George Fairbairn

George Fairbairn (28 April 1816 – 18 July 1895) was an Australian pastoralist and politician. He was born in Scotland and arrived in Australia in 1839.

Early life Fairbairn was born on 28 April 1816 in Berwickshire, Scotland, the son of Jessie (née Johnston) and John Fairbairn. His father was a sheep farmer. His brother Patrick became a minister in the Free Church of Scotland.

Pastoral holdings Fairbairn arrived in the Colony of South Australia in January 1839, together with five Scottish companions. On their arrival they camped near Glenelg, living on salt pork and damper and occasionally shooting parrots and turkeys. After two months they moved to the Port Phillip District, where they established a sheep run on the Werribee River near Ballan. His properties included Eli Elwah in the Riverina, Kongbool and Lal Lal in Victoria, Illilawa, Peak Downs, Logan Downs, Magenta, and Barcaldine Downs. He was also a director of a number of businesses related to his pastoral leases, including the Australian Frozen Meat Export Company.

Personal life In February 1854, Fairbairn married Virginia Charlotte Armytage, the daughter of his business partner George Armytage. The couple had six sons and a daughter, including federal MP George Fairbairn and prominent rowing coach Steve Fairbairn.