The following business proprietors were the 40-plus years recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations in 2019.
Isaac Borynsztein – Planet Shoes
Shoes and family have always been synonymous for Isaac Borynsztein.
After running five shoe shops with his brother, Isaac started his own stall at Queen Victoria Market in 1973.
In the 46 years since his brother, father-in-law, and brother-in-law have also had stalls at QVM. His son, David, had a stall for almost 20 years until his passing, when it was then taken over by his younger son, Ben.
Isaac has always felt at home within the hustle and bustle of QVM and says that while he’s seen a lot of change over the years, he wouldn’t change a thing.
Nondas and Maria Konstandakopoulos – 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.
Letizia Pace – Letizia's Hair Design
Inspired by watching her father work as a barber in their Brunswick salon as a child, Letizia always wanted to be a hairdresser. In 1978 she opened her own salon, Letizia hair Design, in Little Collins Street.
Being a proud part of the city, Letizia has seen Melbourne change in many ways over the years and is proud to have witnessed her home-away-from-home persevere through moments of triumph and tragedy.
Serving new clients, and some she has had from day one, Letizia Hair Design offers an excellent service at a great price.
Jenny Pyke – The Hat Project
Queen Victoria Market has always been a special place for Jenny Pyke – from her earliest memories of buying fruit and veg with her mother to today, where she celebrates 40 years in business.
At 21, Jenny began selling plants and baskets at QVM. Several years later, she expanded her business into a beautiful little shop on Victoria Street, where it went through several reincarnations before becoming The Hat Project.
Expanding her range and importing from Nepal and China has allowed Jenny to explore her love for travel and other cultures, while her commitment to helping other traders at the market, especially women, has seen her become a mentor for many young business owners.