The following businesses were the 2015 Silver recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations.
Rosa Adler
Business name: Golden Casket Jewellery
Business address: 130 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9650 3561
Year became proprietor: 1988
Golden Casket Jewellery is a gem of a find on Russell Street. The jewellery, watch and timepiece repair shop has been ticking away since 1950, and Rosa and her husband Sacha began their time in Golden Casket in 1988. Sadly, Sacha passed away in 2012 and since then Rosa has raised their three daughters and continued to clock on six days a week at Golden Casket, providing the same friendly atmosphere this little shop is renowned for. As an immigrant from Russia, Rosa feels immense pride in her business, and remains grateful for the opportunity to provide a specialised watch repair service to Melburnians in, according to her, Australia's greatest city.
Peter Funnell
Business name: Mirror Paints
Business address: 110 Dynon Road, West Melbourne 3003
Telephone: 9376 0447
Business email: pete@mirrorpaints.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1990
Peter Funnell's great-grandfather established Mirror Paints in West Melbourne in 1890. Four generations later, Pete now runs the business and has been helping home owners and businesses with their painting needs since 1990. Mirror Paints has worked on heritage building restorations, commercial property maintenance and community projects across Melbourne. Peter finds Melbourne a wonderful place to do business with its economic activity, increasing population and colourful arts providing the full spectrum of opportunity. Reflecting on his career, Peter says he still loves mixing paint and helping customers with their home renovation projects. Peter received a Lord Mayor's Bronze Commendation in 2012 and he was also recognised in the Generational Family category.
Carl Greco
Business name: Bratwurst Shop & Co
Business address: Queen Victoria Market, Stall 99-100, Dairy Produce Section, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 0419 554 613
Business email: carl@bratwurstshop.com
Year became proprietor: 1990
When the United States Ambassador to Australia visited the Queen Victoria Market and chose a gourmet sausage from Bratwurst Shop & Co, Carl Greco knew that his bratwurst recipe was a real sizzler. Taking the concept of 'fast food' to a sophisticated level and remaining loyal to a specific and exclusive decades-old recipe are the winning ingredients for Carl and his family-owned business. The store was established 45 years ago, and Carl took over in 1990, enjoying the benefits of the market location. Freshly made bratwursts sizzle and hiss on the barbecue, offering an alluring and aromatic spectacle for passers-by and hungry shoppers. Carl received a Lord Mayor's Bronze Commendation in 2013.
Judy Katz
Business name: Card & Caboodle
Business address: Shops 11 & 12, The Block Arcade, 98-100 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9650 9011
Business email: jude@cardandcaboodle.com.au
Business website: cardandcaboodle.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1989
A career in paper products was always on the cards for Melbourne sisters Judy Katz and Debra O'Donnell. Their boutique shops have been a haven for customers searching for thoughtful greeting cards, wrappings and gifts since 1989. The first shop was set up in Little Collins Street, where their passion for interesting and eclectic greeting cards was complemented by the introduction of recycled paper products, a novelty in 1989. Card and Caboodle folds neatly into Melbourne's leading retail and fashion community, with artists from across the world keen for their unique and inspiring artwork to be shared with the wider community.
Peter Kennedy
Business name: Kennedy Kiosk
Business address: 1 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9352 4460
Year became proprietor: 1988
Since 1988 commuters have relied on Kennedy Kiosk at 1 Collins Street for their morning newspaper or a sustaining snack for the journey home. Peter Kennedy has long been part of the street scene, offering more than just a newspaper to passers-by and commuters. A novel concept when first opened with Peter and his brother at the helm, the kiosk prospered by selling magazines, sweets, soft drinks and cigarettes. Nowadays, Peter sells batteries, myki cards and more and is a permanent fixture in his prime position at the top of Collins Street. He continues to enjoy seeing the city come to life from 6am, and watching it transform during the day.
Alan Lane
Business name: Camera Lane
Business address: 391 Little Bourke Street Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9670 0560
Business email: alan@cameralane.com.au
Business website: cameralane.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1985
With a combined 50 years of photographic experience, the team at Camera Lane make for an impressive family snapshot. Located in the photographic hub of Melbourne, on Little Bourke Street, Alan Lane has been in the frame since 1985. He began his career at Peter Fox Photographic in Collins Street in the 1960s, then Myers Photographics, followed by Ted's Cameras until 1985. Since then, Alan, his wife Venus and son have enjoyed running their independent business, providing quality, expert service to customers for all their camera requirements. Professional photographers, enthusiasts, collectors and beginners are among the regular customers. With online shopping available too, Camera Lane continues to succeed as an independent city camera store.
Wayne Lynch
Business name: Wayne Lynch Master Jeweller
Business address: 93 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051
Telephone: 9328 5500
Business email: waynelynchjeweller@live.com
Business website: waynelynchjeweller.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1986
Wayne Lynch has been using precious metals and stones to create classic and contemporary jewellery for over four decades. His custom-made creations are designed and handcrafted in his Errol Street workshop, where remodelling, repairs, valuations and sales are among Wayne's specialties. As founder of the business, he understands the clients' vision, trains apprentices and handles daily business. At school, Wayne excelled at art but left at 15, finding his jewellery apprenticeship complemented his natural talents. He worked as a manufacturing jeweller within a partnership to begin with and became sole trader in 2004, building a strong rapport within the community. Designing pins for the 1986 Commonwealth Games is one of many shining moments in his lustrous career.
Alex MacDonald
Business name: A Classic Carriage Hire
Business address: Barwise Street, North Melbourne 3051
Telephone: 0425 709 911
Business email: alex@acch.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1987
A classic fairy tale is hardly complete without a horse and carriage, and for many, a visit to Melbourne isn't complete without a carriage ride from A Classic Carriage Hire. Clip-clopping hooves along Swanston Street and St Kilda Road is a ubiquitous sound for many Melburnians and its countless visitors. Proprietor Alex MacDonald enjoys harnessing his knowledge of the city to provide a unique experience, bringing a visual vibrancy that links closely to the city's history. Established in 1987, Alex's carriage hire business now uses more than 20 working Percheron draught horses which, when not trotting through the streets of Melbourne, live on Alex's farm in the Macedon ranges.
Diana Mikulik
Business name: Nut Trek
Business address: Shop 55-56, Dairy Hall, Queen Victoria Market, Therry Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9326 9595
Business email: ninabeb2012@outlook.com
Year became proprietor: 1990
In a nutshell, Diana Mikulik regards the Queen Victoria Market as the heart and stomach of Melbourne. The co-owner of Nut Trek, Diana began her long association with the Queen Victoria Market in 1960s, playing under the counter while her mother worked in a deli. During the 1980s, Diana and her sister Carolina worked for relatives at the market and by 1990 they had bought their own health shop, naming it Nut Trek. The premises had previously been a health shop, but soon offered organic and biodynamic products. Diana continues to enjoy the market's endless stream of people, from office workers to tourists, country dwellers to students and regular customers.
Richard Nunn
Business name: Novadental
Business address: 1/100 Collins Street Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9654 8977
Business email: ohmercy1@gmail.com
Year became proprietor: 1987
Dental products and services have a deep-rooted history at 100 Collins Street. Novadental has retained a strong Melbourne client base since 1987 and offers a broad range of dental care, from periodontics and implants to crowns and endodontics. Richard Nunn joined Novadental as a young dentist in 1984 and now is a partner in the business with Dr Jon Kozeniauskas at the Collins Street premises. The city location is ideal for Novadental's clientele and looking out onto the top of Collins Street is a fulfilling view to both clients and dentists. After more than 20 years of dentistry in the premises, Richard and his colleagues are continuing that tradition – without any gaps!
Debra O'Donnell
Business name: Card & Caboodle
Business address: Shops 11 & 12, The Block Arcade, 98-100 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9650 9011
Business email: info@cardandcaboodle.com.au
Business website: cardandcaboodle.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1989
Debra O'Donnell and her sister Judy Katz are home-grown Melburnians who qualify as Melbourne's paper giants. Since 1989, Card & Caboodle has specialised in paper products from local artists as well as international designers. The sisters enjoy creating an inspiring vibe in-store, with customers greeted by a diverse range of cards, wrappings and gifts. The concept for the stores grew when the sisters worked at a family wholesale greeting card company, which ignited a desire to start their own business. As Debra wrote verses for greeting cards in the 1980s, it seems the sisters' eventual vocation was inscribed long ago.
Philip Osborn
Business name: Trans Otway Travel Melbourne
Business address: Suite 903, 343 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9600 1482
Business email: contact@transotwaytravel.com.au
Business website: transotwaytravel.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1990
After almost 40 years in the industry, helping holidaymakers plan their adventures still inspires Philip Osborn of Trans Otway Travel. His journey with the company began in 1980 when he was hired as a manager at its then Royal Arcade location. He purchased the business in 1990, and in 2000 moved to Little Collins Street, where Trans Otway Travel continues to thrive. Originally a transport and coach operation in the Otway region 60 years ago, Trans Otway Travel has assisted many generations of families with their travel plans and Philip still loves tailoring his services to suit the individual. Philip received a Lord Mayor's Bronze Commendation in 2008.
Gary Raymond Price
Business name: Mr Price's Food Store
Business address: 502 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne 3051
Telephone: 9326 8062
Business email: mrpricesfoodstore@gmail.com
Year became proprietor: (1987) 1990 within CoM
Mr Price's Food Store has been making itself right at home in the heart of North Melbourne for more than 25 years. With a home-style ambience including antique wooden furniture, framed photos and a baby grand piano, a visit to Mr Price's Food Store is a memorable dining experience. Eponymous owner Gary Price sources and cooks quality produce from the nearby Queen Victoria Market, serving delicious meals to locals and visitors from across Melbourne. With an unwavering commitment to the local area and people, Mr Price's Food Store is entrenched as one of North Melbourne's most loved eateries. Gary received a Lord Mayor's Bronze Commendation in 2012.
Wesley Rutherford
Business name: Rutherford
Business address: 174,182 and The Block Arcade, Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9650 7878
Business email: info@rutherford.com.au
Business website: rutherford.com.au
Year became proprietor: 1989
The Rutherford family's experience in antique jewellery goes back to 1952 when Wesley Rutherford's father opened a store in rural Victoria. The business relocated to the CBD in the 1970s, and Wesley joined his father in 1989, continuing to specialise in rare and beautiful fine jewellery. The range includes Victorian and Edwardian pieces and Art Deco-era jewellery, and Rutherford's was the first specialist pearl store in Melbourne. Three generations of the Rutherford family are involved in the business, adding more polish to this renowned Melbourne family-owned business' history. Having experienced the highs and lows of city retailing, Wesley still regards Melbourne as the perfect setting. Wesley received a Lord Mayor's Bronze Commendation in 2006.
Neil York
Business name: N. R York Plumbing P/L
Business address: 203/55 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands 3008
Telephone: 9606 0106
Business email: nryorkplumbing@bigpond.com.au
Year became proprietor: (1976) 1985 within CoM
Neil York started his plumbing business in Macleod in the 1970s, and before long it was evident that taking the plunge and moving the business to the city would be in the pipeline. Since 1985 Neil and his wife Kerry have provided their services to the city's commercial buildings, owners and managing agents, conducting remedial works, services and maintenance. Neil finds plumbing in the city a fascinating experience, with old period buildings right through to modern skyscrapers offering a snapshot of the city's development. The Docklands is an ideal location for N. R York Plumbing, with the work flow and the Melbourne people providing a satisfying range of diverse challenges every day.