The following two businesses were the 2014 Generational recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations.
Konstandakopoulos family
Business name: Stalactites Restaurant
Business address: 177-183 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 03 9663 3316
Business email:
nicole@stalactites.com.au
Business website: stalactites.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1978 / three generations
Situated on the corner of Lonsdale and Russell Streets, Stalactites Restaurant has been an important part of Melbourne's Greek Precinct for over three decades. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since the Konstandakopoulos family first opened the doors in 1978, the restaurant has maintained its traditional Greek core whilst embracing the 21st century.
Today, Stalactites is part of Melbourne's culture, and has featured in television series, films and even led Australian rock band Weddings, Parties, Anything to write a song called Stalactites, Stalactites. The restaurant serves over 7000 customers every week who eat over 6 tonnes of meat.
Stalactite underwent major renovation in 2013 and is currently managed by third generation family member Nicole Papasavas (nee Konstandakopoulos).
Tobin family
Business name: Tobin Brothers
Business address: 189 Boundary Road, North Melbourne 3051
Telephone: 03 9328 3999
Business email: info@tobinbrothers.com.au
Business website: tobinbrothers.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1934 / four generations
Tobin Brothers Funerals started in 1934 when four brothers each put in £50 and spent £150 on a hearse, leaving £50 to rent premises and run the business. Now Tobin Brothers is one of Australia’s largest and most respected family owned funeral companies.
It began in Racecourse Road North Melbourne and has 22 branch locations throughout metropolitan Melbourne and Echuca. In 1969 the Head Office moved to Boundary Road in North Melbourne.
Tobin Brothers Funerals remains wholly owned by the Tobin family, with 11 descendants of the Founders still involved. Its current Director, Leo Tobin joined the company in 1985, taking over his father's seat on the Board of Directors in 1998. In 2003 Leo’s father handed responsibility for their 50 per cent in Tobin Brothers Funerals to him.