PETER LONG AWARDED HONORARY FREEMAN OF THE CITY OF KARRATHA

Former City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long has been awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the City of Karratha, becoming the fourth person to receive this prestigious honour. The award was presented at a special function on Friday evening, attended by around 40 people, including council and community members.

In an interview following the event, Long explained the significance of the award, saying, "It’s given for two purposes: to recognize past work done for the city, and it also means I’ll be invited to some of the city's functions, which is very nice." Reflecting on his time as Mayor, Long spoke with pride about his contributions to Karratha’s growth, particularly the development of the Red Earth Arts Precinct. “I’m really proud of the Red Earth Arts Precinct. It’s such an iconic building. When it opened in 2018, it was a real highlight,” he said.

As Long looks back on his tenure, he recalled the transformation of the city, including the upgrades to the airport and the development of major landmarks like the Karratha Leisure Plaza. “We did so much in a short time. We were fortunate to have royalties for regions supporting us,” he noted. Long also acknowledged the challenges the region faces, particularly with the loss of funding, but remains hopeful for the future.

Reflecting on the lasting impact of these developments, Long remarked, “We’re very lucky to have these facilities. The Leisure Plex, for example, is still one of the most modernized facilities around, and it’s great to see so many people using it.” With his new title, Peter Long's legacy in Karratha continues to inspire pride and appreciation in the community.