The following business proprietors were the 40-plus year recipients of the Achievement Awards in 2022.
Amiconi Restaurant - Michael Cardamone
Originally a barber shop in vibrant Victoria Street, West Melbourne, the Amiconi family opened the traditional Italian eatery, Amiconi Restaurant, in the 1960s.
Purchased by Michael Cardamone and his family in 1982, the high-level cuisine and classic authentic Italian hospitality have continued and have now spanned over 62 years – feeding 4 generations of Melburnians.
In 2007, chefs Joe Muso and Vince Alfonso also joined as partners of Amiconi. The dining space is adorned with pictures of customers from all eras, giving the restaurant a feeling of warmth and nostalgia, while the welcoming atmosphere creates a feeling of home for regulars and first-time diners alike.
Alan Adler Mobile Amusements - Alan Adler
On 30 May 1972, Alan Adler and his wife Lorraine started a photo booth business with two photo booths located in the heart of Melbourne.
The booths were a hit; by the mid-80s, Alan had as many as 16 booths spread across Melbourne. This year Alan celebrates his 90th birthday. He also celebrates an incredible 50 years since his photo booth business began – with one photo booth still in operation today at Flinders Street Station.
Hamid Bros Pty Ltd - Grant Hamid
Hamid Bros is a wholesale coloured gem business that was located in Melbourne suburbs prior to opening a CBD office in the early 1960s. It was originally established in 1898 by Casim Abdul Hamid, originally from Sri Lanka.
Grant Hamid is now the sole owner following the passing of his father, George Hamid, and the retirement of his sister Debi earlier this year. Hamid Bros supplies fine quality coloured gemstones to the jewellery industry and is also heavily involved in education and training at the Gemmological Association of Australia and the National Council of Jewellery Valuers.
Sole Motive Pty Ltd - Terry O’Halloran
Sole Motive is a family business founded in Melbourne by Terry and Joan O’Halloran in 1980.
A leader in the running and fitness lifestyle space, Sole Motive has two retail stores and also owns and manages many of Victoria’s major running events, including Run Melbourne, which attracts more than 20,000 participants.
In the past 14 years, participants of Run Melbourne have raised more than $12 million for more than 300 charities. Sole Motive also publishes Runner’s World, a popular magazine in Australia and New Zealand.
Victoria Market Gifts - Andrew Georgiou
Victoria Market Gifts was the Queen Victoria Markets’ first-ever engraving stall. The business was started in 1982 by Andrew Georgiou, a recent immigrant from the UK.
Andrew’s passion for his craft and the love of meeting new people saw the business quickly flourish, growing from a small table to a single-person stall to today, where the business employs a staff team.
The product range at Victoria Market Gifts has expanded over the years to include pet tags, smoking accessories, jewellery and even some fashion accessories. Still, the main attraction remains their on-the-spot, quality hand engraving – the original and the best.
You Day Spa - Helen Cacopardo
In 1977, 15-year-old Helen Cantone started work experience at a small salon called Nails’ N’ Lashes at the famous Southern Cross Hotel. She was offered a position there, and two years later, she bought the business.
In 1993, she moved to Little Collins Street, and, in 1996, opened Melbourne’s second-ever day spa, You Day Spa, at the Sofitel. Helen’s passion for holistic wellbeing and her dedication to exceptional customer service has seen her business grow from strength to strength, expanding into a bigger space at Level 12/15 Collins Street several years ago to offer more rooms, and more therapies.