Slain Pellegrini’s co-owner Sisto Malaspina likely to be honoured with plaque outside the Bourke St cafe

He was the cafe legend tragically murdered in the Bourke St attacks last year. Here’s how Melbourne City Council plans to permanently honour him.

Sisto Malaspina in Pellegrini's cafe. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Murdered cafe legend Sisto Malaspina is likely to be honoured with a plaque outside his beloved Pellegrini’s in Bourke St.

Melbourne City Council has confirmed it has ruled out the option of renaming adjoining laneway Crossley St after Mr Malaspina.

In the wake of last November’s tragedy, there were calls for it to become Sisto Lane, but it’s understood this didn’t comply with rules set by the Office of Geographic Names.

Renaming existing streets is not common due to historical, logistical, safety and financial issues.

Crossley St was named in 1876 to recognise the original home and slaughter house of butcher William Crossley.

Floral and other tributes outside Pellegrini’s after Mr Malaspina’s murder. Picture: Alex Coppel.

A City of Melbourne spokeswoman said the council had met with Mr Malaspina’s family to discuss the best way to commemorate his contribution to Melbourne.

“We want to create a space where people can stop, pause and reflect on Sisto’s life and his legacy,” she said.

“We are working with the family on plans to install a new seat outside Pellegrini’s along with a plaque.”

Hassan Khalif Shire Ali confronts police on Bourke St.

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The Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle, who knew Mr Malaspina well, said a plaque outside the cafe would be a fitting tribute.

“One of his great strengths was his love of people, and he made every person, no matter what their background, feel like they were worth a million dollars,” he said.

Mr Salaspina was killed by Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, who created carnage on Bourke St on November 9 last year, before being shot by police.

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