Joe White

Joe White was born in 1873 the eldest son of Alexander White of Wendouree, Ballarat.  He had five sisters and three brothers and was educated in Ballarat. His father was a partner in the business of Crane and White Maltsters who produced malt in Ballarat. Joe White joined the business in 1892 at the age of 19 starting at the bottom and learning the art of making malt. In 1896 his father died leaving the business in a difficult financial state, and Joe White at age 23 took over the running of the business which was renamed as Joe White Maltsters. The business prospered and in 1901 when Carlton & United breweries decided to sell the Foster Brewery, they offered it to Joe White to be converted to a malthouse . The company was then renamed Joe White & Company Pty Ltd

At this point Joe White who had been very active in the Ballarat and Torquay communities through charitable endeavours, sailing, tennis and bowls, moved to Melbourne and built a home in Dendy Street, Brighton.

He was Commodore of the R.StK.Y.C. (now Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron) more times than any other person; 1926-31, 1933-38, 1940-45; besides being a committeeman, club captain, vice commodore. He was made an honorary life member of the club in 1946.

Throughout the development of the company Joe White continued his involvement in the community. He had a house built (Kerami) at Marysville, and became president of the Marysville Football Club. At the time there was no electric power in Marysville and Joe White personally paid the cost of having it connected to the town.

The company continued to prosper, growing business within Australia and developing export markets overseas. In 1951 it was floated as a public company under the name of Joe White Maltings Limited. Joe White was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of the new company.

In 1959 Joe White died at Brighton aged 86 years. Through his Will the Joe White Bequest was born.