Winning design draws on culture

Newman resident Georgie McInerney’s banner design has been selected to represent the Shire of East Pilbara at the annual Banners in the Terrace competition in Perth.

The design by Mrs McInerney, who works at Empowering People in Communities, was chosen as the winner by Shire councillors because it showcased a “strong sense” of what living in the East Pilbara was all about.

Mrs McInerney said she was “quite excited” to find out she had won the competition but added she was also hesitant about being chosen.

The idea for her design was born when she and her children were doodling at the dining table while doing some craft.

From there, the concept grew.

“I was sitting with my kids at the table and it was just before the Anzac weekend and we were making wreaths and I’d seen that (the Shire) were still looking for entries,” she said.

“I started thinking about what else the Shire means to me and the fact that we have so many people from different nationalities here.

“(My drawing) was about the earth and the colours and everything and I just started drawing and it just came together.

“There’s also a footprint on it and that’s about the footprint we are leaving on the land.

“Whether that be the foot of the Martu people, who have been here for hundreds and hundreds of years, or our footprint today.

“It encapsulates everything I see, but also I suppose, everything I feel.”

Mrs McInerney’s banner captured flora, fauna and the elements of the Pilbara climate, with magical night skies and the burning desert sun, according to the Shire of East Pilbara.

The next phase of the Banners in the Terrace competition is to paint the banner in the likeness of the winning design.

The banner will be displayed alongside others from around the State at St Georges and Adelaide terraces in Perth, from July 24 to August 6.

Anyone who wants to help paint the banner can contact the Shire of East Pilbara on 9175 8000 or email cacd@eastpilbara.wa.gov.au.