This metal and wire installation traces the defining moments that shaped the Banfield family into the strong, connected and multi‑generational team it is today. Three generations still work side by side, a rare and treasured achievement that underpins everything we do.

The story begins in 1963, when Don Banfield married Valda Higgs and moved to a 4,000‑acre wheat and sheep farm in Tincurrin. Life on the land was a steep learning curve for a 24‑year‑old, but those early years were filled with adventure. Family history is marked by moments of courage, such as Don carrying his father James down a windmill after his first heart attack and by enterprise, from developing a Murray Grey stud to young Robert’s first business breeding black‑faced sheep.

As interest rates rose in the 1980s, Don took on extra work driving trucks, buses and taxis, leading to a chance meeting with Lord Alister McAlpine. Their friendship and business partnership brought the family to Broome in 1989 to run Broome Buslines, the first airport transfer service for Cable Beach Club Resort. Tours followed, showcasing the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes.

Don passed away suddenly in 1991, but Valda, Robert and Darren continued the business, later shifting their focus to Willie Creek Pearl Farm. Over time, the family added the Pearl Luggers Museum and a commercial pearling lease at Quondong Point which is one of only 17 licences in Western Australia. Melissa and her husband Scott expanded the legacy further with the Broome Explorer Bus.

Willie Creek Pearls has since earned multiple WA Tourism gold medals, three inductions into the Tourism Hall of Fame and two Sir David Brand Awards (the highest honour in WA tourism). Our story remains deeply tied to Broome, its pearling history and its remarkable wildlife, including Nigel the Crocodile, who still cruises the creek looking for his pearl necklace.

Today, we are proud to collaborate with Marine Biomedical on PearlBone™, a groundbreaking medical innovation using Pinctada maxima shell to support future bone‑growth treatments.

On behalf of the Banfield family and the entire Willie Creek Pearls team, we welcome you to the farm and wish you safe travels ahead.