George Threlfall (1819–1897) was an Australian engineer and entrepreneur who founded the mining company that later became the Phoenix Foundry.
In 1852, George decided to move and set up business in Ballarat at the height of the gold rush, making and repairing picks and tools for miners and mining machinery.
In 1854 this business was renamed Carter & Co in Armstrong Street, Ballarat with the addition of partners, iron-founder William Shaw, moulder Robert Holden and engine smith Richard Carter, producing a wide range of products.
He remained in Ballarat for many years becoming a shareholder in the Sons of Freedom Gold Mining Company at Napoleon Lead near Buninyong in 1863.
George Threlfall who played Australian Rules Football for Richmond was his grandson.