I am in the ACT too, and have not had much luck here, quite the opposite in fact. And also remember Rawsons Canberra also use a lot of Sydney suppliers and contractors. Even something you would think would be done locally like carpet will come from Sydney and installed by a Sydney guy. Same too with kitchen, joinery and your heater/AC.
I've also heard other trades come from Sydney too and essentially stay in Canberra for the working week. Though my brickies and chippes were local guys.