The Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards acknowledge and celebrate Melbourne’s longstanding independent small businesses, and the people who run them.
Each year they say thank you to the small businesses that make a significant contribution to the city’s culture, economic prosperity and liveability.
In 2022, Linda Dugan was acknowledged for reaching the milestone of 10 years in her in the City of Melbourne (Docklands) store, although her story goes back much further.
Following a career as a buyer and designer for a significant Melbourne retailer, in the early 1990s Linda identified the need to create clothing for those with limited mobility after her Nana suddenly lost her independence.
She made a unique design – the Petal Back™ overlapping back – that keeps the wearer's needs first and foremost, which caring healthcare professionals instantly accepted.
Gentle dressing for people with limited mobility
Linda's clothing slides off and on without harsh fastenings or the need to move shoulders, elbows, or arms. The thoughtful design also helps carers, making it easy to remove and re-dress gently and eliminating the need to struggle against any resistance in the dressing process.
Read about How Petal Back Clothing works and the benefits for wearers.
As well as honouring small businesses operating in the City of Melbourne for milestones of 10+, 20+, 40+ years, the event recognises outstanding organisations in the Small Business of the Year award.
