Willie Creek Pearl Farm was named WA’s Top Tourist Attraction alongside 26 other fellow gold medallists at the 2023 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards on Saturday evening.
The WA family business also took home a bronze medal in the Tourism Retail and Hire Services category.
The WA Tourism Awards reward excellence within the State’s tourism industry, aiming to publicly recognise businesses committed to outstanding delivery of their product or service, and who make a significant contribution to the wider industry.
Chief Executive Officer Paul Birch accepted the awards at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom on behalf of the business.
Paul attributed the awards to the collective effort of the entire team at Willie Creek Pearls, who understand that our guests and customers are the reason for our day.
“Receiving these accolades is a result of the sum of the parts. It is testament to everyone’s contribution to what we do and that in 2023 we set out to be the best version of ourselves everyday” Paul said.
“It is a privilege and an honour to be able to accept such recognition for the efforts of so many on behalf of the Banfield Family. It has been a big year once again welcoming and entertaining visitors, initially with some considerable challenges due to access to Willie Creek. We did so though with ingenuity and agility. At the same time have been busy behind the scenes establishing a new farm site north of Broome where we will continue to grow some of the world’s most amazing pearls, in addition to acquiring and commissioning a new pearling support vessel into the fleet to increase our capabilities and renovating our digital image. There are plenty of developments on the horizon and has never been a more exciting time to share and be part of what we do”.
Willie Creek Pearls will now compete on the national stage once again at the Australian Tourism Awards where they took out two national awards in 2022, including their first national Gold win, in the same categories last year.
The State win adds to the ever-growing collection of accolades for Willie Creek Pearls, who is currently one of the most awarded tour companies in WA.
Last month Willie Creek Pearls was also inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Broome Business Excellence Awards, after being crowned Broome’s Business of the Year for three consecutive years.
Willie Creek Pearls and the Banfield family continue to invest in Broome’s existing and developing industries to bring tourist and economic development to the region with Robert Banfield making considerable investment with Marine Biomedical who are seeking FDA Approval for their foundation of PearlBoneTM.
]]>In celebration of this new sculpture, we have partnered with Zookeepers by Spinifex Brewing Co. for an amazing giveaway prize on our social media platforms!
This is the only source for entries. One winner will be selected at random from entries placed during the competition period.
The prize consists of:
HOW TO ENTER
To enter, participants simply need to:
The competition will commence on Monday, 1 May and conclude AWST 23:59 on Sunday, 21 May with the winner drawn on Monday, 22 May at Willie Creek Pearls Cable Beach Showroom.
Entrants must be 18+ and must reside in WA. Read the full Terms and Conditions HERE.
]]>The WA family business was crowned top Tourism Retail and Hire Services provider and awarded bronze in the Tourist Attractions category for their Willie Creek Pearl Farm experience.
The Australian Tourism Awards is the tourism industry’s national standard of excellence, recognising outstanding operators in major cities through to the outback.
Willie Creek Pearls shared the stage with nine other WA businesses, which were all shortlisted as national finalists after winning gold in their categories at the 2022 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards in November.
Willie Creek Pearls was just one of two WA businesses to receive dual awards on the night, along with The Hike Collective.
Co-owner Robert Banfield accepted the awards in Sydney on Friday evening on behalf of the business.
Robert attributed the award wins to his family, the hardworking staff on the ground, loyal members and the wider community for supporting the business, all of which came from humble beginnings more than 30 years ago.
“Wow, how cool is that! Accepting the gold and bronze awards on the national stage was humbling. What a fantastic way for our family and team to be recognized for all of their hard work over the journey,” Robert said.
“A huge thank you to our wonderful team and loyal customers whose phenomenal support has been outstanding, particularly in recent times.”
CEO Paul Birch said the accolades provided some real recognition for the cumulative contributions of every member of the team over time.
“We strive to continuously improve who we are and what we do at every moment to provide quality products and customer-based experiences,” Paul said.
“The high expectations we hold of ourselves is what makes us who we are and drives us to continue to deliver as we head into another challenging and exciting time ahead.”
The wins add to the growing collection of awards for Willie Creek Pearls, who is currently one of the most awarded tour companies in WA.
In addition to last years Perth Airport TCWA Awards, recent accolades include Business of the Year at the 2022 Broome Business Excellence Awards and 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice for both Elizabeth Quay showroom, which offers a live pearl harvest experience, and the Willie Creek Pearl Farm. See a full list of awards here.
Willie Creek Pearls and the Banfield family continue to invest in Broome’s existing and developing industries.
In 2023, the business will further invest more than $1 million in its commercial pearling operations, adding a larger vessel to its fleet to support increased production at its farm.
In addition, its collaboration with WA biotech company Marine Biomedical continues to gain momentum, with its first patented technology, PearlBone™. The natural bone substitute is derived from nacre, or mother of pearl, source from shell produced at Willie Creek Pearl Farm, and could be set to revolutionise the global medical sector.
]]>To celebrate, win a romantic Harvest Your Own Pearl Experience at Elizabeth Quay!
Experience the breathtaking moment as you harvest your own pearl straight from its oyster. The value of the pearl inside remains unknown until that very moment and could be worth $500 to $5,000 and is yours to keep!*
For full entry details and terms and conditions, click our social links below.
For the full competition terms and conditions, click here.
]]>
Lunar New Year is a significant event for the home of Willie Creek Pearls, with Broome being a melting pot of culture. Embedded with strong Asian cultural influences, a result of the multicultural pearling history of the town.
This influence can be seen throughout Broome in the architecture, restaurants and festivals.
Festivals, such as Shinju Matsuri (The Festival Of The Pearl) showcase the amazing culturally diverse cuisine through events including our own Willie Creek Pearls’ Pearl Meat Cook-Off, which invites local Chefs to create tantalising pearl meat recipes for visiting guests and locals to enjoy and vote for their favourite dish. The two week program of events also includes the prestigious Long Table Dinner, set on the white sands of Cable Beach and the Floating Lantern Matsuri, which encompasses a symbolic spirtiualism as messages of love, hope and rememberance of loved ones are written on floating lanterns and sent out to sea against the magnificent Indian ocean sunset (later to be collected to ensure the event is environmentally friendly).
A traditional dragon dance, a dance team under a long Dragon costume imitating the movements of the river spirit, is never far from a true Broome celebration and we are fortunate to have the Broome Chinese Community Inc. who are committed to continue teaching this tradition to the emerging generations, recently welcoming the W.A. Chung Wah Lion And Dragon Dance Troupe for a whirlwind weekend of lessons.
Our Pearl Luggers museum is located in the heart of Chinatown, the cultural and historical hub of Broome. In Chinatown, you can stroll through Johnny Chi Lane to read about the history of Johnny Chi, a Chinese cook with a captivating tale who later became a pearl diver. Or wander over to Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest operating open-air picture theatre, initially constructed in 1903 as an Asian emporium and Japansese playhouse before being sold and re-constructed in 1913. One of the most fascinating things about Broome is the stories, deriving from both land and sea, that lay beneath the surface.
2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit. The Rabbit is the fourth zodiac animal sign in the 12 year lunar cycle. In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth which comes once in a 60-year cycle. The last Water Rabbit year was 1963.
In Chinese culture the rabbit, based on their living habits, symbolises vigilance, wittiness, cautiousness, deftness, self-protection, and the moon.
We are delighted to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Water Rabbit with you. We wish you happiness and prosperity for the year ahead.
From our family to yours,
Happy Lunar New Year 2023!
]]>As a natural gem, all pearls are believed to carry spiritual meaning. Legends spanning back through Polynesian and Chinese history tell stories of black pearls being gifted as symbols of everlasting love and wisdom. To wear this jewel is said to attract love and wisdom into your life, and to gift a black pearl is to bestow these meanings to your loved one.
The word Pinctada is the biological classification for saltwater oysters that produce pearls. These oysters all have a mother of pearl (or “nacre”) layer in their shell and the species (most easily identified by the natural colour of this layer) determines the colour and the size range of the pearls. While our silver-lip oysters, or Pinctada maxima, produce our white (and occasionally golden), Australian South Sea Pearls, the black-lip oyster, or Pinctada margaritifera, produces the dark Tahitian Pearls. Both species of oysters take around 2 years to produce a single pearl, which can each come in a range of shapes, including round, button, drop, circle and baroque. Sizes for the Tahitian pearl vary from 8 – 14mm.
It is fascinating to compare the journey of the Australian South Sea Pearl with that of the Tahitian. In both Polynesia and Broome, the 1800’s saw the development of the pearling industry as the demand for mother of pearl items, particularly buttons, took off across the world. Following the invention of plastic buttons in 1958, the stronger and cheaper alternative caused the need for the pearling industry to adapt. Naturally found pearls are extremely rare, so in the late 1950’s, both Polynesia and Broome looked to Kokichi Mikimoto, a Japanese entrepreneur who is credited with creating the very first cultured pearl, for guidance as the industries began to transform from a mother of pearl focus to producing cultured pearls. Known as the father of modern pearling, Mikimoto brought his findings to Australia, and is credited with revolutionising the industry in Broome. It was a Japanese grafter, however, named M. Churoku Muroi who was the first to successfully apply grafting techniques to the Pinctada margaritifera, and by the mid-late 1960’s, both Broome and Polynesia were producing beautiful pearls.
The Tahitian pearl intrigues with its deep hues and sense of mystery. Its exotic charm best showcased in a stunning piece of jewellery. These spectacular gems are no longer only destined for royalty, but to make the wearer feel as though they are royalty. The Pearl of Queens is ready to reign once more.
]]>In August 2021, the community of Broome stood together in Chinatown, the cultural heart of the township, to unveil the magnificent “Fusion” sculpture – a connection of earth and sky. Created by Safehaven Studios, the curved steel and wood sculpture incorporates 200 kilograms of pearl shell in a base shaped like the hull of a pearling lugger, topped with a symbolic, symmetrical composition that, twice a year, lines up perfectly to position the moon on its crest.
Commissioned by Broome Chinatown Revitalisation Project (in conjunction with Shire of Broome, Kimberley Development Commission, Development WA and in consultation with The Community of Broome) the design was intended to welcome and connect visitors to the shared histories, stories and connections of Broome’s fascinating pearling past and present, connecting the two in the most beautiful way. Willie Creek Pearls was delighted to be involved with the donation of pearl shell from our fabulous 2020 harvest which now takes pride of place in the sculpture’s base.
With the moon recently resuming pride of place atop the sculpture as it rose in late August, we wanted to take the opportunity to share with you the story behind the sculpture and introduce you to the remarkable creators, Nicole and Alex Mickle.
Can you tell us a little about yourselves:
Nicole: We are a husband and wife team who have a particular focus on large scale public art works. We live and work from our rambling bush property in Leschenault, WA. I have a background in design and have long since transitioned to fine art and sculpture. Alex is a trained sculptor and fabricator. During our professional careers, we have completed over 26 major public commissions.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Nicole: Innovation drives our practise, pioneering and developing new ways of designing and fabricating artworks that push the boundaries and possibilities of contemporary sculpture. Our work is embedded into the landscape, our pieces draw audiences deeper into the psyche, instilling further meaning and relevance into the communities in which they are placed.
How long did the Fusion sculpture take to create from concept to completion?
Alex: Three years from the start of the project through to its completion, though the actual physical construction of the work itself was around twelve months.
What materials were used to create this sculpture?
Nicole: We used stainless steel, jarrah, rope and pitch, steel and copper, as well as pearl shell (400 – 500 individual Pieces).
The sculpture weighs just under 5 tonnes.
What does the Fusion sculpture represent to you?
Nicole: Many people came to Broome, across the seas far from their homes in search of the prized pearl shell.
These diverse cultures, now interwoven here. Pearl shell is highly valued by the saltwater people of this region. Pearl and pearl shell still holding a significant place in many cultures throughout history, embedded into dragon and serpent story universally.
The sculpture rises from a curved open form that echoes the shape of a pearl shell, a boat hull, a tear or water droplet. To each side, basketry encases whole pearl shell and heavy timbers are bound with pitched rope, mimicking the sturdy & skilled craftsmanship of traditional pearling luggers. At the apex of the artwork a unique symbol is carried; the symmetrical design based on ancient ideograms. Transcendent, it reaches up and beyond, to connect earth with sky, ocean with stars, family with ancestors and people with place.
It wishes you good fortune and balance in this rocky world.
Why is its placement in the heart of Chinatown so important?
Nicole: Life in Chinatown during the pearling heyday was busy and varied; it was a predominantly Asiatic business quarter with a lively jumble of merchants, emporiums, eating and boarding houses. Here, a unique community came together with spirited reunions as the pearling luggers made it safely back to town or to muster resilience in the face of adversity. The sharing of skills, language, traditions, food, music and kinship, bought diverse cultures together to create common threads still celebrated in Broome today.
What will you be working on next?
Alex: After the Chinatown project went up, we raced back home to finish a small bronze figurative Sculpture commissioned for the newly redeveloped Museum at Rottnest Island (Perth WA). This artwork was installed on Rottnest Island as a reminder that we live and walk on Noongar land and pays deep respect to the oldest living culture on the planet.
We have two commissioned works for Schools in Perth and the Southwest to complete over the coming year and are in early discussions concerning a large tourism-based project, involving a series of artworks in the Southwest.
To view more of the amazing creations by Alex and Nicole, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Safehaven-Studios
To view more on the Fusion sculpture, click here: https://vimeo.com/586132971/cb188fe394
The Fusion sculpture is located in the roundabout at the junction of Carnarvon Street and Napier Terrace. We hope that on your next visit to Broome, you take the opportunity to view this beautiful piece of art and appreciate the sense of history and community that it exudes.
]]>Stemming from Biblical times, the Bible (Exodus 28:10-30) tells the story of Moses who, when arranging priestly garments for his brother Aaron, High Priest of the Hebrews, directed that the breastplate would contain 12 precious gemstones to represent the 12 tribes of Israel.
Image credit: Pinterest
Set in four rows of three, each of the twelve stones in the Breastplate of Aaron had the name of the tribe it represented engraved on the gemstone face. Each gemstone in this religious garment was considered to bear specific symbolism regarding the tribes and possess unique powers and qualities.
The twelve gemstones and the twelve signs of the zodiac were connected in the first century by a Romano-Jewish historian by the name of Titus Flavius Josephus.
It is believed the supernatural powers associated with gemstones are stronger when the corresponding constellation is visible in the night sky, and that the wearing of a person’s birthstone (or the gemstone associated with your zodiac sign) can heighten the symbolic powers and qualities.
In the early days, there were various combinations of gemstones used due to interpretations of the twelve gemstones contained on the Breastplate of Aaron, followed by centuries whereby the custom was to acquire all twelve gemstones and wear each one in the connecting month.
In 1912, the American National Jewelers’ Association finalised the first official list of birthstones. This list of traditional birthstones includes:
Over time, additional birthstones have been added to modern lists due to the rarity of some of the traditional gemstones.
Pearls in particular are believed to represent wisdom, perseverance and integrity. When you consider the creation process of a pearl it is easy to see why. From the tides, temperatures and pristine, nutrient rich waters that combine to make the ideal environment for an oyster to thrive, to the two-year duration to create a single pearl, during which time the oyster will coat the nucleus with layer upon layer of nacre, all the while confronting wild storms and extreme tidal activity. For anyone wearing them, pearls are known to provide calming effects, strengthen valuable relationships and build loyalty, as well as conveying a sense of safety. For Geminis and those born in June, these benefits are even more highly elevated.
The symbolism and meaning behind pearls make pearl jewellery the ideal gift, in particular for those born in June.
]]>Napoleon Street’s Amazing History
Walking down the bustling terrace of Napoleon Street, with its inviting cafes, bespoke boutiques and wellness hubs, it is fascinating to imagine the street’s early days over 120 years ago as a central point for locals to purchase staple household products and services.
Cottesloe was put on the map when the Perth Fremantle Road was officially declared a highway in 1872 (later becoming known as the Stirling Highway). Following this, the railway line was constructed in 1881, leading to a total population in 1898 of 1,000 (compared to the 6,641 we have residing in the town today).
Located on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar, Cottesloe’s beachside position once served as a haven for holiday homes. With its appealing beachside location and access points, it’s easy to imagine that so many wonderful memories were created in the area. Around 1935, the building now housing our Cottesloe Showroom was created, accommodating the Commonwealth Savings Bank at what used to be number 44 Napoleon Street (later renumbered). Neighbouring businesses included a chemist, hardware store, greengrocer, plumber, hairdresser, radio engineer and butcher. Predominantly they were long standing, family-owned businesses with the owner, who worked in the business, growing strong relationships with customers, hence the ‘village’ reference to the area.
Napoleon Street Cottesloe, 1935
In the 1940s, the depression and WW11 saw Cottesloe grow into a residential suburb, as families moved in from the country. The most noticeable difference between the Napoleon Street of old to the street of now is the café culture, with the Albion Hotel the only outlet of its time available for customers to stop and purchase food (operating since 1890, the Albion was once a popular layover for horseback travellers between Fremantle’s port and the City’s business district).
Back then, shopping for fresh items such as meat and bread was a daily occurrence (due to the rarity of owning a fridge), and typically the housewife would come in to collect these items and then carry them home by hand. You can almost image the clean silhouette of a 1940’s female strolling down the street, complete with crisp shoulder pads, short sleeves and skirt below the knees as she went about her daily tasks. At that time, friends would stop to say hello in the street rather than the organised coffee catchups we enjoy today.
Napoleon Street, Cottesloe 1962
It wasn’t until the 1980’s that Napoleon Street started to resemble the upmarket shopping and dining experience of our present day. With house prices in the area increasing, there became more of a demand for quality, bespoke goods and services. Today you will still be greeted personally by many business owners, and the community ‘village’ feel endures. The spirit of Napoleon Street is embodied by the local customers who continue to visit regularly.
The connection between Broome and Cottesloe
Overseeing Western Australia from 1883 – 1890 was Broome’s namesake, Governor Sir Frederick Napier Broome. In 1886, Governor Broome bestowed the name Cottesloe on the district in honour of the brother of Captain C.H. Fremantle, who, in 1874 became Baron Cottesloe.
Willie Creek Pearls in Cottesloe
We are so thankful to all of our neighbours, friends and customers who have welcomed us with open arms into the ‘village.’ It is such a privilege for us to join a street with such heritage, particularly in our beautiful building. It truly is a stunning location and for those of you yet to visit, we cannot wait to offer a warm welcome through the doors to our showroom as you experience our Napoleon Street hospitality!
We would love for you to share with us your favourite memories of visiting Napoleon Street! Please email us at marketing@williecreekpearls.com.au and we will share a compilation of these in our next enewsletter.
A special thanks to The Grove Library for sharing with us the historical timeline of Cottesloe.
All images courtesy of The Grove Library.
]]>In every language, the love between two people has been recorded throughout history in books, music and films. The Greek people have even created eight different words that convey types of love, including deep friendship, longstanding love and, importantly, love of the self. Valentine’s Day is an opportunity celebrate your relationships by sharing with your loved ones messages of endearment and displays of affection.
In many regions of the world, including Australia, we celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14. The romantic conception of the day began in 18th century England however the earliest records of the origins of Valentine’s Day were from the third century Roman Empire when various narratives recount Saint Valentine of Rome doing good deeds such as restoring the vision of his jailer’s daughter. It wasn’t until the 18th century when these narratives included Saint Valentine signing a letter to his jailer’s daughter “Your Valentine” before he was led to his execution. The date itself marks the death of Saint Valentine of Rome in AD269 which later became the date of The Feast of Saint Valentine in his honor in AD496.
As the occasion began to grow a following in the 14th and 15th centuries, the expression of romantic gestures such as exchanging flowers, sweets and handwritten cards formed into annual traditions. While the 19th century may have brought with it an influx of mass-produced cards, there are many other beautiful traditions that take place around the world on Valentine’s Day. In the Phillipines, classic traditions such as gifting flowers and chocolates still occur, however in rural areas, a serenaded love song is a welcome alternative. In Japan, tradition ensues that women present the gifts, with men unable to return the gesture until March 14. One of our favourite traditions is celebrated in Denmark, where friends and partners exchange beautiful handmade cards containing small, pressed white flowers called “snowdrops” that are local to the Danish countryside.
Classic symbols you will see relating to Valentine’s Day include hearts, roses, doves and of course Cupid with his bow and arrow. In Greek mythology, Cupid is the god of desire, love and affection. It is thought Cupid is portrayed as a baby to represent the fusion of two people in love. His magical gold-tipped bows are said to be able to piece the heart of both gods and humans and cause the recipient to fall deeply in love. The dove also has ties to Greek mythology due to their association with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Aphrodite’s chariot, encrusted in gold and jewels, was drawn by a flock of 12 white doves. Frequently symbolised as both love and peace, a pair of doves is said to represent love taking flight, which is why they are sometimes released at engagement or wedding celebrations.
Alongside exchanging cards, the most popular Valentine’s Day tradition is the gifting of chocolate. This only commenced in 1861 when British chocolatier Richard Cadbury initiated selling chocolate packaged in heart-shaped boxes adorned with decorative cupids and rosebuds to celebrate the occasion, invoking a new tradition that would come to be popular worldwide.
Valentine’s Day is a valuable reminder to cherish our relationships and take time to invest in them, whether it be with your partner or family and friends. Here at Willie Creek Pearls, we like to take it as an opportunity to show appreciation to our wonderful team. However you choose to celebrate, we hope there are some special people in your life you can share a card or words of affection with.
]]>For Willie Creek Pearls, like many businesses, the past two years have been somewhat reminiscent of a Broome spring tide with highs, lows and at times some difficult visibility. Despite the challenges and due to the hard work from our dedicated team, collectively our business has delivered encouraging results to our customers, guests and the company. This allows us to look to the future optimistically.
Along with positive outcomes, 2021 bought with it some exciting announcements for Willie Creek Pearls including harvesting our largest pearl ever at 20.12mm, our collaboration with Olivia Newton-John and our exciting new marine biomedical company PearlBoneTM. The timing is ideal for us to strengthen our business management structure to position us effectively to work towards realising many of our visions for the future. Appointing Paul Birch as our new CEO means that we have in the centralised leadership role, someone who understands the unique nature of the business, its activities and all of the industries we work across. Paul has been our Broome General & Commercial Manager and Pearling Master for the past 7 years.
Willie Creek Pearls Owner, Robert Banfield announced “We are very pleased to be able to recruit from within our organisation given the nature of what we do and who we are. During his time with the company, Paul has demonstrated his dedication and his application to the quality work produced and that he is best placed to provide the leadership required for this very diverse role. The family have a lot of respect and already have a great working relationship with Paul, and we are looking forward to supporting him in his new role going forward. Paul will also be in a better position to be able to support all of the Willie Creek Pearls dedicated staff in his position as the CEO. Congratulations Paul!“
In response Paul commented “I am honoured to have been approached to take on this role for the Banfield family and all of my colleagues. We are privileged to have incredible people working at Willie Creek Pearls, engaging in such a unique and broad range of industries in some of the most amazing places in Western Australia. It will be exciting to lead and continue to work with the whole team into our future.”
Paul is an avid rugby union fan, since playing as a Wesley College boy. Prior to working for Willie Creek Pearls, Paul was General Manager for Swings & Roundabouts and has over 14 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, with 16 vintage wine productions achieving numerous gold medals and trophies including best Rose at the Melbourne Wine Awards. Paul led the way for Willie Creek Pearls to obtain our commercial pearling licence and our new aquacultural facilities and was tasked with overseeing the new advancement of our commercial pearling area of the business, which has been vitally important to the company’s success and diversifications over recent years.
]]>
Here in Western Australia, Lunar New Year is particularly significant for the home of Willie Creek Pearls. Broome is a melting pot of culture, embedded with strong Asian influence from Indonesian, Malay, Phillipine, Chinese and Japanese cultures, a result of the multicultural pearling history of the town.
Today in Broome, this influence can be seen throughout the architecture and felt in the spirited personality of the town and its residents. Festivals, such as Shinju Matsuri (The Festival Of The Pearl) showcase the amazing culturally diverse cuisine through events including our own Willie Creek Pearls’ Pearl Meat Cook-Off, which invites local Chefs to create tantalising pearl meat recipes for visiting guests and locals to enjoy and vote for their favourite dish. The two week program of events also includes the prestigious Long Table Dinner, set on the white sands of Cable Beach and the Floating Lantern Matsuri, which encompasses a symbolic spirtiualism as messages of love, hope and rememberance of loved ones are written on floating lanterns and sent out to sea against the magnificent Indian ocean sunset (later to be collected to ensure the event is environmentally friendly).
A traditional dragon dance, a dance team under a long Dragon costume imitating the movements of the river spirit, is never far from a true Broome celebration and we are fortunate to have the Broome Chinese Community Inc. who are committed to continue teaching this tradition to the emerging generations, recently welcoming the W.A. Chung Wah Lion And Dragon Dance Troupe for a whirlwind weekend of lessons.
Our Pearl Luggers museum is located in the heart of Chinatown, the cultural and historical hub of Broome. In Chinatown, you can stroll through Johnny Chi Lane to read about the history of Johnny Chi, a Chinese cook with a captivating tale who later became a pearl diver. Or wander over to Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest operating open-air picture theatre, initially constructed in 1903 as an Asian emporium and Japansese playhouse before being sold and re-constructed in 1913. One of the most fascinating things about Broome is the stories, deriving from both land and sea, that lay beneath the surface.
2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger, occuring only once every 60 years (there are 5 zodiac elements in Chinese astrology: wood, fire, earth, metal and water). This signals that the year will carry good fortune towards relationships and family life. Water Tigers born in 1962 will be brought fortune and luck by the colours of green and blue and the numbers 1, 3 and 7.
We are delighted to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Water Tiger with you. We wish you happiness and prosperity for the year ahead.
From our family to yours,
Happy Lunar New Year 2022!
]]>It’s fascinating to think that this coastal town, a bustling tourist destination and melting pot of multiculturalism produces the best pearls in the world – Australian South Sea Pearls which are revered and known for their exceptional size and lustre.
The saying “Broome was built on buttons” all began after the Pinctada maxima oyster, the largest pearl shell in the world, was first discovered in Roebuck Bay in 1861. The tides, temperatures and nutrient rich waters of the coast off northern WA combine to provide perfect conditions for this oyster to thrive. At this time, “Mother of Pearl” shell was used not just for making buttons, but for many household objects such as cutlery handles and hair combs.
In its early days, commercial pearling was treacherous work; lugger fleets were subject to cyclones and the divers faced the hazards of sharks, strong ocean currents, jellyfish, decompression sickness and wound infections. Between the 1860s and 1880s, the earliest divers were local Aboriginal people, both men and women, called ‘bare pelt divers’ who dove naked into waters up to 12 metres deep to collect shell.
By the early 1900’s Broome was supplying 80% of the worlds Mother of Pearl at a record price and was the most cosmopolitan town in Australia. The new breed of divers wore hardhat diving suits, heavy 12-14kg ‘one size fits all’ suits paired with metal boots, a lead waist belt and weights, and a helmet. Fully dressed a diver could weigh in excess of 180kgs! The multiculturalism of the divers, a mixture of Malays, Koepangers (from West Timor), Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos and Ceylonese, has contributed to the amazing diversity in Broome today. You can still see this represented as you walk down the streets in the fascinating architecture and delectable food offerings.
Unfortunately, World War 1 interrupted the great success of the industry. Most of the industry’s labour pool immediately joined the war effort and the industry was left without sufficient labour or resources to maintain its fleets. This was a challenging time and the industry struggled through, surviving on government subsidies.
By the 1920’s the trade had recovered, with the price of shell soaring again. Then disaster struck once more with the start of World War 2. The industry was ground to a halt – the labour force was enlisted into the war effort a second time, while Japanese pearl divers were taken into prisoner of war camps.
During the war, in Japan, all of the Japanese pearl luggers were destroyed. This devastated the Japanese Pearling Industry, however the countereffect skyrocketed Broome’s Pearling Industry. With the new rise to success, a record price was paid for pearl shell. Broome and the industry were at the top of their game and the town was booming.
Then, a completely unforeseen and unexpected development took place: the invention of the plastic button! Invented in America in 1958, this creation rocked the pearling industry to the core. Overnight, pearl shell became worthless because the plastic button was stronger and cheaper. Without great use for Mother of Pearl, a shadow was thrown over the industry.
Enter the greatest pivot seen yet! Kokichi Mikimoto was a Japanese entrepreneur who is credited with creating the very first cultured pearl. Known as the father of modern pearling, Mikimoto brought his findings to Australia in 1965 and the pearling industry was transformed! Mikimoto found that pearls in Australia matured in two years instead of four and doubled in size compared to the Japanese pearls. These amazing Australian South Sea Pearls produced in Broome contributed to 60-70% the world’s pearls by the 1970’s.
Attend an event in Broome today and you will see all the necks of Broome’s females (and some males!) adorned with amazing strands of pearls produced in the area. These pearls are renowned for their virtues: size, lustre, shape, complexion and colour. Synonymous with Western Australia, Broome pearls are purchased and adored by lovers of pearls across the world.
Today’s pearling industry is highly regulated and by the 1980's, wooden luggers were replaced with more efficient and functional steel and aluminium ships, while diving gear was replaced with modern industry equipment.
The pearling industry in Western Australia's northwest continues to prosper and is renowned for producing the largest and best quality pearls in the world, the Australian South Sea Cultured Pearl.
You can learn more about Broome’s fascinating, diverse and colourful history on a Pearl Luggers Tour which showcases archival footage and rare diving artifacts. The venue also features two full size replica pearling luggers.
To understand more about the modern pearling industry, join us on a Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour. Not only will you be captivated by the stunning colours of the Kimberley in this remote and picturesque location, but you will learn about the entire pearling process from the seeding of an oyster (still based on the original process developed by Kokichi Mikimoto!), cruise the azure waters of Willie Creek to view oysters suspended in their natural habitat, and experience a live pearl harvest (a recent tour harvested the most valuable pearl to date).
Or, perhaps, you’d like to view the stunning product that Broome is famous for.
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We love the word timeless as a descriptor for pearls. Pearls transcend time, changes in fashion and are beloved in families for generations. The spherical shape a tangible illustration that there is no clear beginning or end.
We truly believe that pearls are to be cherished for a lifetime and passed down to future generations, hand in hand with pearls of wisdom from a life well lived. Heirloom jewellery comes with such special, personal meaning and creates an extraordinary family history. It brings together loved ones past, present and future in a shared experience, a connection founded by precious gemstones that have been present through the journey of one’s life. This allows the wearer to continue to experience a strong bond and keep a part of their loved one close.
As the world’s oldest gemstone, pearls were treasured by Romans and Egyptians as far back as the 5th Century BC and considered gifts from the gods. Over the thousands of years of wear, pearls have become known to represent wisdom, integrity, purity and love, bringing wellness and good fortune to the wearer.
Regardless of the decade, pearl jewellery represents elegance and class. We’ve looked back over the most recent decades to bring you some of our favourite styles and their iconic wearers.
Grace Kelly once famously said “I favor pearls on screen and in my private life.” The star of the silver screen dazzled in her beloved pearls and later became royalty as the Princess of Monaco following her wedding to Prince Rainier III in 1956. |
The classic style of these iconic women is highlighted through Audrey’s understated elegance and Elizabeth’s glamour.
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“Pearls are always appropriate.” Inspiring a generation of women, Jackie Kennedy is synonymous with enduring style. In the 1970's the pearling industry in Broome was producing 60-70% of the worlds pearls. We love to look at images from this decade and marvel at the voyage of these pearls from the pristine turquoise waters of Broome to the necklines of some of history’s most prominent women. |
Image source: Pinterest
Arguably the most influential icon of all time, the “People’s Princess,” Princess Diana embodies grace and inner beauty. Pearls have long been associated with the Royal Family and the Queen boasts an extensive collection of pearl strands. |
Image source: Pinterest
Pearls graced the catwalk throughout the 1990’s with the supermodel era providing a front row seat to couture style. Adding femininity and sophistication to designer creations, pearls adorned models including Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. |
Image source: Pinterest
Pearls starred in the early 2000’s as a classic addition to the outfits of Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, in the Sex and the City television show which ran from 1998 - 2004. The character incorporated designer and couture outfits, complimented by both classic pairings and over-the-top lashings of pearl strands (as pictured left). The fashion choices by this character have cemented Carrie Bradshaw as a style icon for this decade. |
Image source: Pinterest
Bold and impactful, Michelle Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009-2017. She was adorned by an array of pearl strands and earrings, ranging from classic strands to elegant masterpieces. |
Image source: Pinterest
The magnificence of pearls to transcend this time period remaining at the height of elegance and sophistication pays tribute to the virtues they embody. Looking back at the phenomenal changes in lifestyle and culture, it is truly remarkable that this gemstone remains beloved throughout generations. A timeless natural beauty.
]]>The morning of the priceless pearl harvest started like any other. The Tour Guide at Willie Creek Pearl Farm selected an oyster at random from the Hatchery, the first segment of the tour. Young guest Mitchell was the Oyster Carer for the tour, carrying the single panel which held the oyster during the boat ride along the creek, keeping it safe while the group spotted local flora and fauna, including resident crocodile Nigel!
Guests then headed to the pearl masterclass, a segment of the tour where guests learn more about the oyster and its anatomy, followed by the big reveal. As young Mitchell handed the oyster over, Tour Guide Caleb van Veen inspected its health. A third seeded oyster (having produced 2 pearls previously), the shell displayed damage from cliona (a harmful sea sponge). Caleb explained to the group that this was not a good sign for the quality of the pearl.
A collective gasp by the group as Caleb pulled the shell open confirmed otherwise! A huge pearl was clearly visible! As young Mitchell assisted Caleb to remove the pearl with tweezers, the true size was revealed – the tweezers couldn’t reach around it! Excitement grew within the group as Caleb completed a once in a lifetime harvest. All of the elements of pearl farming had aligned to create this beautiful, rare pearl. Two years of care, weathering the vast tides and tropical Kimberley conditions, years of progressive and innovative work by the pearling team, resulting in this one-of-a-kind, priceless pearl.
As the group of conspiring guests headed into the showroom, young Mitchell casually placed the pearl in the hand of Robert Banfield, Owner of Willie Creek Pearls. Its safe to say that this was an emotional day for Robert! This amazing, rare pearl was measured at 20.12mm. Round, with excellent lustre and pink gem tones, weighing an impressive 11.847g (or 3.159 momme), this pearl is the single most valuable pearl ever harvested at Willie Creek Pearl Farm!
Christened ‘Don’ as a tribute to Don Banfield, the late father to Robert and his siblings (and husband of Valda), this extraordinary gem features all the desirable characteristics of valuable pearls, based on the five virtues - shape, size, colour, complexion and lustre.
Don is proudly displayed at the Pearl Farm, a new and exciting tour highlight! For Robert, Caleb and the guests of this tour, particularly young Mitchell, their day at the Pearl Farm will certainly be one they will never forget, while the tour guides are holding their breath just a little bit more at every harvest!
Broome is famous for its stunning pearls and Jessie James heads north to Willie Creek Pearls to discover exactly what's involved in growing and harvesting these beautiful creations. Get behind the scenes and learn about modern pearling and see the magic from shell to showroom.
]]>How an English lord unwittingly helped a famous local family tough it out to create a jewel of a business for our State.
“They struck up a friendship and every time the lord came in, dad would be the one who would pick him up from the airport,” he said. “They were obviously poles apart, but it was probably what attracted them to each other. Dad was fascinated by the English lord and the money he had and the lord was fascinated by an Aussie bush character, a true-blue Australian farmer.
]]>The West Australian - Steve Butler - 09/01/21
PAIN AND PEARLS IN WA'S PARADISE -
How an English lord unwittingly helped a famous local family tough it out to create a jewel of a business for our State.
STEVE BUTLER'S BUSH LEGENDS
How a chance meeting between a Tincurrin farmer and a British aristocrat led to a life of pearling lustre is a compelling legend of the WA bush.
Don Banfield — the late grandfather of Fremantle Docker, Bailey — had to walk away from his Wheatbelt sheep farm in the mid-1980s because of a financial downturn. He had then taken to limousine driving with his sons Robert and Darren when he happened upon notable British politician Lord Alistair McAlpine as a client during the America’s Cup defence of 1987.
It led to a strong friendship and business relationship via a Kimberley bus company that ultimately spun off into a pearling business on the protected tidal estuary at Willie Creek, a 38km drive from Broome. Sadly, it did not come without tragedy.
Lord McAlpine, who was said to have spent $500 million to enhance Broome with projects including the famed Cable Beach Club Resort, died peacefully aged 71 in 2014 at his Italian home. But the sudden heart attack death of Mr Banfield in 1991, while driving a bus load of Aboriginal children and nuns 40km west from Fitzroy Crossing, stopped his family in their tracks.
There had been no prior health warnings and he was just 51. It was only 10 years ago that one of the nuns from the bus that day emerged to tell the family the story of what actually happened.
“It was just such a shock and we’d never followed it up much because no one really wanted to talk about it,” Robert Banfield said. “Apparently, he had started feeling pains while he was changing a tyre. But he continued driving while the heart attack continued, then he pulled over and laid down in the middle of the bus.”
The family had only just bought out Mr McAlpine’s silent 50 per cent share of the bus business and were suddenly cast into expanding a growing business at a time of acute grief and high interest rates.
But the Banfields had already learnt a bit about business resilience when a 1989 pilot strike threatened to bury them just three weeks after starting their bus association with Lord McAlpine.
“I was in way over my head, mate,” Mr Banfield, who was just 22 at the time, said. “I muddled through it as best I could, but I came this close to breaking. When the pilot strike came, I literally sat down and said, ‘Thank f... for that’ because everything just stopped.
“I was cooked and in the end, we took a breath and the pilot strike was probably the making of our business.”
As had been, in many ways, the relationship between his father and the eccentric Lord McAlpine.
“They struck up a friendship and every time the lord came in, dad would be the one who would pick him up from the airport,” he said. “They were obviously poles apart, but it was probably what attracted them to each other. Dad was fascinated by the English lord and the money he had and the lord was fascinated by an Aussie bush character, a true-blue Australian farmer.
“Dad called a spade a spade and I doubt McAlpine would have heard that many times. It was a meeting in the middle for two ends and if McAlpine wanted something, dad would make it happen.”
Robert Banfield was born in Narrogin, but grew up on the family’s Tincurrin wheat and sheep farm nearly 60km to the east. He said it was there in a true farming community that he learnt important lessons for life and the value of family.
“Idyllic, I guess, would be a word you could use and since we didn’t know anything else, it was ideal to us,” he said. “But it was hard work with jobs to do and we were expected to do them. From the time we could reach the pedals on the tractors, we were expected to drive them.”
That ethic now rings through the Willie Creek Pearls operation the family acquired in 1994 after taking tours out to the spectacular location for the previous owners for several years. But Mr Banfield admitted he wondered whether it would be enough when the coronavirus hit last March.
The business had to close its seven stores for several months, its 2019 crop was not selling in a marketplace that had effectively shut down and 30,000 oysters at the farm still required care.
So his mother Valda, the daughter of late WA speedway star Wally Higgs and once voted Floreat Surf Life Saving Club’s “Miss Gidget”, jumped into work with Mr Banfield’s siblings Darren and Melissa as he relocated from Perth to Broome for a more hands-on role.
Robert’s son Bailey offered his life savings into the financial mix and engaged in media promotions, his brother Harrison took charge of the family’s city home base and sister McKenzie cancelled her gap year from university to work with the marketing team. Nephews Darcy and Hayden and niece Lili also joined to help.
The timely sale of a stunning $90,000 pearl string in June, soon after WA’s regional borders reopened in June, then rekindled hope. And it was clear the support offered by Robert’s wife Debbie was as uncompromising as it was timely.
When he had suggested they sell their family home to pay off mounting bills, she instead also headed to the Kimberley operation to get to work.
“She rolled her sleeves up, just fantastic,” he said, tears welling from memories of the pressure. “We all jumped in and got the job done.”
He also said he would never forget the support of WA tourists who wandered out yonder to support local businesses in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Some even returned to the creek to sprinkle the ashes of late loved ones who had cherished the surrounds in past visits.
“As soon as the borders opened, they came — voraciously, in good numbers and in good cheer,” he said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be here because we literally got down to pretty close to the last dollar. I call them our West Australian cousins because that’s what they felt like.”
Modern pearling in Broome has a vastly different nature compared with the dark old days of blackbirding, secrecy and slavery. Robert revealed Willie Creek Pearls was even exploring the viability of an edible oysters branch to the business. He also believed rival pearling companies could benefit from a more united front for their industry while maintaining competitiveness.
“Every day in pearling is an adventure . . . it’s not for the faint-hearted,” he said.
“Mother Nature dictates the terms and you live around what she produces. No two days are the same and when the magic happens during harvest, it’s an amazing industry to be involved in.”
]]>My family’s road to Broome started long before Willie Creek Pearls.
The story starts with my grandparents, Valda and Don Banfield (Mimi and Tiger Pop) on a Tincurrin wheat and sheep farm with four children and now Willie Creek Pearls is a retail, tourism, hospitality and commercial pearling operation in Broome and Perth. What has remained constant on the journey there, is the strength of my family.
]]>The story starts with my grandparents, Valda and Don Banfield (Mimi and Tiger Pop) on a Tincurrin wheat and sheep farm with four children and now Willie Creek Pearls is a retail, tourism, hospitality and commercial pearling operation in Broome and Perth. What has remained constant on the journey there, is the strength of my family.
Mimi and Tiger Pop left Perth in 1964 as a young couple to buy a farm in the shire of Wickepin, a small community near Narrogin in the WA Wheatbelt. With little to no farming experience, it was an adventure. My Dad, his brother and two sisters were all born on the farm over the next 10 years.
The farm was a time of ups and downs and significant financial hardship. After years of fluctuating wheat and sheep prices and marginal land, the family leased the farm out from 1985 and sold it five years later. Tiger Pop then settled in Perth driving for a limousine company, Astra, with Dad and my Uncle Darren. One passenger stands out, and that was what set the family on their path to Broome. Tiger Pop forged a connection with Lord Alistair McAlpine that led to a working relationship in the late ’80s. Tiger Pop always loved driving and fixing up buses, and in 1989 he saw an opportunity in Broome for a new challenge. The town needed a reliable bus service for the rapidly expanding tourism industry. The family farm hadn’t sold yet, which meant that they didn’t have enough capital to buy the business outright. So Mimi urged Tiger Pop to make a business proposition to Lord McAlpine; to purchase Broome Bus Lines together, with Lord McAlpine as a silent partner. He agreed but at the lord’s request, Tiger Pop continued to work for him in Perth, leaving Dad and Uncle Darren to run the business at 23 and 21 years of age.
This meant some significant changes for the family. Dad had to move to Broome on just 24 hours notice, and Uncle Darren followed not long after. Three weeks into the new business, they met their first hurdle - Australia’s infamous pilot strike. The strike cut off tourists from Broome for six weeks, essentially crippling the town during that time. What could’ve been a disaster for a young business, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The sudden drop in workload allowed them to set up the business permanently, rather than just battling to keep up with the demanding workload stipulated by their silent partner. This put the family in the position to buy out Lord McAlpine a year later. Tiger Pop then moved to Broome permanently to share the workload with his sons.
In 1991, just as they were beginning to establish the business, Tiger Pop had an unexpected and fatal heart attack whilst driving one of the buses to Fitzroy Crossing. He was aged 51, leaving Mimi a widow with four children.
Uncle Darren said that “there wasn’t much time to grieve”. The business was nonstop and to stay afloat their only option was to work even harder. Having won a contract for Lord McAlpine’s Cable Beach Club Resort, they were required to meet every plane that flew in, and do hourly staff runs to the Resort for 18 hours of the day. As Dad and Uncle Darren were usually the only ones driving, they both worked 14-hour overlapping shifts to cover a 24 hour period, never saying no to any work that presented itself. While still grieving, to say that they were busy was an understatement. Running the business without Tiger Pop was a massive undertaking, so they enlisted some help from the family. Dad’s youngest sibling, Aunty Melissa, deferred her university studies to move to Broome with Mimi to help out for a year. Aunty Donna, the eldest sibling, and her husband, Uncle Geoff also took three months of long service leave to come up and help. They came together as a family in grief, to survive.
Having endured this difficult time and come out the other side, the decision was made to expand. After years of delivering tourists to the Pearl Farm, in 1994 they approached the previous owners to lease the Willie Creek Pearl Farm site. They agreed – making the rapid progression from sheep farmers to pearl farmers in just a few years.
This began years of quiet expansion, with Willie Creek Pearls as the center of the tourism, retail, and pearl farming operations. Over the years there was also involvement with the Zoo Café, taxis, hire cars and bus operations throughout the Kimberley. Willie Creek Pearls' presence in Broome was established, with showrooms opening in Chinatown, Cable Beach, and to expand the Willie Creek Pearls experience beyond the farm - Perth. This time of increased business stability coincided with the growth of our family. In Broome, the three siblings: Dad, Uncle Darren, and Aunty Melissa, all got married and between them gave Mimi seven much-loved grandchildren, to add to Aunty Donna and Uncle Geoff’s two children. Privileging me with 2 siblings and 7 cousins.
To this day, Willie Creek Pearls is still a family-owned and operated business. The day-to-day operations are run by Dad, Uncle Darren, and Aunty Melissa, while Mimi has taken more of a matriarchal role in recent years. The skills of other family members are constantly utilized, ensuring Banfield involvement at all levels, from bookkeeping to filming advertisements to day-to-day staffing of the showrooms.
I remember taking trips out to the Pearl Farm when I was younger. Just getting out there was an adventure - it was always exciting taking the 'bumpy road' out and a couple of times when the tide was up, driving on the tidal flats was awesome! Being one of three siblings, and pretty close in age, we used to fight a lot, particularly my brother and I. At the farm though, Dad always had a ready-made threat to get us to behave...the resident croc, Nigel. We'd go out on the boat, definitely looking for the croc but not sure if we wanted to find it or not, and not sure if Dad would actually follow through on the threat and throw us in. The other thing I loved about the farm was the tides. I couldn't believe how the whole jetty and a couple of flights of stairs could just disappear and reappear in a matter of hours.
The theme of family is evident throughout the business and one of its great strengths is, as Mimi likes to say: “no one tells the truth like family”. This bond is now a part of the business DNA and is more important than ever in this unprecedented pandemic. For the first time in Willie Creek Pearls' history, all 7 of our showrooms have been closed temporarily. However, our online store remains open 24/7 so there is still a chance for customers to find their perfect pearl. It’s going to be the biggest challenge we have faced, and to get to the other side some difficult decisions will need to be made. Family is important in times like this and so is our broader family – the community. Willie Creek Pearls has always supported the Broome and Perth communities at every opportunity and it’s now more than ever that we need to come together. Now we have to lean on them to survive with a business that is not only intact but can continue to provide jobs and thrive into the next chapter.
We’ll come through this, together.
(Top photo (c) @baileybanfield)
]]>We love our partnership with Destination WA and having our friend Trevor Cochrane visit our operations in Perth and Broome. See the TV footage below as he meets up with a few of our fabulous team to discuss our tours available at Elizabeth Quay, Willie Creek Pearl Farm and Pearl Luggers.
]]>We would like to acknowledge and thank the firefighters, volunteers and emergency services who are working so courageously and selflessly to support and protect those affected. We are glad to hear of the rain and hope it brings some relief.
We understand that many of our customers and visitors may have been directly affected by the fires. On behalf of the Banfield family and the entire team at Willie Creek Pearls, we hope you stay safe during this difficult time.
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Photo by Lucas Coch
]]>We had a wonderful time hosting Rob Broadfield from Fresh TV for a Harvest Your Own Pearl experience at Elizabeth Quay.
Channel Seven aired the segment in November 2019, watch the footage below.
]]>The West Australian speaks to Business Chicks about their recent Movers and Breakers Conference and their trip to Willie Creek Pearl Farm!
Click here to read the West Australian article.
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What a fantastic week at Willie Creek Pearls! We are honoured and privileged to partner with Business Chicks for their Mover’s + Breakers conference, a powerful community bringing women together for three special days of connection, learning and respect. We welcomed 142 attendees to enjoy an exclusive and bespoke Willie Creek Pearl Farm experience.
They were hosted and entertained by our awesome team including our owners, Rob, Darren and Valda Banfield and featuring a pearl master class. The attendees learned the art of pearl farming and harvesting these precious gemstones. Following this was a cruise along Willie Creek, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to buy some stunning pearls. They had a fabulous time, enjoying sundowner drinks and canapés, including a pearl meat ceviche, served on the deck enjoying the music of DJ Fadj.
The lucky Business Chicks were delighted to be gifted a piece of Western Australia to take home with them. A stunning Sterling Silver Mother of Pearl Pendant valued at $195 each, courtesy of Willie Creek Pearls.
Watch this space for our next partnership.
See more photos on our Facebook post.
Delve into two of Western Australia's most iconic industries with these award-winning city experiences exploring the world of gold and pearls.
To book and for more information, visit our Special Perth Packages. We hope to see you soon!
The father, Don Banfield met The Lord, whilst driving limousines in Perth, just as he was playing a key role in the development of Broome as a tourism destination. On a visit to Broome with Don, they identified the fact that the town needed a reliable bus service and they joined together in this venture. Just as the Banfield family were beginning to establish themselves in Broome, tragedy struck. Whilst driving one of their buses to Fitzroy Crossing Don had an unexpected heart attack. He was aged 51, and left his wife Valda a widow with four children.
His sons Robert and Darren, together with the rest of their family continued on and worked to grow the business. After running a bus service out to Willie Creek Pearl Farm, the opportunity arose for the Banfield family to take over the tour operation at Willie Creek Pearl Farm, and so began their journey into the pearling industry.
Today, the Banfield family’s efforts have resulted in Willie Creek Pearls being recognised as one of the most awarded tour attractions in Western Australia. The company has been inducted into the WA Tourism Hall of Fame three times and won two Sir David Brand Awards (the pinnacle of WA Tourism) and most recently awarded a Bronze Medal at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Completing the “pearling” story in recent years, the Banfield family’s journey led them to come full-circle, back to their roots in farming when they acquired one of only 17 commercial pearl farming licenses available in Western Australia, located 10 nautical miles off the coast of Broome. This license was obtained in addition to the original pearling license issued for tourism purposes at Willie Creek.
“The journey from being solely a tourism operator and now progressing to being in a position to not only grow some of the finest pearls in the world on a commercial scale, but to also be able to talk about them, and to provide them to our customers worldwide is hugely rewarding” said Willie Creek Pearls’ Chairman, Robert Banfield.
“Last week when a Chinese customer purchased a 19.7 mm pearl, it reminded me of this. Our business was able to firstly grow this magnificent pearl then educate the customer on why it was highly valued through our tourism experience. This ultimately led to them having enough confidence in our people and brand to make the decision to purchase. It’s a fond memory to me as this is the outcome that the hard work and sacrifice has been about” added Mr Banfield.
To celebrate this milestone, Willie Creek Pearls invited their customers to share their special “Willie Creek Pearls Moments” from the last 30 years. Those who shared their stories went into the running to win an all-inclusive “trip of a lifetime to Broome” valued at $21,500, including a 9-day luxury Kimberley cruise for two with Odyssey Expeditions.
"Our journey began by providing a coach service from Broome to Willie Creek Pearls through Broome Buslines in 1989. After originally being wheat and sheep farmers from Tincurrin, we found the process of pearling (an industry we knew little about), extremely interesting, and thought if that's the case for us - then our customers would as well.
This proved to be correct and our thinking extended in 1994, when we approached the previous operators of Willie Creek Pearls with an offer to take over the running of the pearl farm tours. After our offer was accepted, we had the ability to look after our guests experience from door to door. We knuckled down and invested much of our time and resources to make this the best, and at the time, only pearling tourism experience available to the public.
In 2005 we successfully acquired the land lease for Willie Creek Pearl Farm and 2 units of shell quota (2000 pearl shell to use for tourism purposes). At this time, we again invested significant resources into our pearling tourism product. This included new boats and a café, extending our service for the comfort and benefit of our guests. However, we only held a relatively short land lease (10 years), and were without a pearling licence and a shell quota that would allow us to grow pearls commercially and meet the growing demand of our tour guests, who all wanted to take home a pearl!
Obtaining additional local pearls was a difficult process, as most - if not all, were sent directly to overseas markets where they would fetch very high prices. So, at the time, we bought as many local pearls as we could whilst supplementing our jewellery offerings with overseas freshwater pearls. This enabled us to provide a varied range of pearl jewellery items at different price-points (freshwater pearls are much more affordable than Australian Pearls) for our now blossoming retail business.
Like the pilot strike of 1989 (which occurred 3 weeks after we purchased Broome Buslines) the GFC allowed us a new opportunity, to invest further towards our ultimate goal; growing our own pearls on a commercial scale. This occurred when we were able to purchase a 15-unit shell quota while simultaneously gaining a commercial pearling licence, which as simple as it sounds, was far from it. We are forever grateful that with the assistance of the pearling industry of Western Australia, including its farmers and the Department of Fisheries, we found a way through the difficult process. This move ensured that we had a secure supply of pearls, and allowed us to complete the unique story of a pearl for our guests, from shell to showroom.
Over the last 30 years, many people have contributed significantly to what we do, and we are enormously grateful for their efforts. We wouldn't have a business without them. The talent that we have been able to attract and the expertise they have provided us with has been invaluable, appreciated and ultimately the reason for our success. We highly value our ‘family values' and hope that we have provided an interesting, stimulating and rewarding working environment through the many challenges that we have faced. Yes, there’s been a few rogues along the way, and it's not easy being an employer of people in a small family business, but the quality of people, the rewards and the positive outcomes far out-number the difficulties over the journey."
Can you share your fondest memory from the last 30-years?
"The journey from being solely a tourism operator and progressing to a position to not only grow some of the finest pearls in the world on a commercial scale, but to also be able to talk about them, and provide them to our customers worldwide is hugely rewarding.
Last week when a Chinese customer purchased a 19.7 mm pearl, I was reminded of the fact that our business was able to firstly grow this magnificent pearl, then educate the customer on why it was highly valued through our tourism experience. This ultimately led to them having enough confidence in our people and brand to make the decision to purchase. It’s a fond memory to me as this is the outcome that the hard work and sacrifice has been about."
There must have been some characters from all walks of life come through the doors over the years? Both staff and customers…
"Our customers are a diverse bunch from kids to their grandparents. They include family and friends and some even become family and friends!
I'll never forget a Singaporean customer asking our longest serving team member, Des (29 years), if they could see a koala bear. He told the customer that they are in the esky underneath the coach! While the customer had a horrified look on her face, he proceeded to stop the coach and innocently retrieve a "cola-beer" from the esky."
And after all this time, what do you find most exciting about Willie Creek Pearls' operations?
"Definitely harvest time at the farm, not knowing what the next oyster will reveal. The process that includes talented entertainers revealing the secrets of the industry to the customer, who might then take home an Australian South Sea Pearl and become a part of the Willie Creek Pearls family for life."
You lived and worked in Broome for many years, what do you most love about the place?
"It was the perfect place to have a growing family and business as the opportunities for both proved very good. The onset of the dry indicated by the dragonflies not only bought about a cool change but indicated a new visitor season. The summer season also provided some magical lightning and thunderstorms that were stunning. I still get up there as often as I can."
After reflecting on the last 30 years of business, what are the things that you feel have most contributed to your success?
"We've had many thousands of people contributed to our success. These not only include our hundreds of influential staff members, but also customers and loyal supporters along the way. The family, including our extended family, also needs to be thanked for the sacrifices they have made for the greater good and future of the business. It's actually very rare for a family to be in business as long as we have, and to still be enjoying the process and the challenges that come our way.
I would also like to acknowledge the original founders of the Willie Creek Pearl Farm concept. The initial concept was developed by Dave Rae with some help from his partners. As Broome Buslines we first took tourists to meet Dave in an old tin shed in 1989. But it was Mark and Sue Walsh and Larry and Tracey House who first envisaged the tourism concept that you see as part of our operations today.
Today we're grateful for not having to play such a big part in the day to day activities. By having a talented management team in place, it's enabled the family to work on the business rather than in the business. This has allowed some different thinking operationally as well as strategically which has only enhanced what we are currently achieving. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next 30 years brings for Willie Creek Pearls."