Story: Willie Creek – Solar Panel Boats
Episode: 28
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 30th August 2026

Trevor ventures to the West Kimberley and meets with the owner and operator of the Willie Creek Pearl Farm. He learns how the pearling industry is operated sustainably and is at the forefront of biomedical progress.

• Willie Creek is a family-owned business that has become one of the most awarded tourist destinations in the West Kimberley. Visitors flock from around the world to see the story of the South Sea pearl in action, but the true secret of the pearl is a little deeper below the surface.
• The pearl farm is located in excellently maintained pristine freshwater, giving visitors some remarkable views. It is also something that is worth putting effort into protecting, and the farm’s Mimi Pearl boat highlights just that. The boat is solar powered, so it not only produces less emissions, but also dramatically limits noise pollution which disrupts the growth of the pearls, and lives of other aquatic creatures.
• Outside of the absolutely gorgeous jewellery and pearls, the production also has a very practical by-product. ‘Mother of Pearl’, the liquid in which the pearl develops in, has an incredible use in biomedicine. PearlBone is made from the substance, which promotes bone regeneration and growth.

For more information, head to:
https://www.williecreekpearls.com.au/