Here's the key and the code

@JudyEv (362419)
Rockingham, Australia
July 1, 2025 3:03am CST
While we were in Shackleton, a tiny town in the central wheatbelt of Western Australia, we decided to view the historic display in their old hall. There was another couple there looking at the various exhibits and when they left they told us about the key. It was only then we noticed the sign on the door. As you can see from the photo, it’s no problem to get into the hall or the ‘little bank’ which I’ve already written about. The key is in a locked box but that’s okay because the code is clearly marked on the notice. I guess they’re not too worried about vandals and there is really nothing to steal. It still seems a very trusting thing to do.
19 people like this
15 responses
@Juliaacv (54765)
• Canada
1 Jul
The lock box must only be a requirement for their insurance company. It is wonderful that the area is so very trustworthy.
4 people like this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Jul
Quite possibly that's correct. I can't imagine hordes of people finding this little place so there probably isn't much danger of anything being stolen. There is nothing of interest to steal really; it's mostly typewritten pages of significant events.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (199928)
• United States
1 Jul
That's odd. I hope no one takes advantage of the situation.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Jul
It's a very small town. Probably few people go there.
2 people like this
@terri0824 (5208)
• United States
1 Jul
Seems a bit strange to announce the code visibly where the key could be found. Sounds like it defeats the purpose, but as someone has mentioned...perhaps for insurance purposes.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
That seems the most likely explanation.
@FourWalls (78477)
• United States
1 Jul
There’s a big difference between Australians and Americans. You’d need three locks on top of the lock for it here.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
I think way out in these country areas, they're a bit different; even more different than the rest of us.
1 person likes this
@rakski (147721)
• Philippines
1 Jul
I guess people there are very trustworthy
2 people like this
@rakski (147721)
• Philippines
4 Jul
@JudyEv it probably is
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
In these very small communities I think they are very trusting.
1 person likes this
@Beestring (15779)
• Hong Kong
1 Jul
I guess it is only to fulfil some requirements.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
I didn't think of that but that's quite probably the reason. Clever you!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165656)
• United States
2 Jul
That is funny and quaint.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
I don't know why they lock it up at all really.
@snowy22315 (195601)
• United States
1 Jul
It sounds like one of those escape games, but you got the code so maybe not.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
Maybe they got tired of having to come to open the hall for visitors.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (152994)
• India
2 Jul
What's the point?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
No point at all.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (152994)
• India
4 Jul
1 person likes this
• China
1 Jul
Sounds like it is a self-service historic display room-no docent too.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
There was no charge and no-one to show you around. It was still very interesting.
1 person likes this
@Orson_Kart (7724)
• United Kingdom
1 Jul
I can’t see the point of having a lock box. Maybe they didn’t have a flowerpot to put the key under?
2 people like this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
You're probably right. They need a flowerpot, don't they?
@wolfgirl569 (121935)
• Marion, Ohio
1 Jul
That's great they can be that trusting
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
I think it is kind of nice. I just hope they never get caught out, not that there is anything to steal.
1 person likes this
• United States
1 Jul
It really does seem very trustworthy of them to leave the key and code for getting into the bank. Even with nothing to steal it's unusual that vandals haven't done damage. It's definitely a breath of fresh air to see that it hasn't been vandalized.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
I imagine very few vandals ever go out that way. It's well away from anywhere. I guess they might like the hall to be locked but get fed up with traipsing down to open it up for tourists.
1 person likes this
@Ronrybs (21000)
• London, England
2 Jul
It is probably the code to set off the silent alarm!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
You could be right. When I left the hall two huge dogs came charging over with their owner ineffectually calling them. I stook stock still but they were friendly enough. He said he thought we'd finished at the hall or he wouldn't have let them out.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Jul
@Ronrybs I'm not particularly fond of big, strange dogs but I was hoping for the best!
1 person likes this
@Ronrybs (21000)
• London, England
4 Jul
@JudyEv Another good defense!
1 person likes this
@Fleura (32494)
• United Kingdom
1 Jul
It makes you wonder what is the point of having a lock at all?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362419)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jul
No point I'd say. It was probably kept locked and maybe tourists had to ring a number if they wanted to look through. This became a nuisance perhaps so they came up with this idea. If we go again and we find a local, we'll ask them.
1 person likes this