Lord of tourism immortalised

An independent group of Broome business people have shelled out to immortalise Lord Alistair McAlpine in bronze.

The same people who paid for him to revisit the town last year, when he was crowned Honorary Freeman of the Municipality, believe the $36,000 sculpture 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 and Bill Reed, the founder of pearl empire Linneys of Broome.

Sculptor Linda Klarfeld agreed to create the bust at a discount because of a contra deal with the Cable Beach Club, the resort created by Lord McAlpine and where she is artist in residence.

Mr Griffiths said the former British Conservative Party treasurer should be recognised for his contribution to Broome and that his role was equally as important as the three men whose statues stand in town in recognition of creating Broome’s pearling industry.

“His contribution to Broome, particularly the tourism industry as well as associated community efforts and donations, must be seen as equal to those three gentlemen,” Mr Griffiths said.

“They stand in Chinatown because they are seen as the fathers of the cultured pearling industry.

“McAlpine has really got to be seen as the father of the modern tourism industry in Broome because without that Cable Beach Club, we would be 15 years behind where we are now.”

Ms Klarfeld is based in NSW but has been annually visiting Broome annually on an annual basis for almost six years.

“I am very thrilled to have been able to create this sculpture and to have my work permanently on display in the town,” she said.

The Shire of Broome has agreed to find a location and explore funding the mounting of the bust statue, which will be shipped to Broome shortly.