The Shire of East Pilbara in Western Australia recently celebrated the launch of The Square, a new multi-use facility in a revamped town centre.
At the official opening celebrations, kicking off on a Friday in late-July, crowds were treated to live performances from renowned singer Daniel Riches, soul-duo The Merindas, local singer Tiriki Henare, and a world-class fire show by the Pirate Man.
Events continued all day Saturday including one of Newman’s most successful community markets ever, hosted by Red Desert Events.
Families gathered for the days’ final event – a screening of the LEGO Batman Movie – the first outdoor movie screening on the brand new state-of-the-art movie screen.
The party continued on Sunday with more stage shows, craft workshops, and a relaxed afternoon listening to local band Robber’s Dog.
“The Square is set to be the lively heart of Newman; designed to be an inviting and safe public space for the whole community, celebrating Newman’s diversity of culture, heritage, creativity and learning,” said Shire President Lynne Craigie.
“I would like to invite the whole community of Newman to engage and participate with the facilities and services The Square has to offer.
“Making this vision a reality required long-term planning, investment and the coordination of many individuals and now it’s your turn to help activate this facility as a member of this community.”
The opening signifies the completion of the final stage of the Newman Town Centre Revitalisation Plan.
This project has been in planning since as early as 2002 and has seen the town transformed into the modern, rejuvenated and revamped town it has become today.
“We have always believed that the people of Newman deserve a town with facilities and infrastructure that enhances and improves their lives, making this beautiful town a wonderful place to live, work and visit for many years to come.”
The project has been made possible through the support of the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, the Pilbara
Development Commission, Landcorp and the Shire of East Pilbara.
The Square will soon be host to a range of community activities and as a shared public space, it will also provide opportunities for local businesses and community groups to host their own activities and events.
