The following business proprietors were the 25-plus years recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations in 2019.
Michele Cardamone – Amiconi Restaurant
In the 1960s the Amiconi family opened a small eatery on Victoria Street, West Melbourne, which was previously a barber saloon introducing their own home cooking style to the locals of Melbourne.
Michele has been running the restaurant since 1982 and Amiconi has been become a second home for many regular customers and a welcoming place for first timers who soon after become regulars.
Simon Dan – Something Oz
Simon Dan has been a stalwart of the Queen Victoria Market since 1992, selling clothing and souvenirs to the discerning shopper.
If you’re looking for something that harnesses the spirit of Australia, you’ll be able to find it at Something Oz.
Ian Dun – Genesis Jewellery
Genesis Jewellery Boutique on Swanston Street offers unique and artistic jewellery in a huge range of precious metals and stones.
After studying music, Ian Dun redirected his creative energy to jewellery making, gemology and design, and – with his studio never more than a block away from the Town Hall – has loved watching the city evolve over the years.
Ian attributes his tremendous success to the location of his business and loves the vibrancy and diversity Melbourne has to offer.
Bruce and Pamela Garmston – Cards on Lygon/Lygon Court Newsagent
Lygon Court Newsagent was established in 1993 in the heart of Carlton at Lygon Court Shopping Piazza. Over the years the business evolved into Cards on Lygon/Lygon Court Newsagency as we know it today. For 25 years, Bruce and Pamela Garmston have provided personal, reliable customer service and quality products.
With a range of greeting cards and gifts sourced locally and internationally, giving the customer what they want has always been the driving force for Bruce and Pam; an enduring philosophy that has seen their loyal customer base become better known as their 'store family'.
Grant and Deborah Hamid – Hamid Bros Pty Ltd
As the third generation to lead Hamid Bros, directors and siblings Deborah and Grant Hamid are proud to be continuing the family tradition and wholesaling consistently high-quality gemstones to manufacturing jewellers and retailers.
From their Collins Street location, Hamid Bros has watched Melbourne grow into the vibrant, multicultural city we see today. Deborah and Grant still trade with the family businesses their grandfather did while nurturing an ever-growing, new client base.
Nick Karagulidi – AA-Nika Engraving
Master Engraver Nick Karagulidi has brought the traditional hand engraving techniques of his Russian forefathers to the city since 1992.
A teacher in the art of engraving since he was just 15 years old, Nick studied wood carving and metal craft at the University of St Petersburg, before moving to Melbourne where he worked part-time in restaurants while waiting for the opportunity to carry on his family business.
Today, despite the advances in computer engraving technology, Nick continues to champion his century-spanning techniques to provide work that is both artistic and accurate.
Katherine Kovacs – K&K Export Import
Established in 1968, K&K is a leading wholesale provider of coloured gemstones, coloured diamonds, opals and pearls to jewellery businesses throughout Australia.
Katherine entered the business in 1993 while at university, going on to qualify as a gemmologist and Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) in 1999. She has volunteered in various roles within the GAA, and continues to be passionate about promoting education within the jewellery industry.
Now a 50 year old business, Katherine manages the day to day operations of K&K and sources gemstones from throughout the world.
Drita Mclennan – Allanson Pty Ltd
In 2000, Drita Mclennan took over her family business and Allanson Souvenirs was born, offering a range of Australian-made gifts and souvenirs catering to every budget.
With over 35 years in the business, Drita’s love for customers’ travel stories and her own interest in travel has made her career as fulfilling as it has been successful.
Now, with the third generation involved in the store, Drita attributes the business’ success to the support she has received from her family, and particularly her husband, Steve.
George Nichas – The Melbourne Barber Shop
In July 1994, George opened his auto-themed barbershop inspired by his love of Melbourne and all things motoring. With the classic styling and automotive theme creating a warm atmosphere, the business quickly built a loyal following of discerning clients.
Now, 25 years on, the Melbourne Barber Shop is proud to continue offering its great combination of modern and traditional barber services from its enviable location in one of the city’s most beautiful heritage areas.
Susan Pike – Susan Pike Productions
Seeing a need for professional and cost-effective advertising with a personal approach, Susan Pike launched her business in 1993. Since then, Susan Pike Productions have provided customers with advertising services from concept, copywriting, photography and artwork, right through to the finished product.
But what makes Susan’s business truly special is the caring, hands-on relationship she cultivates with each and every client, making them feel she is a real part of their business.
Abbie Siegel – Paint’n Powder
Abbie Siegel, the current proprietor of Paint'n Powder with her father, Neville, was born and bred in the iconic Royal Arcade store.
Neville Spielvogel opened the store with Abbie’s late mother Diane, in 1968. For more than 50 years now the family has run olfactory ‘Aladdin’s Cave’, filled to the brim with unique accessories and boasting Melbourne's largest collection of classic and niche perfumes.
Abbie continues to champion this eclectic perfumery and added her own brainchild: a beauty salon situated overlooking the beautiful arcade.
Ly Taing – Taing Seng Marketing
Ly Taing was born in Cambodia and immigrated to Australia in the early 80s, where he immediately began working alongside his brother and sister, helping at their gift stall. Here, he learned many important things from how to repair faulty items, replacing watch batteries and parts, and building his customer relationship skills.
After finishing school, Ly decided to apply what he had learnt and run his own business.
Specialising in watches, electronics, and other gifts, Ly’s stall attracts customers both new and old with a range of unique items and his top-notch customer service.
Danae Thorp – SpellBox Pty Ltd
Tucked away in Bourke Street Mall’s Royal Arcade, the spellbinding shop, SpellBox, awaits.
From jewellery, books, crystals and spells to tarot readings and bewitching workshops, SpellBox caters to your every mystical need.
As a devout believer of the power of spells, symbolism and the psychic arts, creator Danae Thorp has seen SpellBox become a Melbourne icon with a diverse customer base, some of who now bring their children in to enjoy this mystical wonder.
Jin Ye – XON Computers
As one of the pioneering IT Retail Stores in Melbourne's CBD, XON Computers has been providing quality products and a consistently high standard of customer service since 1992.
At the forefront of the fast moving world of technology, XON Computers are proud to remain the first port of call for their diverse customer base, helping them adapt to major changes like the introduction of internet, conquering the millennium bug threat and embracing the increasing portability of the PC.