Former employees and visitors to the Two Rocks tourist attraction attended a Wanneroo Regional Museum event on April 21 to share stories, photos and memorabilia.
It was a reunion for some who used to work at Atlantis in the 1980s before it closed down. Museum staff filmed interviews with trainers, performers, managers, creative directors and those involved in the park’s construction.
Among those attending were Sue Robertson, who was a trainer and performer, and Diane Dickerson, a trainer, performer and education officer who brought several framed photographs for display.
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READ NOWAlan Udy and his son David, who was a mammal trainer, also attended. David had previously provided several pieces for the display, including his whistle and recall ring.
The park’s former marketing manager and creative show director, Colin Herbert, brought in several videos of promotional material as well as publications and news clippings.
Ian Thomas, who worked at the park from 1982 to 1987 as the food and beverage manager then general manager, donated a souvenir stubby holder and iron-on transfer patch.
The museum curators will also arrange to meet John and Jill Henry, who designed and built sets at Atlantis, because they had too much memorabilia to bring with them to the event.
Visitors also watched short films from the park and the release of its stars, the dolphins, in the theatrette.
Donations included two jumpers with designs of Atlantis, several souvenir items, two dolphin paintings, a toy dolphin and seal, and a billboard advertising the oceanarium feeding times.
The museum also received hundreds of photographs and several films as donations or on loan, which staff will digitally copy for its collection.
Once collated, all material will be available through the Community History Centre on Rocca Way, Wanneroo, for visitors to learn more about the Atlantis Marine Park.
Anyone with more material to contribute should call the museum on 9405 5903 to organise a time to meet or email museum@wanneroo.wa.gov.au.