automotive & Transport Equipment category at the 21st International Business Awards.

At the same awards, Raffy won a bronze Stevie for the Sustainability Leadership Award in Asia, Australia and NZ at the International Business Awards, and a silver in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion category.

These awards follow on from Car Mechanical Services being one of the first automobile repair companies in Canberra to win a sustainable small business of the year award, in 2023.

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

There’s science behind Daryn’s love of the law

Initially pursuing a career in science, Daryn Griffiths’ introduction into law was almost entirely coincidental.

“I worked in a small-medium sized science enterprise for 20 years. It just so happened that I ended up being the lawyer for the firm,” he says. 

From there, Daryn went back to school to study law and accounting. He says his different start has been a great asset to his current work at Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators. 

His experience before entering law, Daryn says, has been a “monumental help” in his ability to assist the public.

“I’ve been where these [clients] have been,” he says.

“One of the primary advantages of Capon & Hubert is that [life] experience. It’s compassion through previous life and legal experience. You probably won’t be able to come to us with a non-criminal matter that one of us hasn’t gone through already.

“We’ve got the advantages of working in a small legal firm. I think it’s the small ones that do the most decent work, but it’s also the work that I enjoy.

“I like working in boutique law firms. I particularly like being in a collegiate environment.”

Specialising in the sale and purchase of businesses/franchises and residential conveyancing Daryn says he is also an expert in explaining complex retirement village contracts in simple terms.  

Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, first floor 32-38 Townshend Street Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Frank likes to keep his customers satisfied

ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners services include carpet, tile and grout cleaning, flood restoration as well as upholstery cleaning and protection.

“We are one of the very few certified carpet cleaning companies in Canberra,” says director Frank Bartorilla. 

“Doing the job well and making sure our customers are satisfied is our number one priority.

“We service all of the ACT as well as surrounding areas and pride ourselves on meeting important hygiene standards and providing a respectful service.”

Frank says he’s been in the industry for nine years.

ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners has more than 150 five-star Google rated reviews and Frank says providing quality services to the community is a passion.

In promoting their services ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners gives out a bottle of stain remover and free top ups with every job.

“For carpet cleaning, people can go online and get an instant quote,” he says. 

“They don’t have to ring us up or anything, they just need to provide the number of rooms they want cleaned, advise if it includes the hallways and the stairs etcetera and our online calculator will give you a quote, it’s simple and it’s accurate.”

Frank says their online booking is a quick and easy process to navigate.

“Our team is very accommodating to meet our customers’ needs,” he says. “Customer service is our number one priority.”

ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners, call 0438 449999, or visit actcarpetcleaners.com