Members Statement - Benjamin Johnson

MEMBERS STATEMENT

‘BENJAMIN JOHNSON.’

Tuesday, 14 May 2024.

Mr NEWBURY (Brighton) (10:39):

My grandfather Benjamin Arthur Johnson was born 100 years ago with dough under his fingernails.

His grandfather Benjamin Easter was a longstanding Councillor and Mayor in Northcote. He launched BE Johnson Bakery. He also developed property and ran a nationally successful cake manufacturing business. His sons, including my great-grandfather George, took up the family trade and started Golden Crust bakery.

My grandfather, who was part of the business from the moment he could walk, went to school in Spring Road Primary in Malvern before boarding at Geelong College. He later ran Chris Cross, a landscape supply business.

The other family trade he pursued was horse training, and he had success with a champion thoroughbred Vain.

My grandfather has lived a century but is a gentleman of a different time. Happy birthday, Bim.