The following business proprietors were the bronze recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations in 2016.
Neil Balthasar – BALTHASAR
Creating striking jewellery on Bourke Street for more than 10 years
Neil’s passion for jewellery design began when he created his first piece at just 13 years of age. He always dreamed of opening his own design studio and knew that Melbourne – with its vibrant, colourful energy – was the perfect location.
In 2004, BALTHASAR opened on Bourke Street and for more than 10 years, Neil has worked to create bold, striking pieces of jewellery with a focus on large, colourful gems.
Having been previously featured as part of the Melbourne International Design festival. His designs will also be displayed in exhibition as part of the City Precinct Winter Sessions Program, later this year.
Suzanne Bennett and Rodney Jacobs – The Basement Records
Providing a musical oasis in the heart of the city for more than 20 years
In 1994, when Basement Records opened, Block Place was a quiet laneway – a world away from today’s buzzing cafe scene. But despite the changing environment, this iconic music store has remained refreshingly unchanged: a welcoming musical oasis, tucked away amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
For more than two decades, Rod and Suzanne have provided a carefully curated, eclectic range of music spanning nearly every possible genre, on both vinyl and CD.
A key contributor to Melbourne’s cultural fabric, Basement Records, regularly presents free lunchtime performances from local and international artists promoting their new albums. They also stock range of rare back catalogue and re-issued titles, along with current releases to proactively champion local and indie artists.
Robin Billen – Horton International
Bringing local knowledge to a global industry for more than a decade
In 1992, Robin Billen took over the Melbourne arm of Horton International – bringing local market knowledge to a global executive search group.
Over more than ten years, Robin’s team have developed a reputation for integrity, credibility and for providing personalised service their clients can rely on.
With a track record that speaks for itself, the team work tirelessly to find the perfect senior executive and management candidates for a range of commercial, industrial and government positions.
Adam Bunny – Loop Project Space and Bar, Loop Roof
Providing a platform for emerging artists since 2003
Loop is a Melbourne institution, combining an eclectic project arts space with a laneway bar and rooftop garden.
With a background in contemporary art, Adam Bunny co-founded the Meyers Place venue to offer emerging artists a platform to showcase their work.
Since 2003, Loop has presented an ever-changing program of film screenings, audio-visual performances, DJ events, creative forums and art/design exhibitions.
Loop also offers a great atmosphere to enjoy a casual beer, cocktail or snack with friends, with alcove and laneway seating on street level, and a wondrous garden setting and panoramic city views on the rooftop.
Phil Calvert – Calmatronics
Providing specialty lighting solutions for more than a decade
Known simply as ‘Calma’s’ to the locals, Phil’s lighting store is a quirky throwback to the days when customers could enjoy great service, knowledge and friendly banter from shopkeepers who feel more like friends than salespeople.
For more than twenty years, Calmatronics has been serving the West and North Melbourne communities with specialty lighting solutions.
With the latest LED technology, and home to the eco-friendly I-Globe range, this charming store offers everything from standard lightbulbs to outdoor heating, and even potato clocks!
Spiro Caras – Caras Emporium
Two decades keeping the Greek community connected with home
From backgammon boards to the latest chart-topping Greek pop hits, Caras Emporium has been keeping the Greek community connected with home for decades.
Spiro Caras took over the family business in the mid-90s and has maintained the same warm environment that his parents established. It’s a place where customers are friends, and friends are family – where you’re as welcome to pop in for a coffee and chat, as you are to purchase something.
The store sells a wide range of Greek paraphernalia, souvenirs and gifts, and is also a registered IATA travel operator so they can even organise travel for their customers visiting Greece and the Mediterranean.
Luke Chiodo – Australian Small Business Association
Celebrating and supporting small businesses for more than 10 years
The Australian Small Business Association was established in 2004 by Luke Chiodo, former bank manager and business coach.
Seeing the challenges faced by small businesses, and the lack of reward and recognition, he formed the association to provide advocacy, mentorship and support to the community.
Unbranded and not-for-profit, the membership-based association provides independent endorsement to small business, and shares best practice advice through a free online community. It also runs the Small Business Awards Program – an annual platform to celebrate the success of small businesses by engaging their greatest advocates: employees and customers.
Jodie Coall – Melbourne Natural Wellness
Supporting all nine areas of wellness to live your best life since 2002
Jodie Coall had a problem. She felt the pain and frustration of people not being where they wanted to be in life. In 2002, she opened Melbourne Natural Wellness: a centre to create connection, where people could open up about where they were at, and where they wanted to be.
With a team of specialists – from osteopathy, chiropractic and massage, to naturopathy, acupuncture, kinesiology, as well as yoga, pilates, coaching and workshops – the centre bridges the gap by assisting people in all nine areas of their well-being: physical, emotional, environmental, social, career, spiritual, mindset, intellectual and financial.
Jodie and her team work with clients to develop personalised wellness programs, and assist companies to be employers of choice, creating dream teams across Melbourne by creating custom programs though their sister company: Ultimate Corporate Wellness.
Lea Dang – L&L WING Wing Cheong Chinatown
The go-to grocer for Asian produce, since 1999
Step into Wing Cheong and you’ll instantly feel like you’ve gone back in time to a traditional Asian grocery stall.
Since 1999, Lea Dang’s family have been serving a range of traditional and authentic Asian produce from their bustling shop, tucked away in the heart of Melbourne.
As one of Melbourne’s original Chinese laneway grocers, Wing Cheong has grown in reputation over the years to become the go-to grocer for restaurants, cafes and customers looking for authentic Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Korean and Indian ingredients.
Charmaine Dennis and Milly Dabrowski – Fertile Ground Health Group
More than 10 years delivering the best outcome for patients
Knowing that optimal health is essential to create healthy babies, Charmaine Dennis and Milly Dabrowski established Fertile Ground Health Group (FGHG) nearly 15 years ago – a multidisciplinary natural medicine practice, with a focus on healthy reproduction, fertility and pregnancy care.
Combining naturopathy, acupuncture, osteopathy, massage and counselling, while working closely with medical specialists, FGHG offers a collaborative approach that delivers the very best outcomes for patients.
This supportive and holistic environment has seen Fertile Ground Health Group become the go-to centre for fertility health in Melbourne.
David Hauswirth – Ace Antiques
Selling and servicing the best of yesteryear since 2003
Since 2003, David Hauswirth has been selling and servicing the best of yesteryear’s artefacts from his North Melbourne store.
Along with the typical vintage wares, David boasts the largest range of Bakelite Radios in Australia, and is committed to finding the perfect one for you – if you can’t find what you’re looking for in store, he’ll help track it down for you. The store also specialises in enamel signs from the past like petrol pumps, train stations and street signs.
Whether you’re looking for something in particular, or simply in the mood to browse, Ace Antiques and Collectables offers a great reminder of days gone by and is the perfect place to lose yourself for an afternoon.
Kara Jeffers – French Pink
A decade of keeping nails beautiful, naturally
When Kara Jeffers returned to Melbourne after living and working in London, she noticed the city was lacking in quality nail salons. She said farewell to the corporate world and opened French Pink: a salon with a passion for natural nails.
Over 10 years, French Pink has stayed true to its philosophy of natural, toxic free nails.
Despite the increase in nail bars, Kara has continued to grow her business with a loyal following of clients who love getting their natural manicures or pedicures in the stylish, relaxed salon.
Fabian Keine – Borsari Cycles
Helping Melburnians bike the city since 1941
Fabian and the Bosari Cycles crew have been helping Melburnians bike their way around the city for years.
Based in the heart of bustling Lygon Street, Bosari Cycles offer bikes, servicing and friendly advice, and even have used bikes for sale and bikes available for hire.
From cruisers and commuters, to high end racing bikes, Bosari Cycles are the experts – always on hand to help their customers choose the right bike for their needs.
Heather Lakin – Meyers Place
Iconic bar pouring life into Melbourne laneways
Since opening its roller door for the first time in 1994, Meyers Place has become the inspiration for laneway bars across the country – and around the world.
Its award-winning design by Six Degrees has defined a generation of Melbourne’s laneway culture; paying homage to the city of yesteryear and providing a modest place where everyone feels like a regular.
As one of the original collaborators, Heather’s contribution to our city and its bar culture continues in partnership with artist and academic Drew Pettifer.
The quintessential Melbourne laneway bar remains the place to be.
Joe Manariti – SWiM
Helping clients reach their business goals for nearly 20 years
Websites and digital agencies were science fiction when Joe Manariti opened SWiM in 1997. Since then, SWiM’s expertise has evolved from pages to pixels, and its location from Armadale to East Melbourne, and now North Melbourne.
While the industry has undergone drastic changes, Joe’s vision for SWiM has stayed the same: to help clients reach their business goals using the latest communication tools: websites or brochures, direct mail or email, social media and advertising.
At SWiM, service always comes with a smile… and a greeting from the #officedog.
Scott Maidment – Strut & Fret
Creating breathtaking artistic experiences for more than 10 years
Strut & Fret is a dynamic, internationally acclaimed company that produces and manages theatre, artists, events, festivals and venues – both in Australia, and around the world.
Director and founder, Scott Maidment has created countless award-winning productions including Blanc de Blanc, LIMBO, Fear & Delight, and Cantina.
The company also manages a list of independent artists, is co-producer of the renowned festival precinct, The Garden of Unearthly Delights, and delivers world-class events and festival precincts with a wide range of partners, including Spiegeltent Hobart, Melbourne Festival, Brisbane Festival, Sydney Festival, Brunswick Music Festival and the Newman Outback Fusion Festival.
Chelsea McIntosh – Spoilt Gift and Homewares
Giving busy city workers gift and homewares solutions for 10 years
From her desk job in a CBD office, Chelsea McIntosh had a first hand view of how busy life is for most city workers.
She opened Spoilt Gift and Homewares in 2005 to give time-poor office workers an easy solution to all their gift and homewares needs.
Over a decade, Spoilt Gift and Homewares has expanded to now operate six stores within the city and an online store, with a solid base of customers who come not only to buy gifts, but to treat themselves.
Rajesh Mehta – Bhoj restaurant
Serving fine Indian food at Docklands for more than 10 years
Chef and proprietor, Rajesh Mehta founded Bhoj over 20 years ago in Templestowe, and expanded into Docklands in 2003. Since then, Bhoj has become a Melbourne institution for fine Indian food, challenging many of the clichés associated with Indian restaurants.
The space is modern Indian-chic, and the menu boasts many signature dishes that showcase the diversity of Indian cooking.
Over the years, Rajesh and Bhoj won many awards and accolades, including a coveted Chef’s Hat and appearances on The Living Room and Huey’s Cooking Adventures on Channel 10.
Angelo Mercuri – Universal Pizza
Serving Carlton locals pizza and pasta for more than a decade
Universal Pizza was opened in 1969 and was bought by John Mercuri, Angelo’s father, in 1979. With the help of his parents, John turned the restaurant into a neighbourhood favourite, a place where Carlton locals could come in for a good pizza or pasta until the very early hours of the morning.
The business was passed down to Angelo’s brother in 2005, and then to Angelo in 2006. Since taking the reins, Angelo and his team have broadened the menu, while maintaining the restaurant's commitment to serving Carlton locals quality food and friendly service.
Jack Poon – KBOX
Bringing karaoke into the city since 2006
Having spent his student years in Melbourne, Jack Poon returned to the city with his new wife Carol in 2004 and opened KBOX in 2006.
Jack wanted to give overseas students a place to unwind and enjoy themselves, with an extensive karaoke song list in a comfortable environment. In a prime location near to several universities, KBOX became an overnight success.
A decade on, the karaoke bar draws a mixed-bag of clientele – from students, city visitors, and even celebrity singers passing through town – offering everyone the chance to sing their favourite song and feel like a star.
Sarah Rey – Justitia Lawyers and Consultants
Creating exceptional workplaces since 2005
For more than ten years, Sarah Rey has been helping create exceptional workplaces through her boutique employment and labour relations law firm, Justitia.
Based in Melbourne but with a client list that extends across Australia, Sarah and the team at Justitia have a reputation for providing practical advice with an eye to minimising workplace conflict and enhancing employee engagement.
Justitia has been commended by both industry peers and human resources professionals for its progressive approach to flexible work practices, highly collegiate working environment and genuine commitment to supporting healthy and sustainable workplace cultures.
Paul Salter and Belinda Balcombe – Docklands Executive Apartments
Providing a home-away-from-home to city visitors since 2006
Since 2006, Paul Salter and Belinda Balcombe have been offering a home-away-from-home to city visitors.
Docklands Executive Apartments provides modern luxury apartments with complete privacy and guaranteed security – the perfect option for people coming to Melbourne looking for a comfortable base from which to explore the city.
Paul and Belinda simply treat their guests like family, which is why they are one of the top-choices for city visitors.
They have hosted more than 16,000 people since starting and still hold the no. 1 position after five years for apartments on TripAdvisor.
Vijay Sivaraj – Drums Cafe
Serving exotic Sri Lankan and Indian food since 1996
From simple beginnings at the Queen Victoria Market in 1996, Drums Cafe has grown over 20 years to become one of the City’s favourite purveyors of exotic Sri Lankan and Indian food.
It’s always been a priority for Vjay Sivaraj to make sure that everybody can enjoy eating at Drums, and the cafe menu includes plenty of gluten free, diabetic friendly and vegan options.
Maintaining a permanent base at the QVM, Drums has also become a regular feature on the food festival circuit, serving delicious Sri Lankan street food at events and markets across Victoria.
Ewan Tremellen – Ewan Tremellen Jewellery
More than a decade of goldsmithing and jewellery design
Following a jewellery apprenticeship in regional Victoria, Ewan Tremellen moved to Melbourne in search of broader horizons to expand his goldsmithing and jewellery design practice.
Encouraged and inspired by the city’s creative community, and looking for more creative control over his own designs, he decided to open his own business in 2004.
Since then, Ewan has been designing jewellery for local and international clients from his unique studio space, continuing to evolve his craft and remaining constantly inspired by the possibilities of new and old.
Lori Valentine and Merilyn Parker – Jasper Junior
Helping little ones learn through play for a decade
Set in the beautiful Royal Arcade, Jasper Junior is a small toy shop packed to the rafters with modern and educational toys, costumes, collectables and children’s wear.
For more than ten years, Lori and Merilyn have been offering a delightful alternative to junky, throw-away toys and games – here you’ll find wooden rocking horses and old-school pedal, along with cuddly soft toys and stunning costumes. It’s also a collector’s paradise, with an impressive range of Sylvanian Families, Steiff plush animals, Playmobil and Sonny Angel dolls.
Shaun Warhurst, Mark O'Neill and Martin Russell – Kingsford property
Over 25 years supporting Melbourne’s dynamic property market
Shaun has been working in Melbourne’s residential property market for more than 25 years. In 1996, he joined forces with three business partners to start Kingsford Property: a Southbank business offering local expertise in buying, selling and leasing Melbourne apartments and townhouses.
From Southbank’s first ever residential development, to the city’s rapidly growing present-day market, Shaun and his team have maintained their commitment to supporting the area’s ongoing liveability and success.
Ian Wood – Fun, Food and Friendship
Making our city social for more than a decade
Attending great events, meeting new people and making new friends has always been essential for Ian Wood.
He launched Fun, Food and Friendship in 2006, a company which he hoped would enrich the social lives of other Melburnians by bringing people together to enjoy events and activities in the city.
Ten years on, the company has become known as the Melbourne Social Club – an award winning club that has run thousands of Melbourne events, provided great city discounts, raised thousands for charity and helped forge many great friendships... including several marriages!
Terry Woods – Vic Meat Supply
Trading Aussie BBQ favourites at the Queen Vic Markets since 1996
Since 1996, Vic Meat Supply has been trading Aussie BBQ favourites from the Queen Victoria Market.
Terry and his wife Catherine started the butcher's shop 20 years ago, with their renowned gourmet sausage range growing from a humble eight varieties to 20 different flavours – including beer and vegemite.
But it’s not just the snags that keep customers coming back; Vic Meat Supply also specialise in old-fashioned cuts like pickled pork, corned silverside, juicy steak and roasts.
This family business is celebrating four generations in the QVM and now sees Terry’s three children’s friendly faces greeting you when you visit the shop.
Yuk Chun Yip – City BBQ Restaurant
Serving Cantonese specialties and BBQ favourites since 2000
Since 2000, Yuk Chan Yip and the team at City BBQ Chinese Restaurant have been keeping their customers well-fed with a huge menu of more than 100 items.
As the first Chinese BBQ restaurant in the city, this eatery is almost Melbourne-royalty, serving up Cantonese specialties and a range of barbequed meat dishes including duck, quail and pigeon.
Yuk Chan Yip knows that city diners want top quality food, and they want it fast – which is exactly what city BBQ has been serving to a packed floor of students, tourists and city workers, every day for more than 15 years.