Shire of Ashburton, Media Release, 19 May 2021

Shire of Ashburton are thrilled that the Neil and Judy Baker Shell Museum opens this week in Onslow.

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White said she was pleased with the refurbished premises at 50 Third Avenue that is now home to one of Australia’s largest shell collections.

“Council has supported and worked hard to be able to showcase the impressive shell collection from residents Neil and Judy Baker so that it can be enjoyed by tourists and the community for decades to come”, said Councillor White.

“Accumulated for over 60 years, most of the shells have been collected from the waters and islands surrounding Onslow, with others coming from Europe as collector items.

“Working with Onslow Visitor Centre, the collection was transported and relocated to 50 Third Avenue, over a number of months and will be available for viewing by the public from Monday 17 May 2021.

“Those wishing to view the collection can visit the Neil and Judy Baker Shell Museum on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays or through the Hidden Secrets Tour run by the Onslow Visitor Centre.

“The 2-3 hour tour commenced in 2020 and is proving to be a popular highlight for tourists to Onslow and showcases the many hidden attractions and local stories that make up Onslow’s authenticity.

“We have so much to see and offer tourists in Onslow, we are a gateway to some of the best fishing in Western Australia. We have a rich history and heritage as the oldest town within the Ashburton Shire, being actively involved in World War II with the Navy refuelling at the jetty and the town becoming the furthest town south to be bombed by the Japanese while our roots lie in agriculture, pearling and mineral and hydrocarbon resources”.

Follow @VisitAshburton and @onslowvisitorscentre on Facebook and email onslowtc@bigpond.com for bookings.