The following businesses were the 2011 Gold recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations.
Connie Ceresiani
Business name: Franco Jewellers
Business address: 86 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 03 9663 5751
Business email:
franco@franco.com.au
Business website:
www.franco.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1968
Connie and Franco Ceresiani first opened their jewellery boutique on Elizabeth Street in 1968. The success of the business led to a second branch being opened in 1979 on Bourke Street's popular Centrepoint Mall and after several more additions and changes, they relocated to the 'Paris end' of Collins Street in 2003. Connie's skill in display plays an important role in the business and she also travels overseas with daughters Silvana and Daniela to buy special pieces from international jewellery fairs. With almost four decades of experience, family-run Franco Jewellers takes pride in its avant-garde approach, designing and buying unique one-off pieces. Jewellery is their passion and this is why they still operate on the best street in Melbourne.
Andrew Cody
Business name: Cody Opal (Australia) Pty Ltd
Business address: 119 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 03 9654 5533
Business email:
andrew@codyopal.com
Business website:
www.codyopal.com
Year became proprietor: 1971
On a school trip to Coober Pedy in 1964, 12-year-old Andrew Cody collected opals strewn by disgruntled miners along the main street. Back in Melbourne he cut and sold them for 27 pounds. This entrepreneurial hobby led to Cody Opal opening in 1971. The company now exports opals and won the Governors' Export Award in 2001. Andrew is on the world lecturing circuit for gemstones, is past world president of the International Gemstone Association and has served as chairman of other organisations. In 2010 Andrew received an honourary fellowship of the Gemmological Association of Australia, the eighth presented in 65 years. Andrew believes there is no better place in the world than Melbourne to live and operate his business.
Leon Corn
Business name: Abrecht Bird Jewellers
Business address: Level 2, 227 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 03 9650 3830
Business email:
leon@abrecht.com
Business website:
www.abrecht.com
Year became proprietor: 1971
Friederich Robert Abrecht established his eponymous wholesale jewellery business in Melbourne's central city in 1875. Now trading as Abrecht Bird Jewellers, the business is retail-focused, servicing a healthy private client base. Leon Corn's association with Abrecht Jewellers began in 1971. Leon moved to Melbourne from Sydney in 1966 and met Noel Abrecht's daughter. They married in 1967 and four years later he quit the advertising scene and joined the family firm. Leon says that Abrecht Jewellers' long association with the City of Melbourne has been good for the business. "Our clients appreciate that we have remained in one location over the years. It has created a feeling of stability and trust." Leon received a Silver Commendation in 2008.
Terence County
Business name: T. J. and H. M. County
Business address: 8/94 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 03 9654 7053
Business email:
handtcounty@bigpond.com
Year became proprietor: 1970
Terence County began his trade at Gaunt's (Bourke Street) in 1959, aged 14. He studied at Collingwood Technical School and was taught all facets of silver and goldsmithing. When Gaunt's closed their workshop in the 1970s, Terence set up his own business there, before moving to Little Collins Street. Twenty-three years later he moved to Elizabeth Street. The business services local, national and international clients. In addition to making the Australian Open tennis trophies and specialised racing trophies, it has produced trophies for the Argentine Grand Prix and for the Cricketer of the Year. Terence is well known, highly respected and is proud that his trophies are marked 'Made in Melbourne, Australia'. Terence received a Silver Commendation in 2007.
Peter Kempson
Business name: Kempsons Lawyers Pty Ltd
Business address: 3/116 Hardware Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 03 9670 0867
Business email:
pkempson@kempsonslawyers.com
Year became proprietor: 1969
With the aim of owning his own business, Peter Kempson started as a sole practitioner under the name of Corr & Kempson and then purchased his colleague's practice. On beginning practice as a principal, Peter decided to stay in the central city as he was near the court and public offices. Over time the firm has grown, with Peter acquiring two partners, but it still remains a small business. Kempsons Lawyers offers clients expertise in business and commercial law, property law, family law and wills and estates. Peter likes the buzz of the city, particularly Hardware Lane where he has formed many long term friendships.
Alan Pinkus
Business name: Alan Pinkus
Business address: 265 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 03 9696 7378
Business email:
alan@alanpinkus.com.au
Business website:
www.alanpinkus.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1966
In the mid 1950s, Alan Pinkus and his late brother Brian opened their first shoe store in Hampton. A luxurious destination shop followed in Brighton with international designers, and the birth of their forte – Bridal Party and Special Events. In 1966, Pinky's was established in Bourke Street and considered ahead of its time. In 1970, Alan and his business partner and wife Diana, created a 6000 square foot 'shoe paradise' opposite the Melbourne Town Hall, which was branded Alan Pinkus. 46 years on, they have established boutiques, including in Myer, both locally and interstate. Alan was also one of the founding members of the Committee for Melbourne, the instigators of the Swanston Walk.
Ann van der Toorren
Business name: Block Arcade Studios
Business address: Shop 23 The Block Arcade, 282 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 03 9650 4711
Business email:
vandertoorren@ozemail.com.au
Business website:
www.blockarcadestudios.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1969
When Ann van der Toorren joined her husband, Bob, in his photography business in 1969 she knew nothing about photography. In time she learnt a lot, gradually taking over the running of the business, leaving Bob to concentrate on the artistic side. For many years they worked every weekend on their wedding portrait business. Ann welcomed the chance of having a nine-to-five weekday life when photography became digital. Despite there initially being many sceptics about the value of this new form of photography, Bob's proficiency turned the business around to restorative photography and they now have an international clientele. Ann received a Silver Lord Mayor's Commendation in 2006. Ann and Bob currently sponsor the program as official photographers.
Bob van der Toorren
Business name: Block Arcade Studios
Business address: Shop 23 The Block Arcade, 282 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 03 9650 4711
Business email:
vandertoorren@ozemail.com.au
Business website:
www.blockarcadestudios.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1969
During Bob van der Tooren's formative years, his art teacher realised that, although Bob could not draw a straight line – even using a ruler – he had artistic talent and suggested a career in photography. After a four-year diploma course at RMIT, Bob became the first graduate in illustrative photography in the Southern Hemisphere. He and his wife Ann opened their photography business in 1969, specialising in portraiture and weddings. The advent of digital photography led to their move into photographic restorations. Bob is particularly skilled at resurrecting virtually lost and damaged images, with work coming in from Australia and overseas. He received a Silver Commendation in 2006. Bob and Ann currently sponsor the Lord Mayor's Commendations program as the official photographers.
(All photographs courtesy of van der Toorren Photography, Block Arcade Studios)