Pannawonica

The name 'Pannawonica' is understood to be a local Aboriginal word to describe a nearby hill. A local story describes two Aboriginal groups arguing over the ownership of the hill, which was located by the sea. The sea spirit decided to resolve the dispute by moving the hill inland. As the hill was dragged over the land it left a deep indentation that became the Robe River.

Located 1429 kilometres from Perth, Pannawonica is one of the many iron ore mining towns in the Pilbara built specifically to accommodate employees.

Built and owned by Robe River Iron Associates, Pannawonica provides services for employees and their families working at nearby mining operations. Established in 1970, Pannawonica is home to approximately 1000 people.

Community facilities in Pannawonica include a swimming pool, medical centre, primary school, child care centre, oval, tennis, squash and basketball courts, a skate park, and a variety of community shops.

Pannawonica also has an annual rodeo, which in 2005 celebrated its 10th birthday. This event attracts an average of 1500 people from all over Australia. The two nearby pastoral stations of Yarraloola and Yalleen support the rodeo.

More information about infrastructure and community facilities in Pannawonica can be found at www.ashburton.wa.gov.au.