News

Please be advised that Cootenbrand Creek Beach, Cape Keraudren will be closed to all vehicles from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026 to protect nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings. This seasonal closure is essential to provide a safe, undisturbed environment for these threatened marine creatures during their nesting and hatching period. We appreciate your support in protecting our precious coastal wildlife. Let’s work together to give turtles the safe start they deserve!

The Shire of East Pilbara has expressed serious concern over the State Government’s funding offer for road reconstruction following Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia, warning that the proposal would result in roads being rebuilt to a much lower and non-resilient standard.

The results of the 2025 Ordinary Election have now been officially declared.

The Shire of East Pilbara has unveiled a striking new mural at the Marble Bar Civic Centre the town’s first public artwork in over 30 years.

The Shire of East Pilbara has wrapped up another successful Street Blitz, held over Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 October in East Newman — with more than 72 cubic metres of waste cleared from local streets and public spaces in just two days.

The Shire of East Pilbara’s Youth & Community Garden is officially springing to life — and locals are invited to roll up their sleeves and be part of the launch. The new garden, located at the Newman Youth Centre, will be officially opened with a Community Busy Bee this Sunday, 19 October, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Formalities will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a morning of gardening, building, and community connection. Morning tea will be provided.

Booking a Shire facility just got a whole lot easier. The Shire of East Pilbara is rolling out a new online booking system to simplify the way local residents, sporting clubs, and community groups reserve community venues.

The Newman Art Studio has officially reopened its doors, with the first ceramics workshops selling out in record time. All 48 tickets for the October workshops with Petra’s Pottery were snapped up within just two hours of going live.

The Shire of East Pilbara has defended its record on road maintenance and upgrades, pointing to big increases in funding and works delivered across the region. Shire President Anthony Middleton said Council also stands firmly behind CEO Steven Harding, praising his track record and commitment to securing better roads for the entire community.

The pool has re-opened in Marble Bar 

Measles testing sites have been opened across the Pilbara as health authorities work to identify the source of a fresh outbreak after four new cases were confirmed in the region on Monday 29 September 2025.

We’ve got some exciting news — the Newman Recreation Centre is getting a facelift! The old east and west walls of the sports courts are coming down and being rebuilt bigger, better and stronger. Works will commence in late September and are expected to take approximately 8 months to complete.

On Valentine’s Day this year, Cyclone Zelia left the Shire of East Pilbara with a $60 million road damage bill and more than 27 roads significantly impacted. Flood waters took weeks to subside, breaking records, with short term emergency works completed to temporarily restore access.   Shire President Cr Anthony Middleton said the situation was untenable: “With wet season fast approaching again we are eager to ensure that funding can be confirmed, and we can have the necessary work completed.”  

The election will be held on Saturday, 18 October 2025, and will be formally conducted as a postal election. Electors may cast their votes in person by lodging their ballot packages at Shire Offices. All electors will be sent a ballot paper by post from 12 September 2025.

The Shire of East Pilbara’s Million Moves Challenge officially kicked off on 1 September, with community members already logging their moves and joining free activities designed to inspire healthy habits.

$4.65 million Lotterywest grant will assist the Shire of East Pilbara to build a youth and community hub in Newman to provide a culturally safe space for the community.

COMMUNITY NOTICE – Emu Oval Maintenance The Shire of East Pilbara advises that contractors will be undertaking maintenance on a light tower at Emu Oval this Saturday, 30 August, from 7:00am. The work will involve the use of an Elevated Work Platform (EWP) and will focus on the light tower closest to the playground on the far side of Emu Oval. There will be no disruption to oval users, however we kindly ask the community to keep clear of the immediate area around the light tower while the works are in progress, for safety reasons. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Shire of East Pilbara

Shire of East Pilbara Launches Owner Occupier Incentive Scheme In a first for Western Australia, the Shire of East Pilbara has introduced a new Owner Occupier Incentive Scheme to encourage more people to make the East Pilbara their home, supporting population growth and stronger, more connected communities. From 1 August 2025 to 30 June 2026, eligible property owners who live in their own homes in the Shire can apply to receive a $200 incentive payment.

The Newman Cricket Association has been awarded a grant of $5,000 as one of seven local community groups sharing in almost $50,000 in cash to assist their organisations. Each application is eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 in cash and/or in-kind contributions

Newman Makers Club has been awarded $2000 in community grants to run local community projects.  The Grants and Sponsorship programs aim to strengthen the community and support diverse activities and projects that are responsive and represent community needs

The Returning Officer for this election is Carole Winfield. Candidates should make contact with Carole as soon as possible to make an appointment to lodge their nomination in person

The Shire of East Pilbara has awarded the Newman Day Care Centre $5,000 in grants as part of the Grants and Sponsorship programs, which aims to strengthen the community and support diverse activities.

Newman’s Uniting Church is one of seven local community groups that have been awarded almost $50,000 in cash to assist their organisations. Each application is eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 in cash and/or in-kind contributions. The Grants and Sponsorship programs have awarded $ 9,941.00 to the church’s Marble Bar Youth Program for frontier services aimed at strengthening the community and supporting diverse activities and projects that represent community needs.

WA Health is encouraging overseas travellers and fly-in fly-out workers to get vaccinated against measles, following two new recent measles cases. Last month, a measles alert was issued for three cases of measles detected in the Perth and Pilbara regions. Two additional cases linked to this cluster have recently been identified. Dr Clare Huppatz, acting Director Communicable Disease Control Directorate, urged community members who are travelling, whether for overseas holidays or for work to mine sites within Australia, to check their vaccination status.

The Shire of East Pilbara has welcomed a convoy of vintage tractors to Newman as part of a national fundraising trek in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Children’s Hospitals around Australia.  The 9G Chamberlain Tractor Club – known for its iconic collection of Australian-made tractors from the 1950s and 60s – arrived in town today and will spend two-nights at the Shire’s Yurlu Caravan Park.

The Western Australian Government is inviting feedback from the community, businesses and peak bodies on the potential changes to WA's public holiday schedule. Feedback invited on the potential opportunities and impacts of updating State's public holiday schedule

WA Health has confirmed a locally acquired case of measles with potential exposure sites across Perth and Newman. If you were at any of the locations below and are not fully immune, monitor for symptoms until 25 July.

The Shire of East Pilbara would like to advise the community that light testing will be conducted tonight 9 July 2025

Early Closure – Friday 11 July 2025 Please be advised that our Shire offices, Library, Newman Visitor Centre, Waste Facility, Newman Aquatic Centre and Newman Recreation Centre Reception will be closing early at 12:00 PM on Friday, 11 July 2025 due to a staff event.