The following businesses were the 2015 Bronze recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations.
Caterina Borsato
Business name: Caterina's Cucina e Bar
Business address: Basement, 221 Queen Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9670 8488
Business email: info@caterinas.com.au
Business website: caterinas.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1995
Caterina's Cucina e Bar on Queen Street was inspired by Caterina Borsato's experiences in Perugia as a student, and her family's ties to well-established Melbourne Italian restaurants. Add Caterina's Gippsland farming childhood and you have a recipe for success. The basement lunchtime restaurant has for almost 20 years offered a true taste of Italy to the lunchtime crowd, specialising in Northern Italian fare with influences from the central and southern regions. The classic Italian dining experience created by Caterina is complemented by the marble fittings, antiques and white linen of this city favourite. Caterina can be seen on Channel 31's 'Regional Italian Cuisine', enjoying her lifelong passion for classic Italian flavours.
David Bower
Business name: Neo Technologies
Business address: Level 3, IBM Centre, 60 City Road, Southbank, Melbourne 3006
Telephone: 1300 661 832
Business email: davidbower@neotechnologies.com.au
Business website: neotechnologies.com.au
Year became proprietor: (1996) 2001 within CoM
Neo Technologies is the IT department for companies without IT departments. Located in Southbank, it has traded exclusively in Melbourne since 2001. With law firms, real estate agents, accountants and engineers among Neo Technologies' client base, David Bower and his team pride themselves on ensuring that technology always meets their customers' business needs and not the other way around. David is a technology enthusiast with a passion for quality customer service. He loves working in Melbourne near the Yarra River and thrives on finding new technologies that empower customers to successfully grow their businesses.
Nancy Bugeja
Business name: HM Group (Aus) Pty Ltd
Business address: Level 1, 141 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9650 6866
Business email: mail@hmgroup.com.au
Business website: hmgroup.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1996
Nancy Bugeja is managing director of HM Group, a group dedicated to providing design, communications, production, art and publishing. The award-winning communications and design company was co-founded in 1996 by Nancy and fellow graduate, Miguel Valenzuela. Nancy leads the team at HM Group across its four divisions and her passion for design has seen her contribute to global publications and speak at a variety of industry events. She continues to find happiness in providing inspiration to new designers through open studio events and mentorship programs. Despite the difficulties in starting a business with limited resources, this positive team continues to create in Flinders Lane, a centre for energy and innovation.
Lynette Clucas
Business name: Fokus
Business address: 18 Centre Place, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9650 8454
Business email: lynette@fokusmelbourne.com.au
Business website: fokusmelbourne.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2000
Lynette Clucas has an eye for style and over the past 15 years, her business, Fokus, has showcased and supported many of Melbourne's talented designers. From jewellery to bags, eyeglasses to photography, the Centre Place laneway gem is an artistic and creative flagship boutique filled with exquisite accessories and objets d'art. Lynette styles her clients in fashionable, fun and quirky optical eyewear frames reminiscent of the stylish 1950s era, completing the look with beautiful scarves, wraps and hats. Her fashion agenda expanded in 2007 with the launch of her own leather bag label, Agenda. These beautifully crafted bags are designed and made locally, underlining Lynette's passion for local fashion.
Lynne Donnelly
Business name: Aer Design
Business address: Suite 403, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9639 7985
Business email: lynne@aerdesign.com.au
Business website: aerdesign.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2002
Lynne Donnelly is Account Director of Aer Design, a creative agency specialising in branding and digital design. When she joined the Aer Design team in 2001, in its then Abbotsford location, she was inspired by its creative potential. She and co-director Jenny McLaren collaborated in 2002 to find a new creative space in the iconic Nicholas Building on Swanston Street. Lynne loves Melbourne's vibrancy and that most of Aer's clients are city-based, making it easy to form meaningful creative and business connections. The award-wining agency is a breath of fresh air and as the two directors have been friends since they were 12, they are true business partners by design!
Adrian Doyle
Business name: Blender Studios
Business address: 110 Franklin Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9328 5556
Business email: booking@melbournestreettours.com
Business website: theblenderstudios.com
Year became proprietor: 2001
Blender Studios – the largest and oldest warehouse art studio in the CBD – has had a long and colourful history. In 2001, at the age of 22, Adrian Doyle was on the dole. He had a dream to create an affordable studio space for young and emerging artists that would become an inclusive, community environment. The open plan environment of the Franklin Street premises proved an ideal, affordable artistic hub for an eclectic mix of street artists, and hundreds of resident artists have passed through its doors over the past decade and a half. Melbourne's vibrant street art scene is now world-renowned, and Adrian also holds tours to introduce the world to exciting street art.
Kylie Golsby-Smith
Business name: The Cats Meow
Business address: Shop 9 Campbell Arcade (Degraves Street Subway) Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9654 3011
Business email: info@thecatsmeow.com.au
Business website: thecatsmeow.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2002
Melbourne purrs with unique fashion destinations and The Cats Meow in Campbell Arcade is definitely for those who appreciate hip, ethically-produced clothes. Principal designer and owner Kylie Golsby-Smith created her own label, Kylie-Jane, in 1998. In 2002 she teamed up with her business partner to fill a gap in the fashion market for high quality, affordable, Australian-made women's clothing and accessories. Refreshingly, the Cats Meow stocks sizes to fit women 6-18 in most labels, putting it among the cream of women's shopping spots. Located in the historic underground Campbell Arcade, The Cats Meow supports many talented local designers and provides a shopping experience that is very Melbourne.
Diane Grosman
Business name: Creative Wigs
Business address: 2nd Floor, 156 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9654 7809
Business email: info@creativewigs.com.au
Business website: creativewigs.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2000
Family ties have helped Creative Wigs grow from strength to length. Three generations of the Grosman family are involved in this family owned and operated business on Swanston Street. Diane Grosman has worked at the Australian wig importing and distribution company since 2000, with its original roots in her father Abe's pharmacy in the 1950s. Inspired by her work – particularly in the Look Good Feel Better program, which helps cancer patients who are suffering from hair loss – Diane loves the creativity of the business and being able to help people from all walks of life. Diane also enjoys meeting clientele from the entertainment industry and being located in the bustling CBD.
Paul Humphreys
Business name: Robinsons in the City
Business address: 405 Spencer Street, West Melbourne 3003
Telephone: 9329 2552
Business email: paul@ritc.com.au
Business website: ritc.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2005
Old-style country hospitality is the experience offered by Paul Humphreys and the team at Robinsons in the City on Spencer Street. Paul purchased the 1850s-era bakery in 2005, harnessing his experience in the hotel industry here and overseas. The old building retains its character yet features modern-day hotel comforts. Paul wears many hats – chef, concierge, housekeeper, valet, maintenance and administration – and is passionate about all that Melbourne has to offer. The original ovens are a reminder of Melbourne's industrial history, and as more than one guest has reported a ghostly presence over the past 10 years, a stay at Robinsons in the City offers more than the average getaway.
Fatima Jarrari
Business name: Gallery One Three
Business address: 13 Somerset Place, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 0403 213 495
Business email: galleryonethree.jarrari@gmail.com
Business website: galleryonethree.net
Year became proprietor: 1995
Twenty years ago, Fatima Jarrari opened her studio in the Manchester Building with $100 left in the bank and an empty appointment book. Today Fatima directs one of Melbourne's most well-known art galleries. Gallery One Three at 13 Somerset Place has established a strong reputation for both contemporary and experimental curation. The gallery has both produced and co-produced fashion, visual art, music, local brands and designers, DJs, performance acts, opera and has pushed the boundaries with cultural events. Some of Melbourne's most respected educational institutes and charity organisations have played a part, attracting both artists, audiences at a local, national and international level.
Helen Katavatis
Business name: Cubec Clothing P/L
Business address: 241 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000
144 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
TG19 Goldsbrough Lane, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9682 2201
Business email: helenk@cubec.com.au
Business website: cubec.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1999
Having three stores in the CBD suits Helen Katavatis of Cubec Clothing just fine. Specialising in high end business wear for men and women, Cubec designs, manufactures locally, and sells business suit coordinates, shirts and blouses to the men and women of Melbourne. Identifying a need for men and women's suiting to be well-finished with coordinating ties and shirts in fabulous colours and patterns, Helen's eye for detail and appreciation of quality fabric and styling has enabled her business to grow in size and success. Her background in suiting and high end clothing assures Cubec's status as a business that's a tailor-made, perfect fit for Melbourne.
Rod Kearns
Business name: Pinnacle Outdoors
Business address: 382 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9642 2955
Business email: rodkearn@tpg.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1997
The great outdoors is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but Pinnacle Outdoors on Little Bourke Street has long established itself as a hub for bushwalkers and nature enthusiasts.
The family owned outdoor supply business, headed by Rodney Kearns, had its beginnings in Hardware Lane in 1997 before moving to the renowned outdoor precinct on Little Bourke.
Driven by a love of the outdoors and inspired by positive interactions with loyal customers, Pinnacle Outdoors prides itself on its family-owned beginnings. Rod's foray into the outdoor supply sector began when he accompanied the original Paddy Pallin on some of his walks, and he's continued on that journey ever since.
Yacob Khan
Business name: Zio's Restaurant
Business address: 14 Lansdowne Street, East Melbourne 3002
Telephone: 9419 0252
Business email: dine@zios.com.au
Business website: zios.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2005
Zio's Restaurant on Lansdowne Street has been part of the East Melbourne landscape for 30 years. Current owner Yacob Khan brought decades of hospitality experience from some of Melbourne's most renowned eateries when he took over in 2005. The merging of the two resulted in a formidable dining destination, with a focus on flavours, fine food and wine at every level - the main dining room on the lower level and two private dining rooms upstairs. Thriving on providing a memorable dining experience for his clientele, Yacob enjoys the diversity of Zio's location and with Melbourne's stunning public gardens nearby, the venue has become a favourite place for receptions and celebrations.
Sharon Lamb
Business name: Dr Sharon Lamb
Business address: 3/423 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9642 2456
Business email: cosmetics@townmedical.com
Year became proprietor: 2000
Dr Sharon Lamb is a general practitioner with a focus on women's health, fertility, well-being and antenatal care. Since 2000, she has managed her own practice, with her Bourke Street rooms providing the ideal location for her work. Over the past decade, Sharon has branched into providing an aesthetic medicine service to patients, helping to manage their health, well-being and ageing, both inside and out, with preventative medicine a focus. With a loyal community of patients, many of whom she has known for over ten years, Sharon appreciates that if they no longer work in the CBD, they will still make the trip into the city to see their doctor.
Andrew Leonedas
Business name: Carlton Yacht Club
Business address: 298 Lygon Street Carlton 3053
Telephone: 0412 401 640
Business email: andrewleonedas@gmail.com
Year became proprietor: 2002
A yacht club in the heart of inner Melbourne? At Andrew Leonedas' Carlton Yacht Club – also known as CYC – there's enough liquid to float anyone's boat, so the seafaring décor including captain's wheels makes perfect sense. Patrons can unwind in the relaxed atmosphere with an after-work cocktail, observing the endless flow of people on Lygon Street. The cosy lounge has been open seven days a week since 2002. At the time it was Melbourne's first smoke-free cocktail bar, a fact proudly noted by Andrew and acknowledged by the Anti-Cancer Council. An integral part of the Lygon Street scene, CYC is set to sail for many more nautical miles.
Richard Lindsay
Business name: Richard Lindsay and Associates
Business address: Level 5, 376 Albert Street, East Melbourne 3002
Telephone: 9417 6444
Business email: richard@lindsayassociates.com.au
Business website: lindsayassociates.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1998
Richard Lindsay finds the most rewarding facet of his optometry practice is enabling infants to see their parents clearly for the first time. As one of Melbourne's renowned optometric specialists, Richard has provided his services not only through his clinic but also by teaching and sharing his knowledge with others at the Australian College of Optometry. He began practicing in 1998 and nearly 20 years later, he still loves the East Melbourne location (the avid AFL fan finds the proximity to the MCG a bonus!). Treating a range of patients from newborn babies to octogenarians with ocular conditions is the main focus of his clinic and Richard especially appreciates his skilled support staff.
Shakila Maclean
Business name: All Hours Conveyancing
Business address: 504/530 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9649 7832
Business email: info@allhoursproperty.com.au
Business website: whatisconveyancing.com.au
Year became proprietor: (2004) 2005 within CoM
For ten years Shakila Maclean has conveyed the message that the biggest financial decision people make – buying a property – should be hassle free. Her firm, All Hours Conveyancing, began as a home-based business but in 2005 Shakila relocated to the CBD, recognising that there were only a few firms specialising solely in conveyancing at the time, despite high demand. Since 2005 the Little Collins Street business' client base has expanded to include customers from New South Wales, the ACT, Dubai, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. Shakila continues to be inspired by her love of property and desire to make buying and selling an easier process for her clients.
Jenny McLaren
Business name: Aer Design
Business address: Suite 403, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9639 7985
Business email: jenny@aerdesign.com.au
Business website: aerdesign.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1999
For Jenny McLaren, creative director of Aer Design, working in the heart of the city is a boon for business and client relationships. The design studio is based in the creative hub of the Nicholas Building on Swanston Street and specialises in branding and digital design. After graduating with a design degree from RMIT in 1999, Jenny set up her business in Abbotsford before moving to the CBD in 2002. Energised and inspired by her surrounds and thriving on the fact that something new is always happening in the city, Jenny built a business where designers could engage directly with clients, to create engaging brands and build lasting friendships.
Marcus McNamara
Business name: Jungle Juice Bar
Business address: Shop 20, Centre Place, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9639 8779
Year became proprietor: 1999
Marcus McNamara and his wife Annabelle opened Jungle Juice Bar in 1999. The Centre Place café was one of Melbourne's first laneway cafes. While at the time it was a busy thoroughfare, Marcus recognised that it lacked a place where customers could take a breather from the 'jungle-like' nature of the bustling city.
The tiny café – only 19sqm – is often photographed by tourism bodies keen to have a snapshot of a typical Melburnian laneway café.
Marcus loves the positive energy of the city and meeting and getting to know his customers. With Golden Books recycled into menus and table tennis tables transformed into furniture, tiny Jungle Juice continues to have a big impact.
Paul Moore
Business name: Lane's Edge Café & Bar
Business address: 39 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9654 2409
Business email: lanesedgecafe@bigpond.com
Business website: lanesedge.com
Year became proprietor: 2002
Paul Moore's lifestyle gives new meaning to the notion of living on the edge. As co-owner of Lane's Edge Café and Bar, established in 2002 at the top of Bourke Street, he serves the lunchtime and night-time crowds with his wife Zoki handling other aspects of running the busy bar. Paul likes living and working in the heart of the vibrant theatre precinct, another edge to life in this part of the city. Proud of the unique beer garden he and Zoki created at the rear, Paul enjoys seeing customers unwind in the garden-like retreat. Paul's lifelong passion for hospitality gives this bar an edge among the city's many bars and cafes.
Zoki Moore
Business name: Lane's Edge Café & Bar
Business address: 39 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9654 2409
Business email: lanesedgecafe@bigpond.com
Business website: lanesedge.com
Year became proprietor: 2002
Lane's Edge is an inner city cafe and bar at the top end of Bourke Street, owned and managed by Paul and Zoki Moore since 2002. The warmth, ambience and relaxed atmosphere of Lane's Edge is inspired by Zoki's passion for hospitality, appreciation of good food and wine, as well as a lifelong dedication to customer service. A blend of motifs from favourite places around the world and lush green bamboo lining the rear court yard results in a vibe far removed from the hectic pace of the city. Never shying away from hard work, Zoki has successfully created a relaxing oasis in the midst of Melbourne.
George Nichas
Business name: The Melbourne Barber Shop
Business address: 394 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9663 8548
Business email: george@melbournebarbershop.com.au
Business website: melbournebarbershop.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1994
George Nichas runs his barber shop like a well-oiled machine – just like the car and motorbike memorabilia adorning his Russell Street premises. The Melbourne Barber Shop began in La Trobe Street, moving to its Russell Street location in 2007. Men's haircuts, buzz and crew cuts, face shaves and trims are on the list of services while the shop's classic retro automotive theme reflects George's other passions. Enrolling in hairdressing school as a young man thinking it would be a good way to meet girls, George's career as a barber took off in 1985. Today he works alongside his employee, Sebastian – a combined hair force that's a cut above.
Anastasia Novella
Business name: Anastasia Novella & Associates
Business address: 3/423 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9663 3494
Business email: anpsych@pobox.com
Year became proprietor: 1995
A love of Melbourne's energy, cultural vibrancy and diversity has kept clinical psychologist Anastasia firmly ensconced in the city, and during the 20 years of her practice, she has only moved premises three times, all within a few blocks of each other. Now based in Bourke Street, Anastasia provides psychology treatments and clinical counselling services to individuals, couples, families, corporations and industries. Anastasia also provides training, mediation, coaching, mentoring and employee assistance programs. Anastasia's experience and skill-set is almost as diverse as the city she loves. Not only can she speak Greek, she has helped to establish critical incident debriefing in hospitals around Australia and provides services in doctors' health and aviation psychology.
Anthony O'Sullivan
Business name: The Comic's Lounge
Business address: Level 1, 26 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051
Telephone: 9348 9488
Business email: comedy@thecomicslounge.com.au
Business website: thecomicslounge.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2001
It was no laughing matter when Anthony O'Sullivan's original South Melbourne digs for stand-up comedy gigs became too small for the successful live stand-up comedy destination. The Comic's Lounge relocated to Errol Street, North Melbourne, in 2001. Since then, the dedicated comedy venue, featuring local and international talent, has been making them laugh, cringe and snicker seven days a week, with Tuesday night dedicated to new faces. The Comic's Lounge is run by Anthony and his two sons and continues to attracting about 2000 weekly. With public transport at the front door of the centrally based venue, this popular humour hub's longevity goes to show that Melbourne takes its funny people very seriously.
Leanne O'Sullivan
Business name: Kimono House
Business address: The Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9639 0565
Business email: info@kimonohouse.com.au
Business website: kimonohouse.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2004
Five years immersed in the cultural fabric of Osaka developed Leanne O'Sullivan's passion for Japanese craft, art and fashion. Back in Melbourne, she found it difficult to source high quality, kimono textiles and contemporary fabrics. Market research encouraged her to start Kimono House from home in East Melbourne in 2004, and in 2006 the business moved to the Nicholas Building on Swanston Street. It has blossomed since, offering craft classes and selling Japanese art, fabrics and fashion. Leanne designs the Kimono House range, produced locally or in Japan, while the shop's style is inspired by experiences of Japanese retail shopping. The Nicholas Building is perfect for the fusion of Melbourne innovation and Japanese style.
Maria Paoli
Business name: Evolving Success
Business address: Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 0425 774 249
Business email: maria@evolvingsuccess.com.au
Business website: melbournecoffeetours.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2003
Melbourne's renowned coffee culture is celebrated every day by Maria Paoli of Melbourne Coffee Tours. Maria's mission began brewing more than 10 years ago, to educate visitors and locals about the espresso habits of the city. Inspired by the pride she has in Melbourne's unique laneways and hidden treasures, Maria took to the city streets to explore and research coffee havens, conducted barista training for the long-term unemployed and volunteered her time and expertise on everything coffee-related. The tours have successfully promoted Melbourne to visitors from all over the world and given an insight to the city's love of smooth, aromatic coffee.
Andrew Payne
Business name: McKenzie Ross & Co
Business address: Level 4/501 La Trobe Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9691 2222
Business email: andrew@mckenzieross.com.au
Business website: mckenzieross.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2005
They say insurance is a risky business but Andrew Payne's ten year directorship of McKenzie Ross & Co has covered many events with professionalism and expertise. The insurance brokerage firm on La Trobe Street provides high level advice to corporate customers and businesses, with niche markets including hospitality, entertainment, construction, manufacturing and events. Professional risks insurance is also part of the suite of services. For Andrew, the CBD location and 3000 postcode is invaluable for image and marketing. Many CBD pubs, clubs and entertainment venues use McKenzie Ross & Co insurance services, and with more than 500 music events covered annually, chances are many Melburnians have attended a McKenzie Ross-insured event.
Brian Samson Pereira
Business name: Nikee Business Group Pty Ltd
Business address: Suite 206-210, Level 2, 227 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9663 5277
Business email: nikee_migration@labyrinth.net.au
Business website: nikeeworld.com
Year became proprietor: (1996) 2002 within CoM
When Brian arrived in Melbourne as a migrant in 1994, he struggled to find information about his new country and saw this as a possible business opportunity. While working fulltime, he set up a consultancy at home to pass his knowledge about Australia to international students, jobseekers and business owners. Brian knew both firsthand and from studies that he could connect with people facing similar experiences. Nikee Business Group relocated to Collins Street in 2002 and the city location is ideal, close to universities and international businesses. Relying on word of mouth for growth, the Nikee website was set up only in 2014, underscoring Brian's successful relationship building with clientele from across the world.
Rex Rekhi
Business name: PLAY Music & DVDs
Business address: 8/50 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9650 0652
Business email: rex_rekhi@hotmail.com
Year became proprietor: 2004
Tired of marching to someone else's tune, Rex Rekhi decided in 2004 it was time to set up his own music and DVD store. PLAY Music and DVDs in Bourke Street deals in music, movies and television shows, both new and second-hand, often sourcing movies and music for people who have only vague information about a coveted item. PLAY also takes phone orders and posts packages to anywhere in the world. It is not unusual for directors, actors and singers to frequent Rex's store to buy their own work if they have lost their copies. Rex's customers represent a variety of tastes and interests, and Melbourne's diversity helps keep Rex in the entertainment business.
Tony Rizk
Business name: Errol's
Business address: 69-71 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051
Telephone: 9326 6680
Business email: tony@errols.com.au
Business website: errols.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2000
Just as food and hospitality is vital to Tony Rizk, his café Errol's, on the busy North Melbourne strip of the same name, is a vital part of the local food scene. Tony became proprietor of Errol's in 2000 and continues to enjoy the thriving vibe and local people of the area. Tony's family set up a hamburger shop in Preston and this was the introduction to his lifetime career in catering and food. He also owns a Lebanese food bar, Agraba, just a few doors down on Errol Street, demonstrating his love of serving authentic foods and his dedication to this unique village area of the city of Melbourne.
Kate Rogers
Business name: Kate Rogers Physiotherapy
Business address: Suite 5, 228 Clarendon Street, East Melbourne 3002
Telephone: 9486 0100
Business email: Katherine.rogers1@bigpond.com
Year became proprietor: 2004
As the only private practitioner working full-time in the areas of oncology and lymphoedema in the inner city, Kate Rogers Physiotherapy, established in 2004, provides an invaluable service to patients from Melbourne and regional areas. A physiotherapist specialising in oncology and the treatment of lymphoedema, East Melbourne-based Kate also assists patients in their rehabilitation. With a background in women's health and a Masters in Physiotherapy Kate recognised the need for her services and became a specialist in her field. Located near some of the major hospitals providing cancer treatments, the central location of Kate's rooms makes it easier for patients who need to travel for cancer treatments.
John Rundell
Business name: Stratica
Business address: Level 2, Professional Chambers, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9660 5701
Business email: john.rundell@stratica.com.au
Business website: stratica.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2004
Credit card fraud has increased by nearly 50 per cent in Australia over the last year. This means John Rundell is kept busy, as his Melbourne firm Stratica is one of only 18 companies in the world approved by credit card brands to investigate data breaches. John joined in 2004 as director and shareholder, becoming managing director in 2007. Located at 120 Collins Street in the heritage-listed Professional Chambers Building for the past 11 years, the Stratica team enjoys being close to clients in the CBD and Docklands. John credits a major credit card brand for encouraging Stratica to become a qualified security assessor (QSA) firm, resulting in its specialisation in this field.
John Scardamaglia
Business name: Berth Restaurant & Bar
Business address: 45 New Quay Promenade, Docklands 3008
Telephone: 9670 0199
Business email: john@berth.com.au
Business website: berth.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1995
John Scardamaglia began his hospitality career when he was 15, and what started as a part-time job soon turned into a life-long passion. He finished his apprenticeship and after a few years as head chef, felt confident enough to launch his own Melbourne-based business – and Berth was born at Docklands in 2005. The fast-paced environment of a busy kitchen and restaurant continues to inspire John, and he enjoys meeting new people daily at his waterfront eatery. Berth, right on the water, offers amazing views of Melbourne, and the Docklands location encourages growth and diversity. Just add water, as John says, for a unique dining experience in this long-standing Docklands venue.
Annabelle Sheppard
Business name: Jungle Juice Bar
Business address: Shop 20, Centre Place, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9639 8779
Year became proprietor: 1999
The jungle isn't usually known as being a welcoming place but Jungle Juice Bar in Centre Place is a world removed from the heart of darkness. The bright, diminutive café is small on size but has a huge presence, known for its house-blend coffees, bagels and of course juices. The 19sqm café is a tight squeeze but wastes no space, utilising it to easily build rapport with customers. Since 1999, Annabelle Sheppard and her husband Marcus have teamed up to make their tiny, quirky café an upbeat place for Melburnians every day of the week. Annabelle thrives on the city beat, and Jungle Juice's success is proof that good things come in small packages.
Wayne Talbot
Business name: Rj + Ka Talbots
Business address: Stand 400 542 Footscray Road, West Melbourne 3003
Telephone: 0407 558 804
Business email: talbot_35@hotmail.com
Year became proprietor: 1997
There's a lot to unearth about vegetable growers Rj+Ka Talbots, supplier to greengrocers and markets around Melbourne. Wayne Talbot has been involved in the West Melbourne-based family-run company since he was 12. The company, now the ripe old age of over 150 years, began in Gippsland, where the Talbots began supplying vegetables to gold miners in 1856. The gold became scarce so they moved to Mount Waverley and eventually to the current West Melbourne location. Having always been involved in fresh produce and farming, Wayne became proprietor in 1997 and sees the relationships with the intergenerational customers as one of the evergreen highlights of his work, and the camaraderie among traditional greengrocers of Melbourne.
Daniel Rocco Tenaglia
Business name: Esprit Hair
Business address: Level 1, 16 Star Crescent, Docklands 3008
Telephone: 9602 5252
Business email: info@esprithair.com
Business website: esprithair.com
Year became proprietor: 1995
Fashionable salon Esprit Hair has seen many hairstyles come and go over the years. From its beginnings in Flinders Lane in 1989 to its proud position at Docklands now, Daniel Tenaglia continues to thrive on providing top level customer service. Daniel became proprietor in 1995 after working in the Flinders Lane salon for five years. He moved the salon to Docklands in 2008 and Melbourne born-and-bred Daniel continues to enjoy the international vibe and energy of the city location. The avid collector of scissors and snippets of other hairdressing memorabilia takes pride in making clients feel right at home and continues to provide top level service that never goes out of style.
Matthew Thomson
Business name: mattt
Business address: 305/37 The Nicholas Building, corner Flinders Lane & Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9020 4510
Business email: handmade@mattt.com.au
Business website: mattt.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2000
Merging craft with technology has been a successful combination for Matthew Thomson. His range of considered and stylish mattt bags had their origins on his mum's sewing machine when he was a mechanical engineering and industrial design student. Since then he's turned these handcrafting skills into a material success and enjoys the creative space in the iconic creative hub, the Nicholas Building in the CBD. He has sold his bags at many local and interstate design markets and continues to make every product himself – these days on an industrial sewing machine. Matthew offers a lifetime guarantee on all of his products and takes pride in ensuring his business adopts sustainable practices.
Catherine Underhill
Business name: McIver's Coffee & Tea Merchants
Business address: Stall 101/102 Dairy Hall, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9329 8911
Business email: cathy@teaandcoffee.com.au
Business website: mcivers.melbourne
Year became proprietor: 2000
McIver's Coffee & Tea Merchants has been a fixture at the Queen Victoria Market for more than 60 years. Today Catherine Underhill continues to sell tea leaves and specialty coffee, with one of the most popular coffee blends remaining essentially unchanged since 1951. The shop is also famous for its teapots and coffee brewing equipment. Catherine's step-father, Jack McIver, opened a market deli in 1951 and started another small shop selling health foods, coffee and tea in the 1970s. By 2000, Catherine started working with him and together they decided tea and coffee was under-represented in the market. Although Jack passed on in 2003, the collaboration between them bloomed into a thriving business.
Chan Uoy
Business name: Bopha Devi Docklands
Business address: 27 Rakaia Way, New Quay, Docklands 3008
Telephone: 9600 1887
Business email: chanuoy@hotmail.com
Business website: bophadevi.com
Year became proprietor: 2005
The flavours of Cambodia have been enjoyed by many Melburnians over the past ten years at Bopha Devi restaurant in New Quay, Docklands. Paul Thickett and business partner, Chan Uoy, are inspired by the desire to honour Cambodia and its people, through delicious, authentic cuisine. Established in 2005, Bopha Devi brings this vision to fruition, with Chan's Cambodian heritage and experiences during the days of the Khmer Rouge a driving force. Chan and his family lost everything during the reign of the Khmer Rouge, including, tragically, many family members. They eventually resettled in Melbourne in 1976, and Chan has helped establish a restaurant that brings the true delights of Cambodian food and culture to Melbourne.
John Vakalis
Business name: The Journal
Business address: Shop 1, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9650 4399
Business email: journal.canteen@gmail.com
Business website: journalcafe.com.au
Year became proprietor: 2004
The Journal, next to the City Library in Flinders Lane, is the place to book in for a bite to eat. The two impressive spaces, Café and Canteen, are collaborations between John Vakalis and Con Christopoulos and are well worth checking out. The vision was to create the feel of a busy European railway station and a 1950s Italian mess-hall. Most importantly, it has become a hub for library-goers and retains relevance today. Hanging bookshelves, large communal tables - novel in 2004 - unique tiles and marble, provide a welcoming atmosphere for customers to enjoy a well thought-out menu and stunning coffee. John has made many friends over the years and loves his inner city location.
Miguel Valenzuela
Business name: HM Group (Aus) Pty Ltd
Business address: Level 1, 141 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9650 6866
Business email: mail@hmgroup.com.au
Business website: hmgroup.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1996
HM Group thrives in its Flinders Lane location, having grown from a humble beginning in 1996. Two ambitious graduates shared a computer and desk, had $30 in the bank, and were co-founding a design company at the beginning of a recession. But Miguel Valenzuela's imagination had no limits, a characteristic shared by co-founder Nancy Bugeja. Imagining, playing, questioning and creating are the four essentials to Miguel's success as creative director for the Flinders Lane-based company dedicated to design, communications, production, art and publishing. Flinders Lane has long been a place to invent and play, and Miguel, who also DJs in the city, enjoys every pulse of the city's vibrant heartbeat.