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                    2017 40-plus years recipients

                    The 2017 40-plus years Lord Mayor's Commendations recognise small businesses that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne for at least 40 years.

                    The following business proprietors were the 40-plus years recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations in 2017.


                    Ken Downie – Downies Coins

                    Ken Downie

                    Forty years leading one of our city’s long-standing retail traditions

                    A one-stop shop for all coin and banknote collectors, set in the thriving Southbank precinct, Downies Coins Melbourne maintains Downies longstanding retail tradition. 

                    Headed by Ken Downie since 1977, Downies Coins became part of the fabric of Melbourne retail in the 1930s, when the business was established in the Myer Emporium. The business subsequently moved to the Beehive Building, then to the historic Block Arcade before relocating to the upmarket Southgate complex. 

                    Australia’s leader in coins and collectables, Downies maintains a strong commitment to Australian collectors, and a strong commitment to Melbourne retail. 


                    Jeffrey Greenberg – Woodstock City

                    Jeffrey Greenberg

                    Proudly dressing Melbourne’s men for more than 40 years

                    From their intimate retail space of just 41sqm, set amidst bustling Elizabeth Street, Jeffery Greenberg and the team at Woodstock City have delivered excellent service and top-quality menswear for more than 40 years. Over this time, three directors have brought their expertise in retailing, clothing manufacturing and finance to cement Woodstock’s position as one of the city’s favourite menswear destinations. 

                    The store offers the latest trends in men’s fashion, including suits from Cambridge Clothing, ties, shirts, trousers and socks, and are proud to be recognised as the supplier of suits and accessories to Channel 9’s Footy Show.


                    Bernard Holmes – T W Sands & Co

                    Bernard Holmes

                    Sharing his passion for oil and kerosene lamps for 40 years

                    T W Sands & Co first opened in 1918 and it was owned by the Sands family until 1977.  It was then when it was purchased by Bernie Holmes, a passionate oil and kerosene lamp expert with a particular fondness for Aladdin and Tilley lamps. T W Sands & Co quickly became the go-to place for those who enjoy the style and warm cosy glow of an oil lamp. 

                    After forty years in the business, Bernie’s passion remains – he loves nothing more than working with customers to design personalised lamps as well as restoring heirloom lamps to their original glory. The store builds lamps from components sourced worldwide, and sells oil oils lamps and parts across Australia. 


                    Greg Mahoney – Mahoneys Framing

                    Greg Mahoney

                    Helping shape the city’s laneway retail scene since 1977

                    With a vision of providing customers with quality, customised framing options, Greg Mahoney opened Mahoneys Framing in 1977. Being one of the first to open a shop in Hardware Lane, Greg recognised the opportunity that this now-iconic laneway provided. He quickly became President of the Hardware Precinct Association, where he helped shape the laneway in the bustling retail haven we know today. 

                    In recognition for his role in making Melbourne a more liveable city, Greg received the inaugural Melbourne Award. In 2014 Greg partnered with his wife to launch Mahoneys Frames Online and together they continue to evolve the business with their next launch, Mahoneys Prints Online. 

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                    Greg Mahoney – Mahoneys Framing
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