Abalone Pioneers

Abalone Pioneers is the Australian story of the divers, deckhands, researchers and processors who established and developed the zone’s abalone industry, from the amateur fishermen of the 1950s and the hazy crazy tribe of ‘scruffy longhairs’, who were attracted by the hedonistic lifestyle and fantastic profits in the 1960s, to the professional enterprise of today. It charts the development of the Victorian Western Abalone Divers Association and its role managing and protecting the Victorian Western Zone’s resources, and explores the successful diver-led commercial processors.

Illustrated with over 100 historical photographs and featuring over 50 interviews, Abalone Pioneers is an exuberant and fascinating account of the establishment of one of Australia’s valuable but little-known fisheries.

About the Author

Abalone is one of Australia’s more valuable commercial fisheries, producing about 40 per cent of the world’s wild-stock harvest, and a significant part of that is found off the coast of southwest Victoria, in what is known as the Western Zone.

About the Authors

Rhonda Whitton is a well-published journalist and writer, and has published three titles (seven books) related to the writing industry. She taught writing and public relations/marketing for 11 years. Rhonda assists writers to get their manuscript to a publishable standard and also conducts corporate training related to writing. She first tasted abalone 40 years ago.

Liz Doran is a Sydney-based writer for film and television. Liz was the co-creator, script producer and head writer on the International Emmy nominated ABC series Ready for This.

Harry Peeters is the Executive Officer for the Western Abalone Divers Association. He has held that position since December 2002. Harry came to this role late in life following senior management and director roles in a variety of public service entities. Harry has used this previous corporate experience representing the abalone industry in both state and national organisations. Harry has a passion for ensuring that oral and documentary history is preserved for future generations. Harry has co authored and published a number of scientific papers about abalone management and has led numerous abalone research projects.