Moorabool Antique Galleries’ two floors of intriguing objects range from furniture to silverware and almost everything in between.

But the business is widely renowned for Australia’s largest range of antique ceramic items, along with a reference library containing more than 2000 books on ceramics.

“We have ceramics from every period and place,” says owner Paul Rosenberg.

“But we’re not just here to sell things. We’re here to share our knowledge, too.”

Moorabool Antique Galleries’ regular high teas in the reference library serve guests on fine China as they discuss the ceramics on display.

“I’d hate to do a stocktake,“ Paul says.

“We’ve never counted but we must have over 10,000 pieces on show.“

Moorabool Antique Galleries has become something of a family tradition, with Paul operating the business in the footsteps of his father.

“I still meet customers who bought things from him,” Paul smiles.

The 60-year-old business sticks to the “proper definition” of antiques, he says.

“That means more than 100 years old, which includes the Georgian and Victorian eras.

“We have a very wide variety of goods, which mirrors the diversity of our clientele. Our stock ranges from very affordable small gifts through to major pieces that we’ve sold to organisations like the National Gallery of Victoria and Geelong Art Gallery, even international institutions.

“We have something for everyone.“

Paul nominates his stock of “really old stuff”, dating back thousands of years, as the store’s point of difference.

The oldest item is an “incredibly rare” 5000-year-old pottery bowl.

“Surprisingly, it’s not expensive at all,” Paul explains.

“Older in age doesn’t necessarily mean more-expensive.”

Moorabool Antique Galleries is at 16/18 Ryrie Street, Geelong.

Specialist trainer Ji Cottrill combines nearly 20 years of experience with a degree in sports science to help clients achieve optimum results.

“I’m also a high school teacher and really enjoy working with teenagers,” Ji says.

Ji’s concerned about a “misconception” that teenagers should avoid weight training.

“Low-impact weight and strength training is in fact of very low risk for teenagers,” he explains.

“The key is finding an excellent coach who understands good movement, patterns, and progressive overload to achieve the best results.“

Ji says nutrition is essential to training outcomes, so he encourages clients to develop a “good relationship” with food.

“In particular, I find that teenage girls can develop poor relationships with food. I install the message in teens that food is required as fuel, and without the food we won’t get the results we want.

“There are no shortcuts.“

Ji says “star pupil“ Chloe is an example of what the right balance of strength training and diet can achieve.

After three years of building a strong, lean physique with Ji, she has won Australian junior powerlifting titles, including the 142.5kg deadlift at the aged of 16.

More information and consultations are available by contacting Ji at Elite Bodies Training and Nutrition on 0431 372 257 or via its Facebook page.

Officially a myotherapist, Procare Geelong’s Shanti Arwen has developed a wider reputation as a medical soft-tissue therapist across a range of treatments.

Shanti’s adept at everything from trigger-point therapy, deep-tissue massage and lymphatic drainage through to dry needling, muscle energy technique, pregnancy massage and postural analysis.

“These old fingers of mine know so much more than I do,” she laughs serenely.

“I really love my hands-on rehabilitation work.”

Shanti attributes her “spiritual compassion” for her journey to myotherapy through healing disciplines including nursing, Ayurvedic medicine, remedial massage and aromatherapy.

“I allow space for the body to heal itself,” she explains.

“I create space in muscle fibres so nerves and vessels can communicate and pulse effectively, space in muscular systems for joints and bones to restore, and space in a quiet room for the mind to allow the body to operate the way it knows how.

“I’m very clinical when it comes to hygiene and dry needling but I prefer to work in a tranquil, home-like space within a clinic.”

Shanti describes working at Procare as “an absolute joy”.

“We hear the phrase ’dedicated team’ all the time but I really am working with a dedicated team and our patients know this.

“We’re all dedicated to our craft, our patients and each other. We’re deeply connected as a family within the family of Geelong and we work together hand in glove.”

Contact Shanti at Procare Geelong on 5243 3819 or visit pro-care.com.au for more information.

Chez Ma Belle Lingerie remains Geelong’s go-to spot for professional bra-fitting after 25 years in business.

Along with the fitting service, Chez Ma Belle Lingerie also offers nightwear along with maternity, mastectomy and surgical garments.

Owner Fran Rowlands took over the store from her mother, Adriana, in 2016.

Adriana opened the store in 1993, when it was situated in Little Malop Street. With the help of her trusted staff, Adriana built a devoted following of women throughout Geelong, Melbourne and country Victoria.

Fran gave the brand a revamp after taking over the business, with the store’s customers welcoming the change.

Fran and staff pick and choose the brands they stock based on quality and what their customers want and need.

“We pride ourselves on giving our customers one on one service that will add to their experience and have them feel fabulous when walking out the door,” Fran says.

“Chez Ma Belle is a valued part of the Geelong community and were proud to be involved in 2018 Westfield Geelong Catwalk for Cancer supporting the Barwon Health Foundation and The Andrew Love Cancer Centre.”

Chez Ma Belle stocks a range of quality brands such as Simonè Perele, Prima Donna, Chantelle, Berlei, Triumph, Fayreform and Amoena.

Aiming to give women of all ages the right support needed to live life comfortably, Fran and staff invite shoppers to “pop in and see the team today”.

Chez Ma Belle Lingerie is at 37 Yarra Street, Geelong.

There’s really only one place to go when a home or office space is in need of a spruce up.

Shades of Geelong has been operating for more than four decades and offers quality and customer service that’s unmatched anywhere in Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula.

Shades of Geelong has top-of-the-range curtains, blinds and awnings with a huge range of colours, designs and materials to fit any type of decor.

Whatever design you have in mind, you can be sure the team at Shades of Geelong will have the right product for you.

All work is guaranteed and with a local factory and showroom, you can be sure your business is staying in Geelong.

Shades of Geelong will guarantee a written and online quote within two working days and Saturday and after-hours appointments are always available.

With quality products and friendly, expert service, the next home or office renovation is made easy by the team at Shades of Geelong.

Some of the products and services on offer are: Norman planation shutters; sheer curtains; blockout and privacy roller blinds; preferred supplier of Zip Tracks; traditional and casual roman blinds; panel glides; honeycomb blinds; woodstyle and aluminium venetians; drapes and motorisation.

Give the showroom a visit at 62 St Georges Road, Corio, check out shadesofgeelong.com.au or phone 5275 3801.

Bellerine Collections has been intriguing shoppers since recently opening near the top of the Moorabool Street hill in Geelong.

“Quirky” has emerged as a popular description of the business following its relocation from the river end of Bellerine Street.

Reviews on the store’s Facebook page have been glowing.

“The shop is very well set out and changes weekly with new, interesting collections,” posted a shopper who described herself as now a “regular visitor” at Bellerine Collections.

“Interesting place,” posted another visitor,” well-worth going for a squiz.”

A third called the store “a great find”, admitting she could “not resist a purchase at such a reasonable price”.

Bellerine Collections stocks a selection of products, ranging from antique and retro glass and china though to quality gifts for men, women and children.

The items provide plenty of inspiration to find a talking piece for any room, even any ‘man cave’ in need of appropriate decor.

Interior and exterior lighting is a specialty, while browsers will also find handmade gift cards, Australian and local pottery, baby gifts, soft furnishings, mirrors, furniture and garden-ware.

Also, retro music fans will enjoy the store’s selection of vinyl LPs and 45s, cassette tapes, CDs and pianola rolls.

Anyone wanting to understand the buzz about Bellerine Collections can visit the store at 243 Moorabool Street.

Physiotherapist Richard Wallace is working one client at a time on Kieser’s mission of ‘Building a stronger Australia’.

After beginning in Switzerland 52 years ago, Kieser now has nearly 150 centres in Europe. Kieser Australia arrived in 2006, with 13 centres now operating across Melbourne, Geelong and Sydney.

A new centre opened at Torquay in November.

“We saw a need in the Torquay area for physio, rehab and therapeutic strength training with the growing and ageing population,” Richard explains.

“Kieser’s fusion of physiotherapy and strength and conditioning utilises an evidence-based, best-practice formula that sets us apart from other gyms and physio clinics. Our strength-training programs are designed and overseen by specially trained medical professionals, and are safe and specific for individual needs.

“Training at Kieser is very different to a traditional gym because of our Swiss-engineered equipment, non-intimidating environment and time-efficient programs that can be completed in 30 minutes, twice a week.

“We work with a variety of people in the local community, from sport clubs such as the Geelong Cats to local health professionals and health insurers. We’ve also developed a program with GMHBA designed to delay or prevent joint replacement surgery as well as improve post-surgical outcomes for clients with osteoarthritis.”

Anyone wanting to save $200 on a foundation membership at Kieser Torquay should visit kieser.com.au or phone 4216 6900.

Barbara Ferrante has never looked back since opening Salon Eve in 2012, at age 23.

“As a determined girl, I’m always challenging myself to set goals and opening up a business was no different,” she says.

“Most people who know me know I never do anything half-hearted.”

Fast-forward six years Barbara’s salon has just undergone a facelift into a “beautiful masterpiece”.

With depth-defying artwork, big comfy chairs and a stylish, spacious interior, the new salon is a pleasure to work in, she says.

But the renovated salon is just bonus for the hairdresser of 13 years, who loves meeting clients and “nailing” their desired new look.

“Hairdressing to me over the years has never been just a job,” she says.

“To see the smile on their faces when they walk out, that’s a great moment for a hairdresser.”

The salon has a range of vegan, sulphate-free and Australian-made premium haircare products, and Barbara is committed to environmental sustainability.

Her team includes experienced hairdressers, who she says are great mentors for her younger staff.

The team do hair for men, women and children of all ages and with Salon Eve now offering Salon Pay, getting a new look is now more convenient than ever.

“We are not afraid of a challenge and we are very accommodating to our clientele,” Barbara says.

Salon Meraki Colour Specialists has celebrated its second birthday with an expanded team.

Owner Vicky Polyzos recently employed passionate qualified hairdresser Hannah Mahoney while introducing waxing and spray-tanning to the business menu.

“The salon’s busier than ever and bringing a whole new clientele to Vines Road,” Vicky says.

“We value everyone who walks in and strive to provide the best professional service we possibly can.”

As a certified L’Oréal colour specialist, the salon also uses Pureology shampoo and conditioners, TechnoTan for tanning services, and quality waxing products.

The girls urge their clientele to book appointments now for colours, beauty services or styling to look great over the festive season and summer break.

“Don’t hesitate to call because may have a spot available,” Vicky advises.

Pureology packs, other products and salon gift vouchers are available as Christmas gift ideas.

“We’re happy to help anyone choose the right product for themselves or that special someone,” Vicky says.

Vicky prides herself on the salon’s standard of service, with friendly, warm smiles greeting each client.

Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, Salon Meraki’s final trading day before Christmas is 22 December. The salon reopens on 27 December before closing for the new year on the 29 December and opening again on 8 January.

More information is available by visiting salonmeraki.com.au or the salon’s Facebook, or by phoning 5298 3465.

Peter Hames’ Oakwood Restorations has evolved over the past 18 years to be more than just a supplier of fixtures and fittings for period-home projects.

With a background in textiles and design, Peter operates P.J. Hames Lighting within the business as his “passion project.“

Peter consults with clients at their homes or businesses, arriving with brochures and fittings to show how the right lighting can transform any room.

“Whether it’s a standout piece that demands attention or a subtle reflection of the decor, lighting is at the heart of interior design,“ he says, “but the wrong lighting choice can ruin the harmony of a room.

“I source antique, vintage, modern and reproduction lighting from Australia and overseas and authentically restore it. I also create bespoke lighting that can look antique, decorative, industrial or understated.“

Peter has access to specialist suppliers so he can deliver modifications such as adjusting the length, finish or shading of lights to suit individual decor requirements.

His lighting expertise is an extension of his flair for interiors, particularly blending contemporary and period decor.

“The mistake people often make is thinking I’m limited to styling period homes and spaces only. In fact, I also consult on a variety of modern architectural homes, offices, cafes and hairdressers.“

Renovators looking for supplies will find lighting from the 1850s to 1950s at Oakwood Restorations, along with other inspiring items ranging from fireplaces and tiles through to pressed metal and hardware in a variety of finishes.

Oakwood Restorations is at 331 Pakington St, Newtown, phone 5229 9547 or visit P.J. Hames’ Facebook page.

Highton’s Ken Duggan was just seven when he bought his first antique with saved pocket money.

The old chair sparked his love affair with antiques, which he now prizes over modern furniture.

Pegasus Antiques opened in Ken’s home 36 years ago but now occupies a “fabulously huge“ warehouse at Newtown under the management of Ken and son Joel.

“Dad had actually pointed out this very warehouse when I was about five,“ Joel remembers.

“He said, ‘I’ll own that building one day’, and we all laughed.”

Ken and Joel have worked together in the business for around two decades.

“Joel was a teenager when he first got involved. He was a natural and just took to it easily,” Ken says.

Pegasus Antiques’ “huge amount” of stock spreads through 30 display rooms and a large open area.

“We tend to buy from the 1800s to 1900s, covering the Georgian, Regency, William V, Victorian and Edwardian eras. We source from southern Scotland and Lyon, France,” Ken says.

“We also restore and alter furniture including raising desk drawers, lengthening beds to accommodate our taller generation, and to become useable furniture.“

Pegasus Antiques is at 550 Latrobe Boulevard, Newtown, visit pegasusantiques.com.au or phone 5221 8290.