Walkers Story

    Established in 1906, we are one of the oldest Australian family owned and operated businesses, and pride ourselves on old fashioned service, expert advice and competitive pricing.

    Walkers are the leading plastering, insulation, cladding, tiling, flooring and bathware specialists servicing Geelong, Ballarat & the Surf Coast.

    Spanning four generations, and with more than 100 years of experience, our highly trained team provide expert advice and superior workmanship. No matter the project, low end or high end budget we have the largest range to get you the best possible result. We cater for all requirements, from new home builds to commercial or industrial projects, renovations or D.I.Y. Our fast delivery service means your products are delivered safely, easily and on time, or come to Design Centre or Drive Thru Trade Centre’s.

    Visit our Newtown, South Geelong or Ballarat store. We are committed to delivering the highest possible service, to your complete satisfaction.

    From humble beginnings at the corner of Pakington and Maitland Streets in Geelong West in 1906

    Francis Charles Walker, founder of ‘Walkers Pty Ltd’ & his wife Ethel taken in the early 1953.

    Our name is synonymous with quality tile & plastering products, superior workmanship, old fashioned service and value for money. While we deliver old fashioned service, Walkers extensive range of quality tiles, plaster, cornicing, insulation, cladding products and services offer the latest in technological advancement, materials style and finish.

    Francis Charles Walker founded his modest plaster and tiling business over 100 years ago, with his four sons, Frank, Jack, George and Les all following in their father’s footsteps. FC Walkers then became FC Walker & Sons with ever expanding products and services, including as the first major contractor of plasterboard in 1963 (plasterboard was a radical product at the time).

    Consolidating our operations into our showroom in West Fyans Street Newtown in 2001, cemented our position as an iconic Geelong tile & plaster company. Today Walkers continues the tradition of a family company, supporting local jobs with over 80 employees across our operations.

    Our History

    1906
    Walkers was founded in 1906
    Francis Charles Walker founded his modest plaster and tiling business on the corner of Pakington and Maitland Streets in Geelong West when he was 20.
    1906
    1920
    Business prospers and Francis Charles Walker purchases a Villamanta Street property known as ‘Nenagh’. The property becomes the family home and the base of the expanding business.
    1920
    1930 - 1940
    Francis Charles and Ethel May Walker have four sons. Frank, Jack, George and Les all follow in their father’s footsteps. FC Walkers becomes FC Walker & Sons and once again the company relocates to larger premises in Price Street Newtown to cater for growing demand.
    1930 - 1940
    1963
    Walkers adds plasterboard to its range
    The introduction of plasterboard revolutionises the building supply industry. FC Walkers is the first major contractor to embrace and promote the radical new product. The company also expands the tiling side of the operations with ceramic tiles becoming increasingly popular.
    1963
    1975 - 1990
    Further expansion forces the company to secure more land in Price Street. A modern tile showroom is built in West Fyans Street Newtown. The company now employs over eighty people.
    1975 - 1990
    1992
    Name Change
    The company shortens its name to Walkers and develops a new logo based on this change.
    1992
    2001
    New showroom is built
    Walkers Building & Decorator Products consolidates their operation into a state of art showroom in West Fyans Street Newtown. This consolidation has cemented Walkers as an icon in Geelong and is another milestone in the evolution of a family business.
    2001
    2006
    Walkers celebrate 100 years of business
    In 2006 Walkers achieved the wonderful milestone of 100 years in business. Something the whole family were very proud of. The occasion was celebrated with our valued clients.
    2006
    2016
    Ballarat Trade Centre Opens
    Walkers expand into Ballarat offering Plaster, Insulation & Cladding.
    2016
    2022
    Business Rebrand and Renovation
    Walkers Rebrand to enhance the designer and innovative side of the business. The rebrand included a new marketing strategy and logo for the business. The Geelong Design Centre was renovated to incorporate flooring and bathware products. At the same time the interior of the showroom and Walkers headquarters was updated.
    2022