WA FacesEach face has a story to tell. We all have stories about who we are, our connections to family, friends and Country, and how we came to live and work in Western Australia. Join the WA Faces album; share your portrait and your story and help us show the world what it means to be Western Australian. Warning:Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned that this website may contain images of, or reference to, deceased people. SHARE YOUR PHOTO HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT THE NEW MUSEUM
Kellerberrin is our home town and we come to Broome every year for 3 months to enjoy the fabulous weather, travel with an floo (1985) and caravan. We love the friendly people and love to slip into Broome time. Always leave a small piece of my heart in Broome when I leave for home. Ethel and David
Melbourne and here are home - I am currently packing up and leaving tomorrow after 5 years in Broome. I am following partner maybe to Bega, Gibb River, Bungle Bungles and Katherine Gorge. Mark
I am a French guy travelling around Australia and about to start my journey in the wildest places of Australia. My home is France but the Australian adventure is calling for me. Thomas
I came to Broome 4 years ago for the beautiful beaches. I stayed because I fell in love with the laid back lifestyle, multicultural community and vibrancy. Andrea
I came here on a ship. I am the 1st mate on a new Australian ship called MMA Plover working on the Inpex oil and gas project in the Indian Ocean. Geoffrey
"We moved up from a small town near Kattaning as my partner had a job here and had been living here and asked if we would like to try living here. I had never been to Broome and visited and did not mind it so decided to move. I enjoy it here but I do miss family and friends. While living here I have been learning a lot about the history of Broome - it has changed so much in the past 20 years. Not only landscape but also buildings and the town due to environmental factors but also due to people and tourism." Sandra
Melbourne is home and I am here on a holiday visiting parents who are also on a holiday. They travel here every year to spend three months in Broome and have done so for many years. Sharyn
Came for a job (hotel manager) and never left Broome - it has been 13 years now. Things that make me stay include the lifestyle, love the beach, people are friendly and the nature. This place is very spiritual and very healing and is spectacular with the red dirt - I love the culture and Aboriginal Art. Wendy
Rameswaram, India is home for me. I came over to Broome from Melbourne in 2011. To be honest, I missed the city lifestyle at first but I soon realised that Broome was the place to be. I absolutely love the sense of community, people, not to mention the beautiful landscape. I tried to leave Broome for good but onlu lasted a year being away from this paradise. I am looking forward to spending a few more years in Broome. Arun
Melbourne is home but I spend as much time here as possible. I love living outside and have been doing artmaking/ diaries since 1992 and working with communities in Gularabulu/ Goolarabooloo Country. Paddy Roe taught me - he is a generous man who shared knowedge and encourages people to care for Country. I am engaged with the cultural layer and there is so much to learn. Jeanné
Love the landscape and natural environment we live in... yet big art and design things are happening in the city - lots of pockets of culture and events developing in the 14 years I've live here. Gayle
"I did a few jobs after uni, then I got a job working for the Port Authority and they offered me a secondment. I got permanancy here, I'm waiting for confirmation. My job is do with maintenance, keeping the ports running. (What do I like about Port Hedland) There's no traffic lights. There's a warm community - it's ironic because it's warm here, and the community is warm. I volunteer at the community radio station. I'm a presenter of a show on Friday nights. I got a referral, there's a condition when you leave you have to find a replacement, and a co-worker who was moving back to Perth brought it to me. It's made me more confident, with public speaking, talking." Michael
I work at the TAFE. I came with Michael, he works at the Port Authority and got a job here and I followed. We came for six months, now it's turned in to a year already…possibly longer. I love the laid back nature of the place. You make your own fun. The locals are great, friendly. Lakin
I'm a sales rep for a materials engineer, industrial clothing for mining. I don’t like the heat when it's 40 plus and 60% humid. I don't know how long I'll stay. My favourite places are Karijini, Broome. Ali
"I'm living here now (Port Hedland). I came here from Newman, I came to WA about 11 years ago. I was on a working holiday, I drove over in my little car with my Dad. I drove the coastline. Came over here and never went home. I'm a photographer by trade, my husband got a job in Port Hedland. I like the coastline, the community. I've been in the Pilbara eight years. There's been a lot of positive change in the infrastructure, facilities. We'll be here a while." Elizabeth Jean
(The Pilbara) has changed a lot - the history of this place is really interesting. My company has just recently purchased a mine which as been operating since the early 1900s mining tin. There is an old eight tonne diesel engine on the hill there and it's amazing to think of the amount of man power required to move it there - and it all depended on water, how much you had for survival. Charlie, Joy & Shyanne
I moved to WA 16 years ago for work (driving road trains), lived in Kalgoorlie first and then moved here to Port Hedland as I got the opportunity to manage a road train company, I now look after 120 employees. I love living here, to be close to the sea and in the warmth. I just love living here. Charlie & Joy
(My) Hubby was flying in and flying out of Karratha while our home was on the Gold Coast. We decided to make Karratha home as he got a good job opportunity, we got to be together. (Port Hedland has) Got a lot more social, in terms of cafés and lifestyle and choices. Simone
(What brought you to the Pilbara?) Change, money, travel. I'm from Victoria, the first draw was the money and travel. And a fresh start. The first year was partying and drinking, then we travelled. It's a nice place, now I like the Pilbara - I could stay for a while. There's so much to see, it's a good place to station then travel, this place is amazing to travel around. I've learnt to enjoy the Pilbara more for what it is, the sites, the country. Patrick
"(I came here) To see what a mining town was like, to be part of the mining conversation directly. I got a job at BHP managing a rail team, worked there for two years then started working at the Gallery (Courthouse Art Gallery). I love the job and being able to work for the community, providing creative activities for everyone. It's (Port Hedland) become smaller in population, but the community spirit is still strong!" Katie
"Moved 30 years ago from Proserpine, Queensland area for work. Had friends living here who recommended moving - I came for a five year period and now would not ever want to leave. Port Hedland has been really great to us, the community is welcoming and supportive. My Husband and kids worked for BHP - still do work there. Weather is a big part of why we stay also. Although we have lived here for 30 years we still call Proserpine and Cairns home, and here is home also - we do miss Port Hedland when we travel back to our other home. (How has Port Hedland changed?) People's mind sets - you need to really put in to the community and make your own fun to benefit. Port Hedland has been really good to us. Over the 30 years we have seen people leave and return a lot. Recently we've seeing people in the 30 year age bracket come back with family." Chantelle & Valerie
"I came here for money, opportunity. Then it was to be with my husband. (How has it changed?) Initially, more building, more creative talents emerged in town. Now - more recently - it's slowed down and businesses have closed, creating less energy in town. There's still a smaller click of unique, creative energy." Katherine