My experience with Dr Barker was very different than others-though close friends say they are very happy. I was able to get into the clinic easily enough in 2005 since I had been there 15 years earlier for a procedure. I was initially quite young (20yrs) and was told I would not need time off work or Uni. I subsequently tried to walk home and ended up doubled in pain on the footpath until I was able to get someone to come & get me. The night was no better and I rang the next morning & was met with indifference since apparently this was normal. 15 years later and pregnant I was advised it was difficult to get an obstetrician in Geelong so I should return. My first appointment was 40 mins late and Receptionist asked Partner & self if Dr could "go and pick up his car?" We agreed and another 20 mins went by. It was now 6.15pm and our appointment would have been 15 mins long and felt quite rushed. Many of our questions were unanswered(this was our first child). I subsequently rang Dr Barkers office 4 times in the next week and none of my calls were returned (even though I was crying to the receptionist on the last call) My Partner & I went to my GP who answered all our questions and rang an obstetrician who was able to squeeze us in the following week. I am sure Dr Barkers medical knowledge is of standard and up to par but I felt the office processes and his people skills certainly needed improving.

I liked one world because of the different style of "Family Grouping" in relation to age. My boy is very quiet and the concept of him being in with babies and older kids seemed to make sense - and he really enjoyed it. It means that just like a family you do not have a room full of babies or 4 year olds but an even spread of all ages. I think if you have smaller children though you might worry with little ones in with older kids. I thought the receptionist was excellent but managment were probably sometimes a bit insensitive to the kids needs. But the girls in the rooms were great.

Nice atmosphere , equipment is always clean and the place is spotless. "Ladies only" makes it a relaxed environment. Very professional place. The girls are always smiling and ready to help and seem to have a good level of knowledge in relation to fitness issues.

Approximate cost: $59 per months plus sign up fee

I normally see Freddie Pang for Osteopathic treatment and he is Fabulous. He looks very slight but he gives excellent treatment and is a wealth of information. Also Freddie rarely seems to run late - only once in all the years I have seen him. I find Osteo treatments normally more effective than other treatments. Receptionists are always helpful trying to find date\time that suits and the clinic is open quite late and also Saturdays which is great. I also see Rhonda for massage and she is wonderful - very relaxed and just lovely. Gives an excellent massage and fixes any problem areas.

I started going there when it first opened in a different location in Pako. I liked Tania but as with most dentists as they get more experienced they take on less general work - like regular check-up & cleaning and only do specialised stuff. I saw someone there for a filling - a young guy he was very nice but it was only the second filling I've ever had and by the time it was finished my jaw was killing me. And the filling was still felt rough - I complained and went back but it was still rough andv I was not up for anymore pain. That was several years ago- I have been back since for a check-up and the same guy is not there. This experience was more positive and I would probably go back there again but am still very hesitant about further work.

We had my Mums 70th in their Function Room- it was great. We had people from interstate so they flew into Avalon and stayed in Motel style rooms out the back (they were being renovated but the finished rooms were nice - not flash but nice.) The staff were extremely helpful at organizing because it was a surprise party. We had a big room with a stage for photos etc. We had the room pretty much as long as we wanted\needed to set up hang around etc. The food we chose was buffet\smorgasbord and I think it was an average price of $12.95 per head including kids & seniors. The food was good - a bit of everything to suit everybody. Not high end quality but difficult in that style of food-but good quality and range. Everything was clean\nice and staff did not leaves plates hanging around too long which is always a bonus. There was a full bar in the function room and drinks were at bar prices. It was for lunch but Gateway opened buffet for breakfast the next day .

I have used them a few times and the balloons are always good value to brighten up a hall\shed\function room for parties, weddings etc. Staff got to trouble to track down the right colour or design - very helpful and have not been disappointed on any occasion. The latest was my brothers wedding - they tracked down pale pink balloons with lover hearts especially. So good service. I think they offer a delivery service for a small fee.

Approximate cost: $2 for metallic\patterned helium balloons.

Huge bunches of flowers for my brothers wedding at a great price. Staff were very helpful and there was a great range of just about everything you could hope for. Staff were helpful on the phone and just as helpful when I went in there. I could not speak highly enough - the only hiccup is that there are no "pre-arranged" bunches of flowers. Which is fine - they will still wrap them nicely and combine bunches.

Approximate cost: $18 for 5 stems of huge oriental lilies.

The concept of the work-out is great and I have definitly seen an improvement in my level of fitness - body size is smaller but no weight loss which is fine by me! No "jock" type gym atmosphere which is nice-aimed at women. Makes everthing easy ie checking heart rate, doing stretches and the atmosphere is very friendly. Most staff are pleasant but some are loud, overzealous and annoying in their efforts to help (which is almost off-putting) or missing in action when needing assistance. Overall it's a great place and the staff issues are purely personal for me I guess but I have definitley recommended it to friends. Very happy overall.

Approximate cost: $60 per month