The Standard Brewery was founded in 1868 by Robert Anderson and his brother-in-law George Sharp, following the success of their brewing ventures at the Port MacDonnell and West End Breweries. By 1867, their existing sites could not meet growing demand, so they built a brand-new brewery on Commercial Street, Mount Gambier. The two-storey red dolomite building, with white stone facings and a galvanized iron roof, was designed to be both functional and imposing. It housed a complete brewhouse, large gyle-tun, mash tuns, coppers, and underbacks, all fitted with the latest equipment of the time. A spacious malt kiln and dry malt store allowed for efficient malting, while a 22,000-gallon rainwater tank supplied the brewery’s brewing needs. The ale and porter produced here quickly gained a strong reputation for quality in the South-East. George Sharp retired in 1873, leaving Robert Anderson to manage the brewery alone. After Robert’s death in 1881, his brother Walter James Anderson took over under lease from Robert’s estate. By the late 19th century, Walter had stepped back from daily operations, passing management to his nephew James Anderson. In 1902, the brewery was briefly leased to the Mount Gambier Brewery Company, though this arrangement ultimately fell through. Walter Anderson placed the brewery in voluntary liquidation in 1911, and the property was sold to John Molony of the West End Brewery in Broken Hill. John Molony managed the brewery until his death in 1915, after which his son Edward took over operations. In 1923, the brewery changed hands again, this time being purchased by the West End Brewing Company, a well-known Adelaide firm. Edward Molony continued as manager, distributing West End products throughout the South-East while also handling wines and spirits for other firms. The original Commercial Street site was sold in 1954 when the company moved to modern premises. Edward Molony passed away in 1959, and today the brewery is owned by the Mathews Service Hotels Group, continuing the tradition of producing aerated waters. The Standard Brewery remains a significant part of Mount Gambier’s brewing history, reflecting more than a century of innovation and family stewardship. Mount Gambier Library - MT 7B17 D00003418 1914