Bourke St Attack Victim Sisto Malaspina Might Get A Melbourne Laneway Named In His Honour
Daniel Andrews has called it a "fantastic idea".
Mourning continues for beloved Melbourne figure and cafe owner Sisto Malaspina, who was the sole casualty in last week’s attack on Bourke Street — and now Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has put his support behind the idea of naming a laneway in his honour.
The 74-year-old was killed in the incident in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday. He was the co-owner of popular cafe and bar Pellegrini’s Espresso, and was a favourite face amongst Melbournites for decades.
Sisto Malaspina was a Victorian icon, known and loved by us all. I spoke to his family again this morning, and they have accepted my offer of a State Funeral next week, with more details to come. Until then, our love and thoughts remain with Sisto's family.
— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) November 12, 2018
Malaspina’s family have today released a statement thanking both the city and first responders, and have also accepted the offer from the Daniels government for a Sisto to be given a rare state funeral after his family accepted the offer from the Andrews government.
"To the people of Melbourne, your heartfelt tributes have shown us why our Dad loved this great city so much."
The family of #BourkeStreet attack victim Sisto Malaspina have released a statement.
They will donate flowers to nursing homes/hospitals to “brighten-up other’s lives”. pic.twitter.com/N5NO4xUXNt— ABC Melbourne (@abcmelbourne) November 12, 2018
A new proposal floated would see a nearby laneway named after Malaspina. Premier Andrews today joined calls to honour the local hero by changing Crossley, Lane which runs across the cafe, to Sisto Lane.
“I know there’s been a bit of talk about renaming the lane,” the Premier said. “I think that’s a fantastic idea.”
Pellegrini’s remains closed today as flowers and memorial gifts continue to pile up out the front. Sisto’s family have said they will donate the large amount of floral offerings to local retirement homes and hospitals to “brighten-up other’s lives”.
Always a popular place to stop on a Monday but this morning for the worst of reasons. Melburnians remembering the life of Bourke Street attack victim Sisto Malaspina. @abcmelbourne @BreakfastNews pic.twitter.com/2O3UcUoDSl
— James Hancock (@jameshancockABC) November 11, 2018
The cafe will re-open tomorrow at 8am.