Published on Friday, 19 December 2025 at 8:45:46 AM
The Shire of East Pilbara has announced the winners of the 2025 Christmas Lights Competition, with communities across Newman, Nullagine and Marble Bar embracing the festive spirit and turning their neighbourhoods into Christmas showcases.
Shire President Cr Anthony Middleton congratulated all residents who took part, saying the competition once again proved how much pride local communities take in coming together at Christmas.
“Every year I reckon we couldn’t top the last one, and every year people prove me wrong,” Cr Middleton said.
“The effort that goes into these displays is unreal — and it’s not about winning; it’s about bringing a bit of joy to the whole town.”
This year, the Shire offered cash prizes in all three towns, with $1,000 awarded for first place and $500 for second place in each community.
Cr Middleton said the introduction of cash prizes across all three towns was aligned with the Shire’s broader focus on strengthening community connection, participation and local activation.
“Events like this do more than just look good — they get neighbours talking, families out together and communities interacting in a positive way,” he said.
“That kind of social connection is exactly what our community strategy is built around, especially in remote towns where opportunities to come together really matter.”
In Newman, 1st place went to 22 Tjilla Street, with 2nd place awarded to 26 Nyabalee Road, following strong community voting across multiple neighbourhoods.
In Nullagine, 1st place was awarded to 10 Cooke Street, with 2nd place going to 14 Howard Street, recognising two standout displays that drew consistent support from residents.
In Marble Bar, the competition was extremely tight, with 64 Contest Street (Office) securing 1st place, closely followed by 64 Contest Street (Geoff Zi’s Van) in 2nd place.
This year’s competition saw strong community participation, with voting available for the first time both online and via hard copy forms.
Many votes were submitted on the spot during the Christmas Lights Bus Tour held as part of the Shire’s Community Christmas Party in Newman last Saturday night, with the bus tours proving extremely popular with families and visitors.
Cr Middleton said the close results reflected not only the quality of the displays, but the level of community involvement across all three towns.
“When it comes down to just a handful of votes like it did in Marble Bar, that tells you just how strong the competition was,” he said.
“The Shire thanks everyone who entered, voted and helped spread the Christmas spirit right across the East Pilbara.”
The Shire also acknowledged the support of Fortescue to make this event happen and the efforts of staff and volunteers who helped coordinate voting, mapping and community engagement across all locations.
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