In this sponsored post, CityNews speaks with experts in the Queanbeyan region who are passionate about what they do and where they do it.

HOME to more than 64,000 residents, Queanbeyan’s name is the anglicised form of “quinbean” – an Aboriginal word meaning “clear waters”.

It was officially proclaimed a township in 1838 when the population numbered about 50, but is now one of the fastest growing inland cities in NSW, according to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.

Lawyers who like to dig a little deeper

“Clients aren’t just a file number in a system,” says solicitor and co-director of North Herring Lawyers, Andrew Herring. “They’ve got real questions, real concerns and real problems to address.

“There’s a tendency in law to get the job done by jumping in to solve the problem, but not too many lawyers think about their clients and how they might want to see a solution pan out.” 

He and co-director Megan North merged their individual practices 16 years ago after noticing a gap for their combined expertise in Queanbeyan. 

Collectively, the North Herring estate planning and wills team have more than 50 years of experience between them and is something that Andrew says they continue to invest in. 

“Our values are always around the client,” he says. 

“We take pride in digging a little deeper into everything we do.”

Andrew says the firm covers conveyancing, criminal law, family law, commercial law and wills/estates. 

“If we can’t do anything for you, we are deeply connected to the community and can put you in touch with someone who can,” he says. 

“Working in the law, specifically wills, estate and conveyancing, is a critical need in a country town. It’s our job to look after our community.”

North Herring Lawyers, Level 3/257 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan, call 6299 5566 or visit northherring.com.au

Artist’s exhibition ‘close to her heart’

Artist Margaret Hadfield recently opened her Monaro and the Snowy Mountains exhibition at the Rusten House Art Centre in Queanbeyan. 

Margaret says she has lived in the area for more than 35 years and had opened her Artists Shed business in Queanbeyan before relocating it to Fyshwick. 

This will be her first exhibition purely dedicated to the region. 

“This area has always been close to my heart,” she says. 

“There’s no shortage of inspiration from the different seasons the region sees.

“This exhibition will also see some pieces from my students that I mentor at the Shed.” 

Margaret says visitors will see the region as never before, experienced through the watchful eyes of a seasoned artist.

“As much as we hate the cold, there is a certain beauty to it as well,” she says.

“There are many paintings that have snow in them, which is quite beautiful.

“Many of the works on display have never been seen before.” 

Monaro and the Snowy Mountains, October 25-November 15, Rusten House Art Centre, 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan, open Wednesday-to-Saturday, 10am to 4pm. 

MP keeps a keen focus on Queanbeyan

As the MP for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain says her focus is on backing a bigger and brighter future for regional communities.

“Whether it’s supporting local organisations, upgrading essential infrastructure, improving services or providing cost-of-living relief, I’m working hard to turn commitments into real outcomes,” she says. 

“This includes fulfilling my commitment to support upgrades at the Queanbeyan Bowls Club, David Campese Oval, the Multicultural Centre and the David Madew Memorial Park in Jerrabomberra, projects that strengthen community connection and local pride. 

“I’m also incredibly proud to have delivered two vital health services in Queanbeyan – the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and the Queanbeyan Mental Health Hub. 

“These services are already making a big difference.”

With more than 16,500 presentations since opening, Kristy says the Urgent Care Clinic is helping ease pressure on Queanbeyan Hospital. 

The Mental Health Hub, she says, provides free, walk-in support and care to meet a long-standing need in the region.

“I’m passionate about the resilience of our communities, especially during times of natural disaster,” she says. 

“In this term of government, my ministerial responsibilities have expanded, and I now serve as the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and the Minister for Emergency Management.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is serious about reducing disaster risk and strengthening our emergency management and disaster recovery capabilities. 

“Together, we’re building safer, stronger and more resilient communities across Eden-Monaro.”

The Mental Health Hub is at Shop 110, Riverside Plaza, call 9393 9213.

The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, Brindabella Family Practice, Suite 4, 7-9 Morisset Street, call 6299 6990.

Hi-tech approach to aged living and care

Seeking retirement living or aged care can be a stressful activity, which is where Pines Living can help Queanbeyan residents looking for a high-tech approach to care. 

“Upper-market, secure and private” is how Pines Living’s CEO Krishan Aggarwal describes its retirement resort and its residential aged-care facilities.

“The facilities are much better than most retirement villages,” he says.

While operating under different arrangements, Krishan says Pines Living’s two Farrer facilities have one thing in common: top-of-the-range technology and appliances. 

“Additionally, we also have a high-tech emergency call system,” he says. 

“So if someone falls, they can press a button on their neck or wrist band and it will dial out five telephone numbers in a sequence, the ambulance will be there in a few minutes.” 

Krishan says the retirement resort, which opened in 2013, enables the residents to live life comfortably, on their terms, in a close-knit community.

“Whether it is relaxing in their own room, or socialising in one of our community rooms, our facilities are designed to maximise independence, comfort and dignity,” he says. 

Similar to the resort, the residential aged-care facility is situated close to the Canberra Hospital. 

Pines Living Retirement Resort, call 6285 1922 or 0409 267278.

Pines Living Nursing Home, call 6196 8000 or visit pinesliving.com.au

Dr Jeannie is there to share journey to better health

Championing women’s health and wellbeing at her Queanbeyan practice, Queenbee Women’s Health, Dr Jeannie Ellis says her 30 years of experience in health as a primary care practitioner has given her valuable insight into the health gaps that need to be filled regarding women’s health. 

“I’m passionate about women feeling comfortable in a safe environment and having a really good health care service to address issues such as pregnancy, menopause and fertility,” she says. 

“Women have a specific set of challenges that the other 50 per cent of the population don’t have, and I think women need a safe space to be able to talk to other women.” 

Queenbee specialises in menstrual problems, contraceptive choices, PCOS and endometriosis, pelvic pain, miscarriage management, pregnancy choices, ultrasounds, fertility and preconception, antenatal care, menopausal concerns and issues, health checks, migraines and iron transfusions. 

Dr Ellis says the practice has been her dream for the past 10 years. 

“Being in the clinic is more than just going to get an illness fixed,” she says. 

“It’s about what we can work on together. It’s a journey to better health.”

Queenbee Women’s Health, 69-71 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm. Visit queenbeewomenshealth.com