Some of the best venues and providers in training and education are right on Canberra’s doorstep. From all kinds of training to customised event packages, check out what’s on offer when looking to upskill or organise a corporate event.

Seminars aimed at understanding chronic pain

Ahead of the upcoming National Pain Week, July 22 to July 28, Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey says they will be hosting a selection of free seminars that will be open for the community to attend.

“Those living with chronic pain or a disability shouldn’t find themselves stuck without access to reliable help,” she says.

Providing support and helping people access services such as the NDIS, Rebecca says it’s a rewarding experience to know that the work they do helps people in their day-to-day lives.

“These kinds of services make such a big difference in people’s lives, and help open up doors,” she says.

“We want to provide them with the support they need so they can participate fully in the community. ”

An allied health practice with a difference, Rebecca says they have physios, exercise physiologists and occupational therapists available, as well as a team of peer workers, many of whom have lived experience of the conditions they support others with.

“Arthritis ACT offers ongoing programs for people who need any type of support with their chronic pain or debilitating fatigue conditions,” she says.

“We also host regular health education courses.”

Arthritis ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, or visit arthritisact.org.au

Location choices to suit all sizes of events

Equipped with modern amenities such as free wifi, portable whiteboards, a sound system, projector and a screen ensures that all presenters and attendees have the necessary tools for a successful event, says Northside Community Service Deputy CEO Todd Everett.

He says the location and amenities of their various spaces ensures that event organisers and participants have a hassle-free experience every time.

“Our easy-to-use technology supports a wide range of presentation and training methods,” he says.

“We also have a range of venue sizes and flexible venue options to suit various event formats, whether it’s a small workshop, mid-sized seminar or a larger conference.”

With disability friendly facilities and secured door access via email codes, Todd says they eliminate the need for physical keys.

“Organisers have appreciated our keyless access system,” he says.

“Our secure system makes it easy for organisers to access the venue without logistical challenges.”

Todd says they have ample natural light and temperature-controlled spaces, making for an efficient and relaxed atmosphere.

“Our venues have been used by not-for-profit organisations, government organisations, volunteer groups and community development agencies for training, workshops, conferences, community programs, meetings and as a vaccination centre and clinic.”

Equipped with high-speed wifi, projectors and sound systems to support virtual and hybrid events, Todd says they can sit anywhere from 10 to 88 people at a time in their venues.

Northside Community Service, call 6171 8000 or visit northside.asn.au/venue-hire

Mittagong club has a venue for every event

Located two hours from Canberra and an hour from Sydney, Mittagong RSL Club is in the ideal function location, says catering manager Alan Cunynghame.

“It means that any attendees and/or family members have so many experience options outside of function and conferencing to fill in their down time,” he says.

“But when it’s time for business, the Mittagong RSL functions team are able to tailor packages to suit almost any event.”

With six function rooms, Alan says they have space for up to 450 people and can facilitate any style of event.

“Whether it’s a trade or careers expo, conference, meeting, wedding, party or celebration of life, we have a solution that will suit your needs,” he says.

With 71 rooms in the motel, Alan says they are well suited to hosting multi-day events.

“From your first call to the final moment of your event, you will have a dedicated functions co-ordinator to make sure all of your requests and needs are dealt with in a professional manner,” he says.

General manager, Daniel Marmont, says: “Organisations that utilise our services are benefited by the years of experience that our functions and catering team apply to each and every booking.

“With a deep understanding of our offering, our functions team is always able to make informed and intelligent suggestions that will best suit your needs.”

Mittagong RSL Club. 148-150 Old Hume Highway, Mittagong NSW. Call 4872 6700 or visit mittagongrsl.com.au

Try ‘something different’ in meeting spaces

ThinkPlaceX, the design and strategy arm of Synergy Group, has meeting spaces that are “perfect for groups looking for something a little different”.

“We have meeting spaces that can accommodate anywhere from six to 60 people in spacious, light-filled rooms,” says office and venue manager Betsy Dixon.

Featuring whiteboard walls, televisions and projectors, as well as secure wifi, Betsy says the perfect meeting space should be welcoming, friendly and have the right resources on hand.

“You should be able to concentrate on the subject of your meeting without worrying about the logistics,” she says.

“You can leave that in our hands.”

With a whole-bean coffee machine and a wide array of teas to choose from, Betsy encourages attendees to enjoy breaks and meals in their cafe.

“We offer a boutique experience catering to your every need,” she says.

“When you step out from the lift and on to our open-plan floor, you will immediately feel at ease and ready to focus on your meeting.

With all rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and modular set ups, Betsy says they allow individuals to configure the rooms to their needs.

“If you spend most of your days in a cubicle or windowless office, why not try something different for your next meeting or workshop?” she says.

ThinkPlaceX. 50 Blackall Street, Barton. Call 6282 8852 or visit synergygroup.net.au/thinkplacex

Expo brings a new WorkAbility initiative

Up to 100 exhibitors will be showcasing their services at the Canberra Disability Expo at Exhibition Park on September 12 and 13.

With exhibitors ranging from allied health, government, advocacy, employment, housing and some assistive technology products, events director Kathryn Carey says this year’s expo will feature a new initiative.

“This year’s WorkAbility Expo is designed to connect you with employers and support services, provide practical workshops to get you workplace ready, and offer valuable resources to support your journey to employment,” she says.

“Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, [the WorkAbility Expo] has been designed to help people with disabilities, including those with high support needs, find meaningful employment.”

Free and open to the public, Kathryn says it is not just for those with NDIS funding, but anyone living with a disability, their carers, family and friends.

She says they will have accessible parking, volunteers onsite to help attendees and even water stations and toilet areas for service animals.

A selection of performances and presentations will take place over the two days, with Kathryn recommending attendees give themselves time to properly explore the expo.

“Events that connect people with disability to employers are valuable and most effective when deployed consistently,” she says.

Canberra Disability Expo, Exhibition Park, 9am-3pm, September 12-13. Visit canberradisabilityexpo.com.au

Conference facility with a view

Oaks Ranch is a luxury, 14-room boutique hotel, restaurant, bar, event and conference facility and golf course, says general manager Josh Tyler.

“We are situated on the south coast, five minutes from Broulee Beach on 300 acres, flanked by the Tomago River and Candlagan Creek,” he says.

“The Oaks Ranch first opened in 1970. The current owners closed the hotel in June 2021 to renovate and elevate the property’s offering, before we reopened in February 2022.

“Our conference and event facilities offer everything from boardroom-style to cabaret conferencing, weddings and events with a large alfresco breakout area, stunning views west across the property to the Deua mountain ranges.

“The venue has high-speed, reliable wifi, a drop-down data projector with audio surround, flipcharts and a whiteboard.”

Josh says the restaurant and bar, Arlo, is a refined casual eating experience, influenced by Australian, Asian and European cuisines.

“For conferencing we offer full or half-day delegate packages, a selection of house-made sweets and savoury snacks for our morning and afternoon teas,” he says.

“Our conference lunches range from gourmet sandwiches on local artisan breads to dining in Arlo. We also offer barista-made coffee, specialty teas, and in-house breakfast for overnight guests.

“Oaks Ranch is a Spanish mission-style property, a rural oasis with a sense of tranquillity – and the sunsets are truly amazing.”

Oaks Ranch, 340 Old Mossy Point Road, Mossy Point, NSW. Call 4471 7403, or visit oaksranch.com.au

A world of celebration at the Canberra Fair

Canberra Fair is returning to Old Parliament House on Sunday, July 27, says creative director Danielle Cleary, of Danielle Cleary Events.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, milestone birthday, corporate retreat, reunion, or romantic getaway, she says this is your one-stop destination for all things events.

Designed for anyone planning a special occasion, or simply looking for a fun day out, Danielle says they are ready to welcome the crowds.

“Whether you’re newly engaged, love food and music, or just in search of an Insta-worthy indulgence, there’s something here for everyone,” she says.

“Guests will meet leaders in weddings, events and lifestyle across the fair’s beautifully curated spaces, in the comfort of the heated members’ rooms.”

Danielle says visitors can explore venues, styling ideas, fashion and beauty trends, photography, entertainment and wellness.

“Step into a world of celebration as you enter through our living carpet, greeted by gold, roving roses and mirrored ballerinas,” she says.

“Enjoy unforgettable experiences, photo opportunities, pick-your-own bouquets, wine and grazing tastings, live music and more.”

This year, the fair is partnering with Vinnies Canberra Region to showcase recycled fashion in a creative display that “proves style and social impact can go hand in hand”.

The Canberra Fair, 10am–3pm, Sunday, July 27, at Old Parliament House. Tickets at canberrafair.com.au

Knowledge aimed at living more contentedly

Finding mindfulness, fulfilment, self-awareness and contentment in every day life can be a difficult task, which is where the School for Self Knowledge can help.

Operating since 1987 in Canberra, the School for Self Knowledge is run by a group of dedicated volunteer tutors, drawing from the works of Shakespeare all the way to some of history’s greatest philosophers.

Tutor John Connors started his own journey at the school in 1996 as a student, and says it was the greatest thing he’s ever done.

“It has made a positive effect on my life,” he says.

“I am given more purpose and am able to live a more authentic life.”

Providing nine-week courses, four times a year, John says the weekly sessions cover different wisdom traditions and cultures.

Not-for-profit and non-religious, material for the courses are drawn from “a broad range of related literary, artistic and scientific sources, the world’s greatest religious traditions.”

Open to all, John says no prior study is necessary, with many former students benefiting from the material so greatly they have returned to teach to the next group of students.

“It’s a practical way to think about yourself and your life,” he says.

“It’s really an opportunity to look within, and it’s something to use on a daily basis.”

School for Self Knowledge. Bailey’s Corner, Suite 9, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra. Call 0407 919436 or visit schoolforselfknowledge.org