The need for more shaded spaces along walking trails in East Newman was identified during Newman Futures’ community consultation co-design process for the Home in East Newman Masterplan in 2020.
To move this initiative forward Newman Futures engaged architects Hames Sharley to work with Nyiyaparli, Martu and other stakeholders to design shaded areas that would meet the needs and reflect First Nations’ culture and the Pilbara landscape.
As a result of these conversations, Hames Sharley has designed the bough shelters to blend seamlessly with the Pilbara landscape while allowing for detailed designs by Martumili artists, which will depict their rich heritage and the breadth of creativity and intricacy that the artists are renowned for.
The bough shelters are just one priority area identified as part of the Home in East Newman Masterplan, which the Newman Futures team has been working on diligently behind the scenes to help implement and advocate, to ensure East Newman is a comfortable, safe and connected place to live.
Funded by BHP, the five bough shelters between Nimingarra Drive and Kalgan Drive will feature metal shading with a perforated metal roof designed by Martumili artists, held up by steel poles that are wrapped in cotton wood and spinifex columns.
Locally sourced boulders will serve as seating, while native Pilbara plants will surround and climb the structure to create a welcoming space to gather or reflect.
The planning application for the bough shelters has been submitted to the Shire of East Pilbara and is now open for public comment. We invite the Newman community to provide support or comments to the Shire before 4.30pm on Monday 28th March by clicking here: Have your say
We will continue to provide updates on the Home in East Newman project as progress is made for each of the project’s goals.
