Home to 12 suburbs, the Woden Valley has a population of more than 39,000 people. Here are some of Woden’s experts who serve the valley’s residents.

The name of Woden Valley is said to have been taken from the name of a nearby homestead owned by a James Murray, who named his home in October 1837 after the Old English god of wisdom, Woden. 

However, historian Harold Koch considers that the name may have its origins in the Aboriginal word for possum, either wadyan or wadhan, influenced in interpretation by the term known to English speakers of “Woden”.[4]

Woden’s urban development began in 1962, a year before its first residents arrived in 1963. 

Initially planned as a series of 10 suburbs, Hughes, Curtin, Chifley and Lyons were among the first built. Twelve suburbs now call Woden home. 

According to the 2021 census, there were a total of 39,279 people living in the Woden Valley, of which there were 10,505 families. 

Woden Valley was planned as a satellite city, with its own shopping centre, employment opportunities and suburbs located around the town centre.

 

Massage specialist provides gentle touch for all

Specialising in massage for people with cancer, anxiety, in recovery or in palliative care, Deakin Wellbeing House owner Nim Osborne has been practising massage therapy for more than 15 years.

A member of the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) and an accredited lymphoedema practitioner, Nim says her training in complex physical therapy for the assessment and management of lymphoedema is supported by her background in remedial, pregnancy and
oncology massage.

“My training and background provide me with the knowledge and skills to assist people who are in pre and post-treatment for cancer, or other similar conditions,” she says. 

“This includes people recovering post-surgery conditions that may have affected their lymphatic system.

“This is observed through swelling of the limbs and may require a medical practitioner’s referral for post-surgery treatment.”

Retiring from her 20-year public service career 10 years ago, Nim reskilled into health and wellbeing, something she always had a passion about.

Nim now wants to pass that knowledge on and is conducting weekend workshops in her Woden clinic.

These workshops are designed for people to care for their families through basic massage techniques.

Deakin Wellbeing House, Unit 12, 40 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 0412 885804 or visit deakinwellbeinghouse.com.au

Making access to eyewear easy

Curtin Optical stocks a wide range of eyewear and accessories, says owner Corey Nicholls.

Having been a part of the Curtin community for 30 years, he says Curtin Optical has three experienced optometrists available for appointments from Mondays to Fridays.

“We cater to all tastes – from budget to well-known brands,” says Corey.

Curtin Optical also offers mobile optical dispensing services – spectacle selections and deliveries to the elderly or people unable to come into the store due to disability, he says.

“This includes spectacle repairs and adjustments, and an after-hours service,” says Corey.

“In addition, Curtin Optical offers an express service for those who have lost or broken their spectacles (Rx dependent).

“Curtin Optical’s in-store services can offer a same-day turnaround and its mobile jobs have a 24-hour turnaround.”

Corey says its independence from large chains gives customers a more personalised service.

He says they are also providers to the ACT pension scheme and DVA, with Curtin Optical offering a 10 per cent discount to ACT Seniors Card holders on complete spectacles, when their card is presented at ordering.

Curtin Optical. Shop 1B, Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6281 1220 or visit curtinoptical.com.au

Christian sets the benchmark in sleep services

Benchmark Sleep Services’ owner Christian Rabatsch has more than 30 years’ experience in dealing with sleep apnea and related conditions, having previously worked in sleep labs and for the major supplier companies, such as Phillips and Fisher & Paykel.

Christian says he set up Benchmark Sleep Services because he felt the major retailers were leaving clients unsatisfied, and focusing on profits instead of client wellbeing.

“You’ve got to have the passion to make sure that you’re doing the right thing and the customers and patients are happy at the end of the day,” he says.

“We are taking care to the next level, and our goal is looking long-term.

“If you’re having a problem with your CPAP machine and you need help, we’re the place to go to, because we can download your machine, we can look at the data, we know what we’re looking at, and we can find out what the problem is.”

Importantly, Christian says they can deal with all the brands, allowing them to assist with a much wider range of items.

This is great for patients and customers looking for a new mask, because in the past year, Christian says there have been six to seven new CPAP masks released, and they can assist with all of them.

“If you’ve been using the same mask for the last few years and you’re having issues, come in and see something new,” he says.

Benchmark Sleep Services, level 1, 8/48 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6105 9000 or visit benchmarksleepservices.com.au