Emma Pritchard

Sidney Baillieu “Bails” Myer, the generous and philanthropic owner through marriage of the iconic Clarence Valley property Yulgilbar Station, has sadly passed away aged 96.

Born in San Francisco in 1926 to famed retail entrepreneur and founder of the Myer Emporium Sidney Myer and his wife Merlyn Baillieu, he returned to Australia with his family as a young child.

After serving as a sub-lieutenant with the Royal Australian Navy during WWII, Mr Myer attended the University of Melbourne and the University of Cambridge before embarking on a distinguished career in retail and commerce.

He joined his family’s business in 1949 and became executive director six years later.

Along with his older brother Ken, he was influential in expanding the Myer Emporium, revolutionising retail shopping and further developing the Myer business on a national scale.     

He also co-founded the Myer Foundation to engage and support the Australian community through grants and fellowships.

In 1955, he married Sarah Hordern, the daughter of Yulgilbar Station owner Sam Hordern.

Together, they transformed the property, including the historic Yulgilbar Castle, creating one of the premier cattle studs in the country.

Mr Myer was an astute businessman, patron of the arts, agriculturalist, and a passionate rural landholder who alongside his wife, shared a keen interest in breeding pedigree Santa Gertrudis cattle and champion quarter horses.

Today, Yulgilbar Station is the third oldest Santa Gertrudis stud in Australia with a strong commercial herd that is internationally renowned.

Mr Myer passed away on January 22 at his Mornington Peninsula property Elgee Park.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, children Sidney, Rupert and Samantha, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.