Proudly serving Bathurst and the Central West since 1969

The story of Mitchell Batteries is deeply rooted in the history of the Bathurst region.

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The McGrath and Press families first settled in the Bathurst area in the 1870s, initially at Burraga, during the copper and mineral operations that were taking place there at the time. The families later settled in the newly proclaimed City of Bathurst, establishing strong connections with the local community that continue to this day.

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During World War II, John Noel McGrath, known as Noel, made a significant contribution to Australia's war effort. As an engineer, he helped solve complex problems with aircraft bomb delivery systems for the Australian military. He later played an important role in the successful manufacture of ball bearings in Australia.

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The Beginning of Mitchell Batteries

During the 1960s, Sydney-based company Lead Products Ltd produced components for lead-acid batteries and actively encouraged battery manufacturing in communities across Australia. At the industry's peak, there were more than 300 local battery manufacturers operating throughout the country.

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It was during this era that Mitchell Batteries commenced operations in April 1969, manufacturing lead-acid batteries for automotive vehicles, home lighting and standby systems.

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The business was established by John McGrath, Noel's son, in partnership with his wife, Marie (Press). Batteries were supplied throughout the Central West and across much of Western NSW.

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Manufacturing batteries from individual components provided the McGrath family with a strong practical understanding of the science and craftsmanship behind producing a reliable battery. This knowledge also enabled the business to rebuild and repair batteries — a service that became particularly valuable to local farmers, businesses and fleet operators, especially through the cold Bathurst winters.

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Adapting Through the Years

During the late 1980s, imported batteries began to flood the Australian market. As a result, local battery manufacturing became increasingly uneconomical and many Australian manufacturers were forced to scale back or close their doors.

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Mitchell Batteries survived by adapting to the changing industry and continuing to focus on what had always set the business apart — quality service, practical knowledge and looking after the local customer.

The business continued to build strong relationships with customers across the region, particularly those who relied on their vehicles and equipment to keep their farms, businesses and livelihoods moving.

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In 1998, Mitchell Batteries became a formal company, with Peter McGrath as CEO. The business changed hands in 2008 to David and Kay Crawford, who continued to strengthen Mitchell Batteries' position in the region and developed strong partnerships with leading battery suppliers, including Century Batteries, Super Charge Batteries and Lion Batteries.

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Mitchell Batteries Today

​In 2026, Steve and Katrina purchased Mitchell Batteries, beginning the next chapter in the business's long history.

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Today, we are proud to continue the tradition of "Good old-fashioned service" that Mitchell Batteries has been known for throughout its 57 years of serving Bathurst and the Central West.

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While the battery industry has changed dramatically since 1969, our commitment remains the same: honest advice, quality products, reliable service and looking after our customers.

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From the farmers and fleet operators who relied on us decades ago to the families and businesses we serve today, we're proud to be part of the Bathurst community — and proud to keep the Mitchell Batteries name going for generations to come.