Mary and Frank Bonfante have run Frank's Fruit Market on Ramsay Street, Haberfield, for 45 years. That is 45 years of waking up at 1.30 a.m. to head to the markets, 45 years of offering their customers the best produce Sydney has to offer and 45 years of raising their children and grandchildren while balancing the pressures of running a small business and giving back to their community.

Mary, with very solid support from Frank, has worked incredibly hard to support the Haberfield community, including through the Italian Food Fiesta, Carnival of Cultures, upgrades and business improvements and the Haberfield Community Bank initiative.

When news broke that Mary and Frank were retiring and closing their shop, my office was flooded with emails and calls from loyal local customers. There is so much love and respect for Mary and Frank in the Haberfield community.

They represent the very best of our inner west and I offer our gratitude, deepest respect and best wishes to them and their family for the future. We will miss them.