Building begins on a Broome legend’s bust

Work has begun on building a foundation and plinth that will proudly carry the bronze bust of Lord Alistair McAlpine — just metres from the famous resort he founded.

An independent group of Broome business people have paid about $36,000 for the statue, created by NSW sculptor Linda Klarfeld.

The Shire of Broome has funded the mounting and chosen the location on the grassed area at Cable Beach, overlooking the Cable Beach Club.

Lord McAlpine was crowned Honorary Freeman of the Municipality when he visited last year.

The same people who paid for his short return say the statue is a fitting gesture to the man they say put Broome on the map.

Among them is long-time resident and real estate business owner Allan Griffiths.

“We are very appreciative of the Shire support and to the group of Broome business people who contributed financially to the sculpture,” he said.

“It will create another feature of interest for visitors in a high traffic location that will contribute to their knowledge, and hopefully further interest into finding out more about the town’s history and how Broome has developed over the past 30 or so years.”

Broome Shire President Graeme Campbell said the memorial bust was a good example of a community contributing to a “very worthy cause”.

“All types of people have joined in recognising Lord McAlpine’s contribution to the town in areas such as tourism, restoration of historic buildings and as benefactor to many organisations and people in the region,” he said.