By Esther Lauaki
Milk was being delivered by horse and cart when Rino Minniti established his barbershop in Lalor.
This week, Mr Minniti marked 50 years as a stalwart of the community.
He opened a barbershop in Station Rd in 1969 with his wife Josie.
A few years later, the couple purchased some land at May Rd and set up Rino’s Unisex Salon.
“It’s an honour to have been here in Lalor all this time … I don’t know where the years have gone,” Mr Minniti told Star Weekly.
“We started the business because you’ve got to make a living somehow.
“To buy a block of land, we had to go into the money box of my kids because we had no money.
He said he’s seen the community grow over the decades.
“There’s been a lot of big changes,” he said.
“The place was all paddocks and milk was delivered with the horses and carts from down the road.”
The 73-year-old works six days a week to this day.
“I’ve still got customers from my first day of trading,” Mr Minniti said.
“I enjoy working with people and I enjoy it here … It’s home to me.”
His daughter Julie Micucci said her dad was a “fundamental part” of the Lalor community.
“Dad is one of these guys that has constantly worked and he’s well loved by the local schools nearby and has made a lot of memories here,” Ms Micucci said.
“He’s seen the evolution of Lalor. He’s seen generations of families come through the doors from babies to school children to their grandparents and he is very proud of this fact.”
