The following business proprietors were the 40-plus years recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations in 2021.
Domain Dry Cleaners – John Athanasiou
Established in the 1970s by owner John Athanasiou's father, Domain Dry Cleaners has not only provided outstanding dry cleaning services to city residents and workers for more than 40 years – it's also been Melbourne's costume dry cleaner of choice for theatre, the arts and touring bands.
Located in the Domain Road Village next to the Royal Botanic Gardens, the second-generation family-owned business prides itself on its exceptional care for every garment and extensive knowledge of various textiles, ensuring the best possible service every time.
Papa Gino's Restaurant – Alex Brosca
After a short stint at Naples Bay Restaurant on Lygon Street, Gino and Silvana Brosca opened Papa Gino's in 1973 with their daughter, Rose, and sons, Vincent and Harry. The last two members of the family, Alex and Paul, joined the flock in 1980.
Being one of only a handful of pizza restaurants in the city at that time, Papa Gino's quickly became a popular eating spot for neighbourhood locals and Melbourne University academics.
Today, 48 years later, the Brosca family continues to serve the same mix of loyal diners, with many multi-generational families coming through their doors.
Peter Sheppard Footwear – Peter Sheppard
Peter Sheppard Footwear is one of Australia's leading footwear specialists and showcases an extensive range of European-made shoes for contemporary Australian women. With a dedicated buying office in Europe, fashionably styled, comfortable, quality footwear is why Peter Sheppard Footwear is renowned all over the world for its extensive collection.
The business has been family-owned in Melbourne for 48 years and boasts magnificent stores in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Peter Sheppard also offers a state-of-the-art online shopping experience and world-famous twice-yearly catalogues. The Collins Street store in Melbourne is an emporium of elegant shoes, heels, boots and sandals from Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Spain.
The business is also Australia’s preferred retailer for orthotic-friendly, narrow, medium and wide-fitting shoes. Podiatrist-approved brands and styles adorn the shelves, ensuring there is the perfect shoe for every woman.
Sackville Wilks Lawyers – Frank Levy
Sackville Wilks was founded more than 60 years ago, being one of the very first legal practices located in the city, east of Swanston Street.
Frank Levy was admitted to partnership in the firm in 1975 and continues to practise with the same enthusiasm and commitment as always has been the case, but now is supported by a team of very fine younger lawyers.
The firm provides a diverse range of services to clients of all generations and is committed to continuing to do so hopefully for many years to come.
Shakahari Vegetarian Restaurant – Beh Kim Un
Australia's longest-serving vegetarian restaurant, Shakahari, first opened in February 1972 and since 1978 has been run by a single family of proprietors and chefs.
The restaurant has moved only once – from Lygon Street to Faraday street – where it remains today, in a heritage building filled with antique art and flanked by a garden courtyard.
With an emphasis on creative, nutritious meals, Shakahari's menu is constantly evolving. Today's offering includes more vegan options and celebrates a broader range of fruits, vegetables and herbs, many of which are home-grown on the restaurant's own farm in central Victoria.