Zigmunt Kelevitz (Ziggy) is a well-known character in the spa town of Daylesford Victoria. Many people know him as the owner and proprietor of Albert on Camp and The Mills Daylesford, but there is much more to the story.
Ziggy was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1954. His parents immigrated to Australia when he was just 2 years old, almost by chance. They originally intended to go to America, to escape the problems of Eastern Europe, but the ship to Australia went first and that was the decision. The family first stayed in Townsville, Queensland, then made their way to Victoria, settling in Geelong.
At the age of 9, he discovered wrestling. It was in this sport that he was destined to excel. He has been Australia’s most successful wrestler to date. Over the years training with the Australian National Team, he has won the national title 17 times! His training took him all over the world, he competed and trained all over America, Europe and Asia. He wrestled at the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976, Moscow in 1980 and Los Angeles in 1984, where he placed fifth.
It was at the Commonwealth Games that Ziggy had his greatest successes. With silver medals in both Brisbane and Edinburgh and winning the gold medal at the Edmonton Games in 1978. To date no other Australian wrestler has won a medal at the Commonwealth Games.
His life outside of sports has also been full of success. He is the father of 3 children and has trained in carpet laying. As a businessman, Ziggy spent much of his time in the Victorian spa region, operated a thrift dealership in Trentham, The Daylesford Bazaar antique shop, had contract cleaning at Hepburn Springs Spa Complex and currently runs two successful hospitality. Albert on Camp is a guest house that Ziggy has restored from the original Albert Hotel, which was destroyed by fire. The property retains much of its original character as Ziggy has faithfully decorated the guest house to bring it back to its former style. The Mills Daylesford is his other property next door to Albert, a series of self-contained studio apartments, with spas and modern fixtures.
Although he is well known in the town of Daylesford, it is mainly due to his winning personality and his always friendly and positive attitude, often when you meet him it is hard to believe that he has achieved so much and has retained his humility and good humour. . Ziggy is a true champion in all walks of life.
