The following business proprietors were the 25-plus years recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations in 2021.
Alpha Lewis Signs Pty Ltd – Paul and Kim Lewis
Alpha Lewis Signs have called their North Melbourne workshop home for nearly 30 years.
With a founding vision of providing affordable, eye-catching signs to local businesses and a commitment to customer satisfaction, the Alpha Lewis Signs of today have remained true to their origin.
The friendly team of designers, printers, and installers are proud to offer a complete range of signage solutions and have built a loyal following of diverse customers over the years.
Camilla Gough
Maker of beautiful, contemporary jewellery, Camilla Gough opened her first Melbourne city studio in the 1990s, amongst the emerging laneway cafe and bar scene.
Today, the internationally recognised jeweller works from her sun-drenched workshop in the beautiful Manchester Unity Building, handcrafting exquisite one-off pieces including engagement and wedding jewellery and precious gifts of love.mary
With a unique skill in conveying every customer's story through her design, Camilla ensures the most outstanding care and thought are applied to every commissioned piece. By appointment only.
City Baths Spinal & Sports Medicine Clinic – Michael Vadiveloo
City Baths Spinal & Sports Medicine Clinic was founded in 1991 by specialist sports physiotherapist, Michael Vadiveloo FACP.
Initially operating from just two small treatment rooms, the clinic now spans most of the ground-level space of its Swanston Street location, offering a holistic approach to health and equipping clients with strategies to maintain wellness for the long term.
Having previously worked as a physiotherapist for St Kilda FC, Michael continues to treat many elite and recreational athletes. He also provides education to younger physiotherapists and health practitioners in Australia and internationally.
Elizabeth Street Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Centre – Amanda Negri and Andrew Mitchell
Located on the third floor of 343 Little Collins Street, Elizabeth Street Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Centre has provided physiotherapy care to Melburnians for nearly three decades.
Practice Principle Andrew Mitchell and his team are proud to offer clients a welcoming environment coupled with modern techniques and expertise.
With a pilates studio and rehabilitation gym on-site, the centre's clients receive professional and comprehensive service in a time-efficient manner, with the utmost care given to their recovery and ongoing wellbeing.
Il Solito Posto – Michael Tenace
In 1994, Michael Tenace stumbled upon a forgotten basement tucked down a nondescript laneway in the heart of the city. He was struck with a vision, and today, 26 years later, his little Italian restaurant is one of Melbourne's most beloved institutions.
Il Solito Posto translates as 'the usual place,' but this restaurant is far from usual; from the warm, rustic interior and wine stacked shelves to the famed veal ragu, this is an old favourite that has truly won its place in Melburnians' hearts.
Louise Macdonald Milliner – Louise Macdonald
Louise Macdonald set up her millinery business in 1995 in the iconic Nicholas Building, creating beautiful hats for all occasions in an industrious studio overlooking St Paul's Cathedral.
More than two decades later, Lousie is a millinery icon and educator. She has been invited to teach in Europe and the USA, and, more recently, she has taken her courses online, sharing her knowledge with milliners from around the world.
She loves the social interaction that comes with her role both as teacher and creator and aims to nourish creative expression through hats for both students and wearers alike.
The Network Group – Keran Wicks
Founder and CEO of The Network Group, Keran Wicks is a self-made business leader. Leaving school and home at 13, Keran pumped gas at a petrol station before finding work in Melbourne’s fashion industry. At 23, sacked by her employer for becoming pregnant, Keran became a test case for new unfair dismissal laws.
Keran began working in a video library, starting a wholesale business from her car boot. As business thrived, Keran expanded operations into a warehouse and rental stores. In 1993 Network Video, which evolved into The Network Group, was born.
Keran’s entrepreneurial nature saw The Network Group pivot multiple times, exploiting new challenges and opportunities – online retail, fitness, event spaces, and small business solutions.
Constant evolution of The Network Group sees the company continue to thrive. Keran and The Network Group have received much recognition, including TNG being named one of BRW’s Top 50 Most Innovative Companies.
Keran is a committed mentor, business adviser, and a regularly and globally sought-after speaker, having spoken at numerous international business summits, seminars and conferences.
Nutshell Graphics – Sue Allnutt
Nuttshell is a graphic design practice that specialises in building meaningful connections with audiences through signage, brand, experience and storytelling. It was founded by Sue Allnutt in 1985, who remains as Director today.
Sue works closely with her daughter, Zoë, to lead a team of passionate designers in their North Melbourne studio, delivering diverse projects such as brand design, wayfinding strategy and publications for clients big and small.
Lately, the team have been privileged to work on a series of nature-based educational signage projects – helping transform visitors' understanding of our natural world through thoughtful design and storytelling.
Renato Jewellers – Renato Sassano
Renato Jewellers is from an Italian family with strong ties to tradition and passion for fine jewellery making. The family has been designing and manufacturing fine diamond jewellery for over six generation, originating from Italy.
After immigrating to Australia in 1958 they soon after opened a small jewellery store in Victoria Street, North Melbourne.
In 1987 after the sudden passing of their father, the business evolved and both brothers Renato and Mauro began to expand the operation implementing unique goldsmith techniques learned from spending hours alongside their parents.
The business expanded over years with stores established in Thornbury, Maribyrnong and Melbourne.
In 2006 Renato decided to concentrate on one central location, moving the operation to Little Collins Street Melbourne where the store was accessible to all Victorians. Having one store allows for the amalgamation of the showroom and workshop together, giving customers the knowledge and expertise they deserve when purchasing a piece of fine jewellery.
The philosophy that inspires their creations is 'handmade in Melbourne, piece by piece'.
Timeless Gold Jewellery – Frank Athanasopoulos
As of November 1993, Frank has practised his craft in Melbourne with the first five years in the beautiful Capitol building on Swanston Street opposite the Town Hall.
Since then, he has been on the corner of Collins and Swanston streets in the Wales corner, specialising in fine handcrafted jewellery, mainly featuring diamond engagement rings and wedding bands which are made to order.
Visiting his workshop and showroom is by appointment and all work is completed in-house. His clients love the personal approach to the making of their life pieces, and particularly love enjoy seeing the different stages of the jewellery-making process.
His favorite part of his job is the connection and communication he has with his clients with some of his most treasured friends in life having been realised through his work.
His goal for the imminent future is to be more adaptive to the social media platform and understand the needs of fine jewellery buyers of the next generation. He couldn’t dream of applying his trade anywhere other than the centre of this beautiful city he calls home.