Living and working in Newman, Western Australia

visit www.jobs.wa.gov.au or contact (08) 9222 2525

Where is Newman?Newman is located in the heart of the East Pilbara region of WA, approximately 1200 km north of Perth. It is accessible via the Great Northern Highway and regular flights service the town providing convenient access to the region.

About the community?Newman is often referred to as the ‘Heart of the Pilbara’ or the ‘Gateway to the Western Desert’ and is a modern town built primarily to house the workforce at the site of Mount Whaleback.

Mount Whaleback is the world’s largest single open cut iron ore mine.

Newman is rich in history with a fascinating Aboriginal culture. First contact between local Martu Aboriginal people and Non Aboriginals occurred as recent as the late 1960’s and the traditions and culture of the Martu people remain a strong guiding influence in their daily lives. The Martu people are the traditional custodians of the Newman area, having this role conferred upon them by the Niyaparli people, who are the traditional owners.

The Martu people have a strong Newman based arts movement that expresses and showcases their dynamic culture.

Newman enjoys a host of amenities and recreational facilities including a swimming pool, library, art gallery at the Newman Visitor’s Centre, ovals and courts for football, cricket, tennis and netball. There is also a golf course and racecourse and an annual rodeo.

There are various waterholes and gorges providing opportunities for half or one day trips as well as overnight camping trips. The spectacular beauty of this land can be enjoyed by visiting the Ophthalmia Range and Karijini National Park, each displaying an array of waterholes, gorges and rock pools, wildflowers and panoramic views.

What services are available in Newman?Residents of Newman have access to government and private services, including:

Shopping centre, including retail outlets• Medical services, including a district hospital • and medical centrePolice station• Employment agencies• Post office and newsagency• Legal services• Centrelink• Primary and secondary schools• TAFE• Airport• Child care facilities• Banks • Hotels and accommodation• Restaurants and food outlets• Aquatic and recreation centres•

For further information on health and education services in Newman, visit:

Department of Education and Training www2.eddept.wa.edu.au/schoolprofile/home.do Newman Health www.health.wa.gov.au

For further information on employment opportunities with the Department for Child Protection,please visit www.jobs.wa.gov.au or contact (08) 9222 2525.

Living and working in Newman, Western Australia

What is it like to live in Newman?Newman is a family friendly community. There are various sporting and recreational activities for the whole family or individuals to enjoy and participate in.

“It is a close knit community which makes it easy to get involved in community events, specifically sporting activities. The weather is great. Newman is close to natural sights such as Karijini and camping spots such as Weeli Wolli. Newman provides an easy going lifestyle; there is a relaxed nature in the community.” Tamara (Field Worker)

“I have lived in the Newman and Western Desert region for over ten years; it’s a town and region that you can raise a family in. As a father, I’m happy to have started my own family here. There are many supports and services for young families and children. Newman is undergoing a program of development that will see the town improve even further in regard to services and amenities with a focus on shared public spaces that capture the unique living environment of the Central Pilbara.” Adam (Team Leader)

“The surrounding landscape is unbelievable and the waterholes are spectacular. You are on a direct route to Perth and can be there in a day. Most people come for 6 months and stay for a few years..... the western desert has that effect on you.” Natasha (Pilbara Director)

For further information on the Newman lifestyle, visit:

Newman Visitor Centre http://www.newman-wa.org/ Newman Tourism WA http://www.discoverwest.com.au/western_australia/newman.html

What is it like to work for the Department for Child Protection in Newman?The office in Newman consists of a small team of approximately eight people and is located at the corners of Newman Drive and Abydoss Way in Newman. The Newman team is unique and work

with a “can do” work ethic within a supportive environment. The Newman team works with a culturally diverse client base including some of the most traditional Aboriginal people in Western Australia. There are also extended chances for professional development given the opportunities that arise from living and working in the Pilbara.

“I believe there is a strong sense of loyalty to our ‘patch’ and a well developed team spirit within the Newman office. Working in Child Protection with the Newman team would appeal to people with an adventurous spirit.” Adam (Team Leader)

“Working in Newman is such a fantastic experience. You are part of a committed team who work over a diverse geographical area encompassing numerous different language groups and working with very traditional aboriginal people. It truly is a memorable and humbling experience. You can travel as far as the NT border and into some of the most remote country in Australia. As a child protection worker there are very few other locations that can match this experience and career progression opportunities that you can take advantage of.” Natasha (Pilbara Director)

Relocation and housingSubsidised housing through the Government Regional Officers’ Housing (GROH) may be provided to employees and their families.

For further information on employment opportunities with the Department for Child Protection,please visit www.jobs.wa.gov.au or contact (08) 9222 2525.

visit www.jobs.wa.gov.au or contact (08) 9222 2525