The Beginning
John Barnes opens a small locksmith workshop in Melbourne's inner north.
ABOUT JOHN BARNES
Three Generations of Security Expertise
From a single Melbourne workshop in 1949 to a trusted partner for families, builders, and government projects.
SCEC Certified
Our Story Over 76 Years
Key moments that shaped John Barnes & Company.
Second Generation
Second generation joins, expanding into commercial hardware and safes.
SCEC Certification
SCEC certification achieved, enabling high-security government work.
Major Projects
Master key systems and large construction projects become core focus.
Third Generation
Third generation leads a team serving homes, builders, and government.
A FAMILY BUSINESS
Security is Personal
to Us
to Us
When John Barnes opened his first workshop in 1949, he built a reputation on one simple principle: treat every customer like family.
Today, his grandchildren continue that tradition, working alongside a team of master locksmiths who share the same values.
We’ve grown from that small workshop to serving major construction projects and government contracts, but we haven’t forgotten where we started.
- Three generations working in the business
- Hands-on leadership, not distant ownership
- Decades-long relationships with builders and agencies
why choose us
What We Stand For
The principles that have guided us for over 76 years.
Integrity
We do what we say, quote fairly, and stand behind our work with transparent pricing.
Security First
Every recommendation prioritizes your safety and protection above all else.
Reliability
Three generations of keeping promises. We show up on time, every time.
Craftsmanship
Precision installation and attention to detail in every lock, safe, and system.
Professionalism
From the first call to final handover, you experience courtesy and expertise.
Excellence
76 years of continuous improvement and staying ahead of security technology.
Pricing & Bulk Orders
The Team You'll Meet
Real people, not a call center. Your project is handled by experienced locksmiths and project managers.
James Mitchell
Automotive Locksmith Technician
Daniel Murphy
Safe Technician
Edward Walsh
Commercial Locksmith Technician
Pricing & Bulk Orders
Trusted by Builders & Government Across
Trusted by Builders & Government Across
Melbourne
Master Locksmith Association
SCEC Approved
Licensed & Insured
Est. 1949
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say About Us
