Creating Communities is proud to share that the First Nations proponents of the East Newman Precinct Structure Plan have been recognised at the Planning Institute of Australia’s state awards for their exemplary co-design methods to create better outcomes for the East Newman community.
The Plan was awarded the Planning with Country award and received a high commendation for Strategic Planning at the PIA WA Awards for Planning Excellence.
Co-designed by Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation, Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation and Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, with the support of Creating Communities and Hames Sharley, the Plan maps out a path forward to ensure Strong Culture and Strong Families in East Newman.
Through Nyiyaparli and Martu led collaboration, the Plan addresses the acute levels of social disadvantage in Newman by providing clear priorities for future development and investment into housing, amenity and facilities that will improve the social, health and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations people living in East Newman.
While the ENPSP establishes a comprehensive plan for East Newman, it also provides an example of First Nation’s peoples leadership in decisions-making and the power of multiple stakeholders working together to better the lives of First Nations people living in East Newman. It presents a collaborative, community driven approach to bettering public spaces, informed by local people.
This is the gold standard of planning with country – ensuring First Nations people are not only involved but that they lead the conversations at each stage of the process, resulting in a plan that truly meets the needs of the community.
The community-led planning process with Traditional Owners and other First Nations groups demonstrates the importance of culturally appropriate planning approaches that integrate consultation, engagement, co-design, community activation and positive narratives.
As the ENPSP now progresses in the planning process for consideration by the DPLH, the proponents are seeking that the plan be approved in full so that work can begin on realising the positive changes envisioned for long-term Strong Culture and Strong Family in East Newman.
