I've used this company a few times now - to install an air conditioning unit and a ducted heating system. I've been impressed by how quickly they were able to come and install (in the middle of the summer heatwave I had a unit installed within a week), but also they guarantee the products they sell and install. This means if my system breaks down Conway will fix it, and I don't have to go through the manufacturer. I previously had an air conditioner from Harvey Norman and had to go through the manufacturer to have it repaired (still under warranty!). It took 8 weeks for the manufacturer to come and assess the problem, then another 4 weeks to get the part and repair it. By which stage summer was over and I didn't need my air conditioner. When my heater broke down with Conway (also under warranty) they were there to fix it within a few days.

Tuesday can bring out the nicest smile in every family member. I loved the end result and now have a house full of casual, relaxed and beautiful photos of my family.
My kindergarten even uses her for their group photos each year - so much nicer than the posed ones some photo companies produce.

My 3 year old and 5 year old love going to Gecko for their 45 minute 'Junior Gecko' sessions. They practice basic hand-eye co-ordination and gross motor skills through games and play, and the trainers relate really well to the young kids.
I love it because I can drop off the kids, go and do my supermarket shopping just around the corner and be back in time to pick them up at the end of the session.
Best of all we don't have to commit to a whole term. It's a 'pay as you go' system! You only pay for the sessions you attend. So if the kids wake up sick, or we're going away, etc I don't lose money by missing a session.

Approximate cost: $16-$20

3 years ago we had a standard paling fence built in our rear yard, between us and our neighbour by Watts. Recently a few of the support posts snapped and we called Watts out to have a look. It took nearly a week for them to come out and the guy who did told us it was in a very dangerous state and to keep it braced, and keep our young kids and dog away from it. I faxed the signed quote and wrote "Urgent - dangerous fence" as was suggested by the friendly sales rep, but didn't hear back from them. 2 days later I called to find out a work-date and it turns out they had lost the paperwork, so I had to re-fax it. They gave me a date 3 weeks down the track (would hate to have seen how long it would take if it wasn't urgent!). We cancelled all plans for that day and sat around until 3pm waiting for them to arrive. Finally I called to see where they were and it turns out they had got the wrong day. They were very apologetic and agreed to come the next day. The man who arrived was very friendly and did the work quickly. When I rang the office that afternoon to pay them their money, they had lost the paperwork again!!
We won't be using them again. Very disappointing service and we found their admin really let them down.

This centre has a fantastic reputation that is completely deserved. Perfect for those parents that don't want to put their children into all-day care. Sessions are 3 hours long - 9am-12pm & 12pm - 3pm Monday to Friday, or you can now enrol for a 5 hour long session that runs within these hours eg (9am-2pm. 9:45am - 2:45pm, etc.). They take children from 6 weeks old to 5 years old, and also run a pre-kinder program for 2 year olds and up.
The staff are so lovely - mostly older women who have plenty of experience with looking after young children. They are especially good with the kids (and parents) who are suffering from separation anxiety and help your child ease into being left alone.
I highly recommend it - but so does everyone else which is why there is such a long waiting list. If you're not picky on day or time though you may get offered a place a lot sooner.

My favourite thing about this place, apart from the great noodles, is the staff. The owner is so friendly and seems to remember everyone's faces really well. I once didn't go in for a whole year and when I finally did he greeted me warmly and asked "So do you want the usual?" and remembered exactly what I had. I was very impressed.

Approximate cost: $9.00

Great take away pizza and quite cheap! Very friendly couple own and run the store, and its open 7 days a week (Mon-Sat only for lunch). Home Delivery is available but the pizzas are cheaper if you pick up.
They also do fish n' chips but their specialty is definately their pizzas.

Approximate cost: $6.50 - $14.00

The staff are lovely and always friendly and they always do a thorough job of taking care of my pets.
Last time I went in the vet's Golden Retriever was just wandering around the shop, which I found charming, but I can imagine if your dog or cat hated other dogs it would be annoying, especially when they are restrained and this dog isn't. Not sure this dog is a regular visitor to the vet though - think they have a cat too.
My only gripe is the cost. I'll go in for the annual dog vaccinations and rarely leave with a bill less than $200 as they have told me I need this wormer, and this flea treatment, and this ear ointment, etc. My dog seemed fine when we went in!

We were at Waves, Cheltenham for over a year, until both my 3 year old son and his teacher started to look bored. I timed it once and in his 30 minute class he was only receiving 7 minutes of instruction time. The other 23 minutes he sat bored on the step, waiting his turn.
We heard about Aspendale Swim School and I liked the idea that the manager and owner, Sarah was also the swim teacher. Her program is a lot more fast pace and her enthusiasm and friendliness reflects on the children. Within 3 weeks my son was so much more confident and happy, as well as doing things the previous teacher had no hope of getting him to do (eg putting his face under the water).
I also like that it is a small centre, yet it has all the same facilities and resources of the larger ones. I'd highly recommend it!

Approximate cost: $12.50 per session