Be inspired by passionate proprietors whose long-term commitment to small business has been honoured in the Lord Mayor’s Commendations.
These hidden gems and well-loved characters characterise the diversity of small business in our municipality, which plays such an important role the fabric, prosperity and liveability of Melbourne.
More than 490 small business owners and 19 generational family businesses have received commendations since the program began in 2005.
Here are eight of this year’s recipients.
Sasha Strickland, Ponybikes
Take a mechanics class or buy a bike at this unique workshop and retail space in West Melbourne. With 20 years of experience, Sasha is a champion for women in a typically male-dominated industry.
Adekunle Adesua, Tribal Tastes
Discover West Africa’s rich and diverse culinary culture at Queen Victoria Market. Kunle Adseua – also known as Chief – prepares all the food himself, including meals with produce from fellow market stallholders.
Abbie Siegel, Paint’n Powder
Enter an olfactory Aladdin’s Cave in the Royal Arcade, where Abbie’s family has been running an eclectic perfumery – and now beauty salon – for more than 50 years.
Jin Ye, XON Computers
From the internet to the millennium bug and the increasing portability of the PC, XON Computers has supported its diverse customer base through many big changes since it opened in 1992.
Damien, Geoff and Neil Prosser, Prosser’s
Head to the Queen Victoria Market to buy fresh seafood from this third-generation family business, which has been running since 1931. The family has dedicated itself to the provision of quality seafood.
Drita Mclennan, Allanson Souvenirs
Drita’s love for customers’ travel stories, and her own interest in travel, has made her career as fulfilling as it has been successful over 35 years in the business of Australian-made gifts and souvenirs.
Sasha Strickland, Ponybikes
Nancy and Giuseppe Policheni, The Apple Corner
Giuseppe and Nancy founded The Apple Corner to create a family business for their three daughters. Twenty-four years later, they still enjoy providing great service to their many loyal customers at Queen Victoria Market.
Ian Dun, Genesis Jewellery
After studying music, Ian redirected his creative energy to jewellery making, gemology and design. He attributes his success to the central location of his business, and loves the vibrancy and diversity Melbourne.
The Lord Mayor’s Commendations program is open to small business proprietors who have been operating in the City of Melbourne for 10 or more years.
Successful applicants receive a range of benefits, including promotional and networking opportunities.
To read about more inspirational Melburnians and their businesses, visit Lord Mayor’s Commendations.
