Newman Futures is a co-designed initiative aimed at fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for Newman, located in the East Pilbara of Western Australia on Nyiyaparli Country. 

In 2018, BHP faced a transformative period as automation and new technologies reshaped the nature of the mining industry. Recognising the potential threats and opportunities for the community, BHP, in collaboration with Traditional Owners and local partners in industry, government and the community, launched Newman Futures in 2019 to work towards a stronger, sustainable future for the town.  

The initiative co-designed a strategy focused on culture and country, liveability and wellbeing, education and training, and economy and work to improve outcomes for the whole community. 

Over the past five years, Newman Futures and its partners have co-created and implemented 26 strategies and 11 pilot programs, seeking to address community need and support improved outcomes. Notable achievements include progress made towards health and education outcomes, cultural understanding and community safety.  

Newman Futures aims to respond to community priorities and opportunities associated with the evolving Newman economy, requiring a highly skilled local workforce and the creation of new local enterprise opportunities. The project supports BHP’s commitments within its FY2023 – 2027 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by increasing economic participation and social and cultural outcomes for Indigenous communities in Newman and across the Western Desert region. 

The East Newman Precinct 

A standout initiative of the Newman Futures project is the East Newman Precinct Structure Plan, co-led by Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (KNAC), Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) and Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS). The plan won the Planning with Country Award at the 2024 Planning Institute of Australia’s National Excellence Awards after previously being recognised at the end of 2023 as a Western Australian winner and finalist for the national award. It seeks to revitalise the suburb of East Newman by delivering increased housing and refurbishments, introducing basic facilities and community spaces, improving the public realm and increasing access to community programs. Progress to date includes a community activation program, youth activities, a food security program, and the Martuku Jijiku Maya student hostel. 

Collaboration and engagement 

Collaboration with Traditional Owners and Indigenous community members, local organisations, government bodies, and NGOs has been key to the project’s success. These relationships have formed the foundation for creating ongoing, meaningful engagements into the future. 

Earlier this year in Newman, representatives from key community organisations including local and state government, WA Police, Traditional Owners (KNAC) and Indigenous community groups (including KNAC, PAMS and Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa) and BHP came together to workshop a three-year plan to continue supporting Newman Futures. Top priorities identified by the collective included improvements to Newman housing in collaboration with appropriate agencies and groups, liveability, economic diversification, education pathways and further implementation of the East Newman Precinct Structure Plan. 

Reflecting after the workshop, Rachel Donkin, Manager Community Western Australia, noted, “Building on the lived experiences of stakeholders across the whole community is key to ensuring a brighter future for Newman.”