Fred Walker, founder of the Kraft Walker Cheese Company of Australia, was a truly great Australian. He was a philanthropist, a patron of the arts and a man of great vision. Here is his biography.

Overview
Fred Walker contributed greatly to the Australian economy by adding a new dimension to the Australian food industry, and laying the foundations for a strong, international company.

He was responsible for the development of many products, including processed cheese. Walker provided the inspiration for a yeast extract product, which has given Australians a national icon - Vegemite.

Early Days
Born on 5 January 1884, Walker showed his drive and ambition from an early age. His father died when he was six years old, leaving his mother to care for Fred and his younger brother. Living in Hawthorn, the Walker brothers attended a state school; from there Fred won a scholarship to Caulfield Grammar.

Entering The Workforce
Walker left school at 16 to work for Bartrams dairy and general produce and export merchants of King St, Melbourne. The time Walker spent with this company educated and inspired him.

His own mother's work and hospitality amongst the Chinese missions of Australia further influenced him. He built ties within the community, and was thus encouraged to make his next business move.

Hong Kong Enterpreneur
In 1903, at the age of 19, Fred went to Hong Kong to establish his own company: Fred Walker and Company, exporters and importers. He began with tinned butter from Australia.

Upon his return home he established himself at 54 William Street, Melbourne.

Army Days
In 1908, Fred Walker was appointed a second Lieutenant in the Australian Garrison, and rose to the rank of Captain.

Marriage & Family Life
In 1913 he married Mabel Ashton Perrin. They had one daughter Sheilah, who was her father's constant companion.

The family enjoyed Sunday outings to the country where Walker passed on to his daughter his love for Australian flora and fauna, and particular knowledge of birds and trees of the Australian bush.

It was during one of these outings to the Dandenongs in late 1923 that Sheilah Walker chose the brand name Vegemite. A competition had been held to name the new yeast product which is now so much a part of the Australian ethos.

Caring Employer
Walker was widely recognised as an approachable employer who sought to provide the best for his employees. He knew his employees by name and encouraged those who wished to further themselves in study.

He may have been the first employer to introduce morning tea breaks for production line operatives in 1928 or 1929. His employees responded with increased outputs.

Hard Times
During the depression a sign on the factory gates read 'We regret, no vacancies.' The first two words of this sign drew favourable comments from the press, and were a genuine reflection of a man who wished he could do more.

Walker's Kindness
There are many other anecdotes and expressions of Walker's kindness. One winter, he was reported to have returned home without his coat. When his wife questioned him, he revealed that he had given it to someone who was cold. It was only after his death that the extent to which he helped people emerged both financially and otherwise.

Shipwrecked
On a trip to America in 1930, Fred Walker and his family became shipwrecked. The SS Tahiti incurred a broken propeller shaft, tearing great holes in the belly of the ship.

Calm weather and the valiant efforts of the crew kept the vessel afloat for two and a half days, allowing time for rescue vessels to arrive.

Despite much loss of personal property, Walker was able to save his business papers and documents. The Argus newspaper requested that Walker write an account of the sinking.

Rotarian President
In 1931 Walker was invited to join the Melbourne Rotary Club. He was elected President, 1933-1934.

Walker's Death
Fred Walker died on the 21 July 1935 of heart failure. Although he was only fifty when he died, he had achieved an incredible amount. He had founded a prosperous company, introduced a new cheese technology to Australia and laid the foundations for a profitable export industry.

One account of Walker attributed his business survival and success to his great ability and ambition:

"He had his ups and downs but through it all he stood firmly by his employees and made a great contribution to social service activities in Melbourne, both in money and personal services."