Port Pirie Celebrates 150th Birthday
Port Pirie Regional Council is proud to celebrate a significant milestone in our city’s history – and invites our community to share in this special occasion.
Today marks 150 years since the Corporation of the Town of Port Pirie was proclaimed on 28 September 1876.
Port Pirie was built upon industry through the railways, port, silos and smelter. It was one of few communities in South Australia to have all three gauges of railway track, making it one of the busiest inland rail centres. At the time of proclamation, Port Pirie was a significant port, loading more wheat ships than Port Adelaide. Smelting has remained the dominant industry in Port Pirie since the late 1800s.
Several migrant groups influenced Port Pirie as a multicultural community, most notably, a strong contingent from the Italian community of Molfetta, encouraged by the plentiful fishing conditions. Our multicultural communities and rich heritage are woven into the fabric of Port Pirie, particularly through cultural attractions and events.
Today, Port Pirie is a community of friendly people, an easy connected lifestyle, rich heritage and a promising future with opportunities for growth. We also celebrate our location, with the Flinders Ranges and Spencer Gulf both on our doorstep.
Port Pirie Regional Council is celebrating 150 years since proclamation with the release of a commemorative medallion. Further information and eligibility criteria for the medallion will be released soon.
This follows 150-year celebrations at the Port Pirie SALA Winter Festival in August, which included a high tea and spectacular lighting display from Illuminart.
Mayor Leon Stephens said the milestone belongs to every resident of Port Pirie, past and present.
“Today, we celebrate 150 years of industry, innovation, diversity and community,” Mayor Stephens said.
“As we mark 150 years since proclamation, we celebrate our shared history while looking ahead with confidence to the opportunities that lie ahead for our region.”
Port Pirie Regional Council wishes all residents a Happy Proclamation Day and encourages everyone to pause and reflect on the beautiful city and region we live in.
The Port Pirie 150 Years Commemorative Medallion. Further information and eligibility criteria for the medallion to be released soon.
Extracts of The Evening Journal confirming the proclamation of the Corporation of the Town of Port Pirie on 28 September 1876 (courtesy Trove - National Library of Australia).