The following businesses were the 2015 Gold recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations.
Kay Craddock AM
Business name: Kay Craddock - Antiquarian Bookseller Pty Ltd
Business address: The Assembly Hall Building, 156 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9654 8506
Business email:
books@kaycraddock.com
Business website:
kaycraddock.com
Year became proprietor: (1965) 1967 within CoM
Forty years ago, Kay Craddock and her parents opened the Essendon Treasure Chest, stocking antiques, handicrafts and books. Her father, Les, died two months later and in 1967 Kay and her mother Muriel opened a second shop in Bourke Street. Books became the mainstay of the business, with rare treasures from as early as the 15th century and onwards populating the shop's shelves. Kay and Muriel were determined to stay in the city and today the store is located in The Assembly Hall Building on Collins Street. This treasure trove of remarkable antiquarian and rare books, and her dedication to her trade, has earned Kay a Member of the Order of Australia honour.
Ted Dziadkiewicz
Business name: Contours Travel
Business address: 287 Victoria Street, West Melbourne 3003
Telephone: 9328 8488
Business email:
tedd@contourstravel.com.au
Business website:
contourstravel.com.au
Year became proprietor: Bustrek (1973) Contours Travel (1980)
The road less travelled in South and Central America, Mexico and Cuba inspired Ted Dziadkiewicz to set up his overland camping tours company, Bustrek, in 1973. From a small office in Manchester Lane, Ted opened up an unfamiliar world to a generation of intrepid travellers. In 1980, Bustrek became Contours Travel in West Melbourne and Ted and his team continue to share their knowledge about the exotic region through tours and promotional brochures. Ted's expertise has not only helped thousands of travellers over the years enjoy the sights and sounds of that unique part of the world, Contours Travel also supports important health and humanitarian initiatives, such as water filtration, in poorer areas.
William Eckstein
Business name: W. Eckstein & Co.
Business address: Suite 816, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9650 3245
Business email:
weckstein@hotmail.com
Year became proprietor: 1970
All that glitters isn't gold, but William Eckstein's story is a genuine jewel in the crown of Melbourne's history. William started a jewellery apprenticeship in 1962 and developed his own business, W. Eckstein & Co, in Little Collins in 1970. At that time there were many jewellers, setters and merchants operating in the CBD and William has crafted a strong reputation as a wholesaler and manufacturer in the decades since. Over ten years ago William moved premises into the art deco Manchester Unity Building on Collins Street. With diamonds a speciality, W. Eckstein & Co has helped countless Melbourne couples say 'I do', earning a special place in the hearts of many happy customers.