The City of Ballarat has unveiled a sign to mark the newly named Cincotta Lane in honour of the enduring legacy of fruit and vegetable merchants Joe and John Cincotta.
Located between 209-211 Mair Street, the previously unnamed laneway has long served as a delivery route for surrounding businesses.
Over time, it has taken on the unofficial name 'Cincotta Lane', inspired by the vibrant mural of the former Cincotta Fruit and Vegetable Merchants' store that still graces the lane - a tribute to the family's deep connection to the area.
Members of the Cincotta family, including cousins Erman Cincotta and Laurie Castellani, joined City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves to mark the occasion.
The Cincotta family has been a cornerstone of Ballarat's business community since the gold rush era.
The original fruit shop at 211 Mair Street was opened in the early 1920s by Erman Cincotta, before brothers Joe and John Cincotta ran their iconic store at 209 Mair Street from the late 1940s until the early 2000s.
Known for their warm hospitality, generosity and commitment to quality produce, the store became a household name and a cherished part of Ballarat's identity.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the new Cincotta Lane sign stands as a permanent reminder of the family's contribution to Ballarat - a legacy rooted in kindness, hard work and community connection.
"The new Cincotta Lane sign honours Joe and John Cincotta, whose unwavering commitment to the Ballarat community spanned more than 60 years," she said.
"Their legacy is not just in the produce they sold, but in the lives they touched and the spirit of service they embodied.
"They were known for their generosity in giving back to the community and creating a family friendly atmosphere in the store that is still memorable for people to this day."
The naming proposal was initiated by a local business, the Palace Regent Cinema Ballarat.
After community consultation with adjacent landowners and following Ballarat City Council endorsement, the proposal was submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for final consideration, registration and publication in the Victoria Government Gazette.
The City of Ballarat is responsible for naming or renaming places within the municipality, including roads, parks, reserves and other public spaces.
The community can submit suggestions on names of any outstanding local community members who are eligible for commemoration to the City of Ballarat Naming Officer via [email protected].
