Skip to main content

                    2016 Generational recipients

                    The 2016 Generational Lord Mayor's Commendations recognise family businesses that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne across at least three generations.

                    ​The following business proprietors received a Generational Lord Mayor's Commendation in 2016.


                    Theo Nelson – Nelson Bros Funeral Services

                    Theo Wilson

                    Five generations of caring, quality funeral services

                    Starting out on the Victorian goldfields in the 1850s, Nelson Bros have been serving the community with compassionate, high-quality funeral care and a distinguished black Rolls Royce funeral fleet.

                    The company is now based in Fisherman’s Bend, with five funeral homes located across Melbourne suburbs.

                    A family business through-and-through, Nelson Bros is run today by the fourth and fifth generation: Theo Nelson, who has been running the business since leaving school 63 years ago, and his three children.




                    Ralph Plarre – Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses

                    Ralph Plarre

                    Five generations of cake and pastry pioneers

                    The Ferguson and Plarre families were pioneers in bringing European quality cakes and pastries to Melbourne.

                    They set up their first bakehouse on Swanston Street 115 years ago, and have been bringing delicious enjoyment to millions of birthdays and weddings across the city ever since. They’ve even had their cakes served to the Queen of England (1963), and the President of the USA, Lyndon Johnston (1966).

                    Representing the fifth-generation of baking royalty, Ralph Plarre is proud to continue the family tradition of bringing happiness to people through food.



                    Denis Sabbadini – The Waiters Restaurant

                    Denis Sabbadini

                    Three generations at one of Melbourne’s oldest Italian restaurants

                    When Carlo and his wife Fernanda took over The Waiters Club in the mid 70s, it was already a second home for the city’s hospitality workers, who came to eat, drink and play cards late into the night. Famous theatre faces like Frank Thring and Gina Lollobrigida also frequented the speakeasy, drinking wine in coffee cups and dining on the simple Italian fare.

                    Three generations later, The Waiters Restaurant is now run by Carlo and Fernanda’s son, Denis Sabbadini, and his children Nicole, Jess, Luke and Matt. The cards have gone, the name has changed, and wine now comes in tumblers – but the vibrant atmosphere remains.

                    Skip Video
                    Video: Theo Nelson, Nelson Bros Funeral Services
                      Was this page helpful?

                      If you'd like to give more feedback or ask a question, please contact us.