Shell collection adds to décor at Resthaven Port Elliot

When Mrs Margaret Frickers moved into Resthaven Port Elliot she was at a loss as to what to do with her extensive shell collection.

‘I talked to my daughter, and she suggested Resthaven might like them,’ Margaret says. ‘I mentioned it to the staff, and Annette Parmenter [Coordinator Hospitality Services], said she could use them to decorate the café. I thought this was a wonderful idea – now everyone here can enjoy them.’

Margaret collected most of the shells around 40 years ago when she was visiting Mornington Island, Queensland. The island is the largest within a cluster of 22 small islands that form the Wellesley Islands group in the south of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Margaret was there with her daughter and son-in-law who was a surveillance pilot at the time.

‘The boys would go out sea fishing, but that wasn’t for me’ Margaret says.

‘Instead, I collected shells, and they really are the most beautiful things – all different shapes and sizes. I even found some small pieces of coral.’

Margaret has lived at Resthaven Port Elliot for just over a year. Her husband, Laurie, lived at the home earlier, but unfortunately passed away in 2023.

‘We are very happy to have Margaret’s shell collection here on display,’ Resthaven Port Elliot Manager Residential Services, Louise Banner says. ‘The shells perfectly complement the décor and location, and they make a nice conversation piece for visitors to the site.’