OUR STORY
From a fishing and oystering background, Stewart Bale worked for some years in the mechanical trades area before returning to the unique work/lifestyle environment which comes with the vocation of an oyster farmer on the Hastings River, Port Macquarie, NSW.
Mid Century
After returning from World War 2 service, ex prisoners-of-war Dudley and Wilton joined forces to work as professional fishermen and oyster farmers on the Hastings River, later joining with George to form a partnership which established the Bale name as being synonymous with the seafood and aquaculture industries in Port Macquarie. The next generation of Bales were growing up as children playing on the mudflats of the river, and helping their fathers.
1985
Stewart and his brother Bob established Bale Brothers Oysters while working in other industries. The original stock consisted of ‘cobblers pegs’ - small oysters harvested from the roots of the mangroves which line the river. This stock was the forerunner to 2020 and beyond and our signature brand - Mangrove Jack
1918
William and Ada Bale moved their large family from Ballengarra to the spit of land at the mouth of Limeburners Creek, now known as Casuarina Point. William and his sons George, Dudley and Wilton undertook fishing and oyster farming in order to supplement the family’s income, and to provide fresh seafood for the table.
1990s
The business expansion kicked into gear with the construction of a new, purpose-built facility housing a registered depuration facility along with cold storage and commercial processing capability.
2000
Members of the family joined the farm workforce and business, with Stewart’s son-in-law ‘Asipeli coming on board in 2001, son Ewan in 2014, and grand-daughter Bella in 2020.