Port Pirie

[portugal99]

Hello new to site and would like some information on Port Pirie in South Australia.

Generally is this a nice area/best places to live.
What are schools like?
What facilities do they have for sports (especially rugby and netball)?

Any general information on this area would be really appreciated.

Thanks
Mel

[Caroline08]

Hi Mel

I lived in Port Pirie for 25 years and married a man who was Port Pirie born and bred. We raised 2 children in Pirie. We do not live in Pirie any more, but I regard that those years were very enjoyable. Pirie has a population of about 14 000 and has a large lead smelting industry. It is a very friendly country town where the people are very sport orientated. If you or your family play any sport, and it is a really good idea to get involved in sport, then you will find it easy to mix in with the locals. The sporting facilities are numerous and of high standard. Rugby is not generally played in South Australia - it is more an eastern state sport. Closest to it is Australian Rules Football, and there are plenty of clubs with teams for all ages in Pirie. Netball is also very popular and again, there are many clubs with teams in every age level that compete against each other. The Netball Association has a large area with lots of netball courts for Saturday's competition between clubs. Other major sports played are tennis, hockey, basketball, softball, soccer, cricket, volleyball, golf and squash. All sports have very good fascilities. There are many excellent primary schools and 3 high schools in the town. There are a couple of good shopping centres, so for all your basic needs, shopping is not a problem. Adelaide is 2 and a half hours away, so if you are a big shopper, you can always make a day trip to the city. Pirie has a modern Festival Centre that is used for entertainment of all types eg films, shows, exhibitions etc. There are lots of hotels that serve excellent meals and quite a few fast food places. The climate is probably the hardest thing you will need to adjust to. It can be very hot and dry in Summer ( Dec. - Feb.) with temperatures reaching to 40 degrees for several days in a row. Pirie is in one of these heat waves at the moment. Winter has a more pleasant climate, especially for Poms. I feel that you would enjoy the experience of living in Pirie, even if you used it as a base for a few years while you have a bit of a look around South Australia. Pirie is relatively close to the Flinders Ranges, the Clare and Barossa Valleys ( wine growing areas ) and the seaside towns of Yorke Peninsula. I hope that I have been helpful to you. If I can help you with anything else, just drop a line on the forum.
Good luck, Carol