Introducing the CARE Group: Community, Accessibility, Responsibility and Environment

At Willie Creek Pearls, we believe real change starts from within. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the CARE Group, a passionate, cross-functional team formed to drive meaningful progress across sustainability, community engagement and workplace wellbeing.

Why We Formed the CARE Group

CARE stands for Community, Accessibility, Responsibility and Environment. The group was established to ensure the values we hold as a family-owned business are embedded throughout our operations, from pearl farming in the Kimberley to our tours and showrooms in Broome and Perth.

It’s a platform where ideas can grow, where positive change is encouraged, and where voices from all parts of the business contribute to shaping a better future, not just for our team, but for the communities and environments we are part of.

Meet the Team

Our CARE Group brings together a diverse mix of skills, experience and perspectives:

• McKenzie Banfield, Business Development Officer, draws on broad experience across different areas of the business, with a focus on accessibility and fostering a stronger sense of community.
• Bailey Banfield, Sustainability Officer, offers a wealth of experience in the sustainability sector. Outside of Willie Creek Pearls, Bailey is an ambassador for several charities including Save the Children and Worthy, and also plays for the Fremantle Dockers, bringing both passion and visibility to causes that matter.
• Katerina Dodds, Willie Creek Operations Manager, provides a direct link to our core operations on land and sea. Their practical insights help us implement environmentally responsible practices at the farm level, where we welcome tens of thousands of visitors each year.
• John Vitale, representing our Broome team, ensures regional voices are included and celebrated across all initiatives, drawing on his broad experience across multiple roles and in-depth knowledge of Broome's operations. 
• Carolyn Simmons, from our Perth retail team, offers great passions and a frontline perspective on customer engagement and community impact in metropolitan settings. 

Together, they reflect the heart of Willie Creek Pearls, a team that values the earth, innovation and, above all, people.

What’s Ahead

The CARE Group has several exciting initiatives in the pipeline. These include increasing accessibility awareness across the business, making our tours more inclusive for people of all abilities, and continuing to grow our eco-conscious practices.

They’ll also serve as a sounding board and support network for team members with ideas, feedback or passion projects, creating space for grassroots change to thrive.

This is just the beginning and we look forward to sharing the journey with you.

If you have an idea, suggestion or would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts with us via care@williecreekpearls.com.au or through our socials, hearing from our community is important to us.

Caring isn’t just something we believe in, it’s something we do, together.