Tidal Treasures
21st August to 6th September
For over 30 years local sporting bodies, not for profits including PCYC, Football Clubs, the Netball Association, Lions and many more, would nominate a representative to raise money for their organisation and for the chance to wear the Shinju Crown.
Throughout the year the entrants worked hard raising money by holding Quiz nights, cake stalls, Fancy Dress events and other fun activities. The winners were announced at the Opening Shinju Ball, where the Shinju Queen was crowned and along with the Shinju Princess & Matsuri Queen (Charity Queen), received wonderful travel & pearl prizes, donated by local businesses.
The first Shinju crown was made by jeweller Robert Boyd, a delicate silver crown featuring eleven sets of Japanese cultured pearls set against a blue velvet headband. On display at the Broome Museum.
In 1993, Michael Tanner, owner of Monsoon Gallery Broome, created a new crown for the Shinju Matsuri’s Pearl Queen Quest, as the old crown was 23 years old and quite outdated.
Michael donated the Silver, design and labour and asked each of the below Pearling Companies to donate one good quality cultured pearl for it. This can be viewed at Cygnet Bay Pearls in Chinatown.
1970 - Diane Fong
1971 - Elizabeth Male
1972 - Margaret Roberts
1973 - Jennifer Garstone
1974 - Jenny Neervoort
1975 - Sherry Aylmore
1976 - Barbara Ann Blackman
1977 - Diane Pitson
1978 - Diana Hughes
1979 - Lorraine Lee
1980 - Rhonda Peirce
1981 - Eugenie George
1982 - Sandy Buscomb
1983 - Anne Martin
1984 - Judy Arrow
1985 - Tania Channer
1986 - Chris Farley
1987 - Jodi Thompson
1988 - Niki Sargeant
1989 - Gary Brisset & Donna Mitchell
1990- Shimah Bin Lusimoen
1991 - Chris Isitt
1992 - Justine Kinney
1993 - Lisa Gibson
1994 - Kym Graham
1995 - Debbie Chan
1996 - Colette Shaw
1997 - Karla McKeon
1998 - Sherena Bin Hitam
1999 - Jasmine Thompson
2000 - Nahtanah Bin Swani
2001 - Janelle Ruecroft
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Broome Historical Society & Museum for generously providing historical images and for their ongoing dedication to preserving Broome’s rich heritage. Their commitment to protecting the stories and legacy of our town has helped keep the spirit and history of Shinju Matsuri alive for over 50 years.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.
Shinju Matsuri Festival acknowledges Traditional Owners of this saltwater Country and recognises the continuing connection to lands and waters of Rubibi (Broome). We pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
