The following business proprietors were the 10-plus years recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations in 2019.
Adekunle Adesua – Tribal Tastes
In 2002, Kunle Adesua, known as 'Chief', pioneered the world’s first African Deli, located in Melbourne’s iconic Queen Victoria Market. Tribal Tastes was born out of the intrinsic belief that stories, culture and values are enshrined in cuisine.
Through Tribal Tastes, Chief has shared West Africa’s rich and diverse culinary culture with the City for more than 15 years, preparing all food products himself such as ready to heat-and-serve meals with produce sourced from his fellow market stallholders.
Luciano Bologna – 2bscene Design Pty Ltd
Office situated on vibrant Errol Street, North Melbourne, 2bscene Design has been creating both functional and exciting designs for residential and commercial projects since 2006.
Director Luciano Bologna has extensive industry experience and, having been mentored by a structural engineer early in his career, providing him foundational knowledge that has allowed his creativity to really flourish.
The yellow and black office (go, Tigers!) is run seamlessly by manager Jade Perrica, with the broader team encouraged to be confident with their own creativity, helping the business achieve its vision for unique and daring design.
Ben Borynsztein – Bellerby Shoes QVM
Born into a family with a combined 70+ years’ experience selling women's shoes, Ben Borynsztein never dreamed of doing anything else. He took over his brother’s stall at Queen Victoria Market in 2009 and has since helped thousands of women find their perfect pair of shoes, boots and sandals.
Ben says he loves nothing more than getting to know his customers, with many returning time and time again not only to re-purchase shoes, but also to catch-up with Ben on the latest family and footy news.
Louise Burnet – The French Jewel Box
More than two centuries of fashion, skill and celebration come together in The French Jewel Box.
Louise Burnet began working with her mother in the shop’s magnificent Block Arcade location in 1999. Seeing their antique jewellery store as both a museum and art gallery, both women agreed that every piece on display must have a specific reason to exist in the collection.
Now in partnership with Lachlan Burnet, The French Jewel box continues to focus on unique and fascinating pieces for lovers, lovers of beauty and time travellers.
Patrick Coppel – Make Designed Objects
Established in 2003, Make’s Carlton store offers an astounding array of more than 4000 beautifully designed products across three levels.
From homewares and kitchen tools to personal accessories such as watches and wallets, Make hosts a long list of brands including Marimekko, Iittala, Alessi, Normann Copenhagen, Eva Solo, and Fink and Co.
Here, quality and design are paramount. Each item has been carefully selected from designers from all corners of the world, including many of the very best from our own great shores and city.
Marianna Dibartolo – Dolcetti
Dolcetti is a Sicilian inspired pasticceria focused on bringing the tradition of sharing exquisite sweets with family and friends to Melbourne. Their beautifully handcrafted cakes, biscuits and tarts are made in-house from fresh seasonal produce and they have a diverse menu that changes daily, making it easy to find a new sweet treat each time you visit.
Pastry Chef Marianna DiBartolo created Dolcetti to celebrate her Sicilian heritage and love for baking. She grew up baking with her mother in Melbourne, who inherited the traditions from her own mother in Sicily. You will find Marianna's mum Lidia baking her favourite savoury pastries called 'Impanate' on Saturday mornings.
Eileen Fiederling – Docklands Sunday Market
Eileen Fielderling has been a proud contributor to the continuing development of Docklands since 2009.
Over ten years, her vision for a collectors’ market has evolved into a broad-ranged variety market, sitting on the beautiful New Quay Promenade.
The market attracts visitors and locals alike, with arts and crafts, fairtrade, beauty products and delicious food presented by an eclectic and creative bunch of people – a true reflection of Melbourne’s diversity.
Chris and Olivia Gavriel – Corner Chicken Shop
Chris and Oliva met at 18, bought their first poultry shop together at 21, and just another five years later bought their fourth business, The Corner Chicken Shop. They say that the secret of their success has been adaptability and understanding their customers; as people’s shopping and eating habits have changed, so has The Corner Chicken Shop’s offering.
Chis and Olivia pride themselves on their vast knowledge of their product and cooking skills, which has enabled them to help every customer – from gourmet chefs to weekend BBQ warriors – make the perfect poultry selection.
Jason Grech – JASONGRECH
With talent and expertise crafted over 20 years in the fashion industry, Jason Grech is one of the most highly recognised and awarded names in Australian couture fashion today.
From beautiful brides to best dressed celebrities, each JASONGRECH gown is meticulously created by hand to an impeccable standard.
The heritage-listed stable in North Melbourne is home to the workshop and showroom, with all gowns designed, made and beaded here painstakingly by hand in the purest atelier traditions. Jason is the world’s first fashion designer to partner with IBM for their Cognitive Couture collaboration and was the inaugural inductee to the Kangan Batman Fashion Hall of Fame where he is an alumnus.
Claire Harris – Flinders Lane Gallery
Newly relocated within the Nicholas Building, Flinders Lane Gallery has been an enduring feature of the Melbourne arts community since its inception back in 1989.
Gallery Director Claire Harris, who has been at the helm since 2006, is driven by a passion to offer a positive, approachable and dynamic arts experience for artists and patrons alike.
Encased within a heritage stained glass frontage and overlooking the trees and spires of Swanston Street, the gallery invites visitors to take in the very best of Australia's contemporary art.
Garry and Janine Hunt – The Chicken Pantry Shop
In Queen Victoria Market sits this award-winning specialty poultry shop. Providing poultry to some of Melbourne's top chefs and being featured on several international television programs, Garry and Janine Hunt pride themselves for not only producing the highest quality product but also delivering outstanding customer service.
Craving a change in lifestyle for the family, Garry and Janine made the switch from corporate life to follow their passion for food. Now, 23 years on, the pair are as passionate as ever, visiting every farm that supplies their store and ensuring they remain top of their game.
George and Vivienne Kardis – Kartel
George and Vivienne Kardis initially started their cafe business in October 2004 at the Galleria Shopping Plaza, before moving into their current premises in Collins Street in July 2008.
Determined not to let a tough year in operations get them down, George and Vivienne established a catering operation to service the city’s corporate market.
With now more than 150 corporate clients, the catering business is an integral part of the Kartel service, operating alongside their two cafes where outstanding food and beverages are served in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
Peter and Lyn Kelly – Docklands Private Collection of Apartments
Peter and Lyn Kelly introduced Short Stay accommodation in Docklands in 2002 and for four years traded as Docklands Serviced Apartments.
In 2009 Docklands Private Collection of Apartments (DPC) was established and they have hosted over 250,000 visitors since then. DPC has earned TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame. They provide apartments with great views, privacy and safety for both corporate and holiday guests. An active tourist section provides extensive brochures and first-hand recommendations of what to do whilst visiting Melbourne.
For 18 years they have loved living and working in Docklands and being part of its growth has been truly a wonderful journey for them.
Luke and Angela Louca – La Deli
Luke and Angela Louca have been happily running La Deli since 2008. However, Luke’s Queen Victoria Market heritage runs far deeper! At just eight years old he began helping his parents at their deli and, at 20 years, was running Dianne’s Delights Gourmet alongside his mother, Dianne.
Over this time, Luke has seen QVM change and evolve. He credits the culture and community within the market as having taught him valuable business and life lessons, which he hopes to be able to pass down to future generations.
Robert Luburic – Melbourne Accounting Partners
Accountant Robert Luburic established Collins Street-based Melbourne Accounting Partners in 2002, targeting the 75 per cent of Australian businesses classified within the small-to-medium sector.
With an innate understanding of the pressure involved in running a business, Robert thrives on putting his expert knowledge of the intricacies of tax law and legislations to relive these everyday stresses.
Robert takes great pride in helping his clients grow their business and increase their personal wealth, and believes the success of his business is fundamentally due to the high standard of living that us Aussies enjoy.
Sally Mackinnon – Styled by Sally
Working in Melbourne's CBD and supporting the city's retailers, boutiques and fellow small businesses since 2007, Sally Mackinnon and her team of exceptional stylists teach men and women how to shop and dress for their individual lifestyle, shape and budget.
A Melbourne resident and Vice President of the City Precinct Association, Sally lives and breathes fashion. Her love for Melbourne and penchant for style has firmly established her identity as Melbourne's leading stylist.
Guido Melo – Melko Group Pty Ltd
Guido Melo founded Melko with his business partner Amy Melo in 2005 with a vision of entwining their love for fashion and their fascination with Brazil.
From their cosy boutique in the city’s renowned Howey Place, Melko offers a range of impeccable, authentic pieces with an emphasis on sustainable and ethical practices.
A proud Melburnian, Guido says the city has given him a true sense of belonging and he is happy to be able to contribute to inner-city living today, and for the future.
Nicole Papasavas – Stalactites Restaurant
On the corner of Lonsdale and Russell Streets, Stalactites Restaurant has been an important part of Melbourne's Greek Precinct for over three decades. Established in 1978, Stalactites was the first Greek restaurant in the city to serve the simple and now famous souvlaki wrapped in pita bread.
Restaurant founders Nondas and Maria Konstandakopoulos believed that Melbourne could be a world city in the vein of New York and London and decided that opening 24 hours a day, 7 days a week would change the long-established view that the city wasn’t a night time destination. As a result, Stalactites has long been considered a contributor to Melbourne’s transformation into a fun and energetic late-night city.
Managed by third generation family member Nicole Papasavas, since 2001, Stalactites serves more than 8000 customers every week and has become firmly embedded in our city’s culture. It has featured in television series, and films, and has been featured in news and print media worldwide through its association with many famous Greek and Cypriot tennis players.
Nancy and Giuseppe Policheni – The Apple Corner
Wanting to create a family business for their three daughters, Giuseppe and Nancy Policheni founded The Apple Corner in 1995. The store quickly became known for premium quality, great service and competitive prices.
Now, 24 years later, Nancy and Giuseppe still enjoy providing great service to their many loyal customers, while sharing their weekly recommendations from their cherished spot in 'Australia’s best market', Queen Victoria Market.
Peter Riches – Red Pony l Communications
Based in Melbourne's historic Normanby Chambers building, Red Pony provides writing, editing, template and training services to help their clients better communicate who they are and what they do.
The team of communications experts produce clear, concise and compelling content for corporations, government agencies, small businesses and not-for-profit clients – anyone who is serious about harnessing the power of the written word.
Hilda Simonds – Erika Boutique
In the heart of Melbourne in the historic Stalbridge Chambers sits Erika: an independently-owned fashion boutique with a vibrant range of clothing, jewellery, millinery and accessories.
Owner Hilda Simonds’ vision is to dress women in unique, interesting pieces and prides herself on styling outfits and matching accessories for any occasion.
Her ever-changing window-displays showcase Hilda's exquisite eye for detail and seasonal trends. With a penchant for brooches, Hilda’s treasure trove of over 2000 is a sight to behold.
John Simonds – Erika Boutique
In the heart of Melbourne in the historic Stalbridge Chambers sits Erika: an independently-owned fashion boutique with a vibrant range of clothing, jewelry, millinery and accessories.
Owner John Simonds is the man behind the scenes managing the business operations, bookkeeping, inventory and online orders.
John particularly enjoys the Spring Racing Carnival, when the store comes alive with horse brooches, handbags and millinery. What a great excuse to get down to the races to see the season's latest winners (both on and off the track!).
Sasha Strickland – Ponybikes
Founded in 2008 by Sasha Strickland, Ponybikes is a one-of-a-kind bicycle workshop and retail space in West Melbourne. Bicycles are not simply sold out of the box in this shop; Sasha brings her more than 20 years of experience to provide unparalleled service to cyclists of all persuasions.
Along with many other events, Sasha runs regular mechanics classes and has been involved in such programs as My Bike Project: a joint initiative between Victoria Police, North Melbourne Football Club and the TAC, providing bicycles to children in need.
She is also a champion for women, serving as a role model and encouraging other women to get involved in this typically male-dominated industry.
Gary Xu – Wei Qiang Xu
Wei Qiang Xu – or Gary Xu, as he’s more often known – started his business selling men’s ties and cufflinks at the Caribbean market in 1998. In 2003, he was offered a stall at Queen Victoria Market and he started trading from his new location in August of that year.
A permanent fixture at QVM now for 15 years, Gary has expanded his merchandise range to also include scarves and jewellery.