Kingsville’s Peter Callea has been a friendly face for those with a hole in their shoe for more than six decades. Migrating from Italy to Melbourne in the 1950s, the 89 year-old cobbler will soon be celebrating 65 years of serving the Kingsville community from his Somerville Road shop. He told Matthew Simsabout what he loves about Kingsville and his undying passion for his work.
What is your connection to Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay?
I have been a resident of the Kingsville area for the past 65 years. I started working as a cobbler in the workshop and built the family home behind the workshop, which gave me the opportunity to work in the shoe repair business while still maintaining a close connection to my family.
What do you love about where you live?
Kingsville has been a wonderful place to live in terms of my work and raising my family. Many friendships have been formed over the sixty five years and my clients and the residents of Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and beyond have been friendly, trusting and appreciative and I always look forward to interacting with them. I also enjoy the easy access to public transport and a good variation of local shops within walking distance. The post office, major supermarket, milk bar, pharmacy and coffee shops are all within a kilometre of my business. Cruickshank Park is also close by to enjoy the occasional stroll.
How has your passion for the west influenced your life and work?
When I came to the western suburbs of Melbourne, I was encouraged by my cousins, who also owned businesses in the area, to serve the local community with a business which included shoe repairs, stitching, dry cleaning, the sale of shoe products and many other skills dealing with leather products. I was happy to use the skills that I had mastered over the years to restore shoes, handbags and belts to a ‘like new’ condition and see my customers walk out with a smile. Their appreciation and satisfaction with my work has kept me going for these 65 years.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
My wife Nerina and I have a strong Catholic faith and feel fortunate to live close to two Catholic churches – St Augustine’s in Yarraville where we were married and Corpus
Christi in Kingsville. This is, by far, my favourite place to spend time to reflect and pray. This is a special place where I feel peaceful and happy.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
When I am not working in the shoe shop, I love to spend time in the garden. I am an avid gardener and enjoy nature, planting seeds, growing a large array of seasonal
vegetables and fruit and tending to my flowerbeds. I usually have an abundance of crops and delight in sharing the fruits of this labour with anyone who drops by.
Customers and Kingsville community members are encouraged to come along to a celebration of the 65th anniversary of the shop from 10am to noon at 220 Somerville Road in Kingsville on Saturday, October 29.
Details: www.facebook.com/events/455751909921965
