Port Pirie#History

Prior to British settlement, the location that became Port Pirie was occupied by the indigenous tribe of Nukunu. The location was called 'Tarparrie', which is suspected to mean "Muddy Creek".{{cn|date=April 2024}} The first European to see the location was Matthew Flinders in 1802, as he explored the Spencer Gulf by boat. The first land discovery of the location by a European was by the explorer Edward Eyre, who explored regions around Port Augusta. John Horrocks also discovered a pass through the Flinders Ranges to the coast, now named Horrocks Pass.{{cn|date=April 2024}}

The town was originally called Samuel's Creek after the discovery of Muddy Creek by Samuel Germein. In 1846, Port Pirie Creek was named by Governor Robe after the {{ship||John Pirie|ship|2}}, the first vessel to navigate the creek when transporting sheep from Bowman's Run near Crystal Brook. In 1848, Matthew Smith and Emanuel Solomon bought {{convert|85|acre|ha}} and subdivided it as a township to be known as Port Pirie. Little development occurred on site and by the late 1860s there were only three woolsheds on the riverfront.Erik Eklund, [http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/163809700?q&sort=holdings+desc&_=1370392639995&versionId=178587537 Mining Towns: making a living, making a life], New South Publishing, Sydney, 2012, p. 137

The locality was surveyed as a government town in December 1871 by Charles Hope Harris. The thoroughfares and streets were named after the family of George Goyder, Surveyor General of South Australia.{{cn|date=April 2024}} In 1873, the land of Solomon and Smith was re-surveyed and named Solomontown. On 28 September 1876, with a population of 947, Port Pirie was declared a municipality.https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/port-pirie-sa

With the discovery of rich ore bearing silver, lead and zinc at Broken Hill in 1883, and the completion of a narrow gauge railway from Port Pirie to close to the Broken Hill field in 1888, the economic activities of the town underwent profound change. In 1889 a lead smelter was built by the British Blocks company to treat the Broken Hill ore. BHP initially leased the smelter from British Blocks but began constructing its own smelter from 1892. In 1913, the Russian consul-general Alexander Abaza reported that Port Pirie had a population of more than 500 Russians, mostly Ossetians, who had come to work at the smelter. At that time the town supported a Russian-language school and library.{{cite book|chapter-url=http://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/n4325/pdf/ch08.pdf|chapter=Alexander Abaza|title=A New Rival State?: Australia in Tsarist Diplomatic Communications|year=2018|publisher=ANU Press|editor-first1=Alexander|editor-last1=Massov|editor-first2=Marina|editor-last2=Pollard|editor-first3=Kevin|editor-last3=Windle|page=304}}

In 1915, the smelter was taken over by Broken Hill Associated Smelters (BHAS) – a joint venture of companies operating in Broken Hill. Led by the Collins House Group, by 1934 BHAS became the biggest lead smelter in the world.Eklund, [http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/163809700?q&sort=holdings+desc&_=1370392639995&versionId=178587537 Mining Towns], pp. 137-138. The smelter gradually passed to Pasminco, then Zinifex, and since 2007 has been operated by Nyrstar.https://www.nyrstar.com/operations/metals-processing/nyrstar-port-pirie

In 1921, the town's population had grown to 9,801, living in 2,308 occupied dwellings. By this date, there were 62 boarding houses to cater for the labour demands at the smelter, and the increasingly busy waterfront.Eklund, [http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/163809700?q&sort=holdings+desc&_=1370392639995&versionId=178587537 Mining Towns], pp. 143-144.

During World War II (1941-1943), a Bombing and Gunnery school (2BAGS) was established by the Royal Air Force at Port Pirie. 22 men lost their lives there during training exercises. It was re-designated the 3 Aerial Observers School (3AOS) in December 1943.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-23|title=Port Pirie Air Force Commemorative Service|url=https://airforce2021.airforce.gov.au/event/port-pirie-air-force-commemorative-service|access-date=2021-06-17|website=Air Force 100|language=en}}

Port Pirie was declared South Australia's first provincial city in 1953, and today it is South Australia's second-largest port.https://www.stateprosperity.sa.gov.au/upper-spencer-gulf

File:Pt Pirie butcher 21503.jpg

The city is characterised by an attractive main street and some interesting and unusual historic buildings.[http://www.smh.com.au/news/South-Australia/Port-Pirie/2005/02/17/1108500204638.html "Port Pirie"], Travel section, smh.com.au, 17 February 2005. Retrieved on 28 June 2008.

Heritage-listed sites include:

• 1 Alexander Street: Barrier Chambers Offices{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13524 | title=Barrier Chambers Offices | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 32 Ellen Street: Adelaide Steamship Company Building{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13525 | title=Former Adelaide Steamship Company Building | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 64-68 Ellen Street: Sampson's Butcher Shop{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13526 | title=Dwelling (former Sampson's Butcher Shop) | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 69-71 Ellen Street: Port Pirie Customs House{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13528 | title=National Trust Museum (former Port Pirie Customs House) | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 73-77 Ellen Street: Port Pirie (Ellen Street) railway station{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13529 | title=National Trust Museum (former Port Pirie Railway Station) | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 79-81 Ellen Street: Port Pirie Post Office{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13530 | title=Port Pirie Post Office | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 85 Ellen Street: Development Board Building{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13527 | title=Development Board Building (former Port Pirie Courthouse, later Customs House) | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 94 Ellen Street: Sample Rooms, rear of Portside Tavern{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13531 | title=Sample Rooms, rear of Jubilee (former Royal Exchange) Hotel | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 134 Ellen Street: Family Hotel{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13532 | title=Family Hotel | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 32 Florence Street: Carn Brae{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13533 | title=Dwelling ('Carn Brae') | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 50-52 Florence Street: Waterside Workers' Federation Building{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13534 | title=Waterside Workers' Federation (former Amalgamated Workers' Association) Building | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 105 Gertrude Street: Good Samaritan Catholic Convent School{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13535 | title=Good Samaritan Catholic Convent School | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• Memorial Drive: Second World War Memorial Gates{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13536 | title=Second World War Memorial Gates | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}
• 5 Norman Street: AMP Society Building, Port Pirie{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=13537 | title=Former AMP [Australian Mutual Provident Society] Port Pirie Office Building | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016}}

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the population of the Port Pirie urban area was 13,896 people. Approximately 51.0% of the population were female, 85.9% were Australian born, and 5.2% were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Port Pirie has significant Italian and Greek communities.

In 2021, the most popular industries for employment were copper, silver, lead and zinc smelting and refining (11.0%), non-psychiatric hospitals (6.0%), residential aged care (4.3%), other social assistance services (4.2%) and supermarket and grocery stores (3.9%). The unemployment rate was 7.7%. The median weekly household income was A$1044 per week. 48.5% of the population identified with no religion, while 21.0% identified themselves as Catholic.

Port Pirie is at an elevation of 4 metres above sea level. It is approximately {{convert|8|km}} inland, on the Pirie River, which is a tidal saltwater inlet from Spencer Gulf. It is on the coastal plain between Spencer Gulf to the west, and the Flinders Ranges to the east.

Port Pirie has a semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSh), with hot, dry summers and cool, somewhat wetter winters. The town is above Goyder's Line, and is surrounded by mallee scrub. Temperatures vary throughout the year, with average maxima ranging from {{convert|32.0|C}} in January to {{convert|16.4|C}} in July, and average minima fluctuating between {{convert|17.9|C}} in February and {{convert|7.7|C}} in July. Annual precipitation is low, averaging {{convert|345.9|mm|in|abbr=on}}, with a maximum in winter. There are 78.3 precipitation days, 125.0 clear days and 100.0 cloudy days annually. Extreme temperatures have ranged from {{convert|46.3|C}} on 4 January 1979 to {{convert|-1.7|C}} on 27 June 1958.{{cite web

|url = https://www.farmonlineweather.com.au/climate/station.jsp?lt=site&lc=21043 |title = Port Pirie Nyrstar Comparison Climate (1877-2012) |website = FarmOnline Weather |access-date = August 10, 2024}}

{{Weather box

|location = Port Pirie (33º10'12"S, 138º00'36"E, 2 m AMSL) (1877-2012 normals, extremes 1957-2012)

|metric first = Yes

|single line = Yes

|Jan record high C = 46.3

|Feb record high C = 45.5

|Mar record high C = 42.5

|Apr record high C = 37.7

|May record high C = 31.0

|Jun record high C = 25.5

|Jul record high C = 26.5

|Aug record high C = 30.0

|Sep record high C = 35.0

|Oct record high C = 39.5

|Nov record high C = 44.0

|Dec record high C = 44.6

|Jan high C = 32.0

|Feb high C = 31.8

|Mar high C = 29.4

|Apr high C = 24.8

|May high C = 20.4

|Jun high C = 17.1

|Jul high C = 16.4

|Aug high C = 18.1

|Sep high C = 21.3

|Oct high C = 24.5

|Nov high C = 27.7

|Dec high C = 30.0

|Jan low C = 17.7

|Feb low C = 17.9

|Mar low C = 16.0

|Apr low C = 13.2

|May low C = 10.7

|Jun low C = 8.4

|Jul low C = 7.7

|Aug low C = 8.2

|Sep low C = 9.8

|Oct low C = 11.9

|Nov low C = 14.4

|Dec low C = 16.3

|Jan record low C = 4.4

|Feb record low C = 7.1

|Mar record low C = 7.4

|Apr record low C = 4.8

|May record low C = -0.6

|Jun record low C = -1.7

|Jul record low C = -0.6

|Aug record low C = 0.6

|Sep record low C = 0.3

|Oct record low C = 1.1

|Nov record low C = 1.1

|Dec record low C = 4.4

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation mm = 18.6

|Feb precipitation mm = 17.8

|Mar precipitation mm = 18.6

|Apr precipitation mm = 27.5

|May precipitation mm = 38.2

|Jun precipitation mm = 40.7

|Jul precipitation mm = 33.9

|Aug precipitation mm = 34.9

|Sep precipitation mm = 35.5

|Oct precipitation mm = 33.3

|Nov precipitation mm = 24.1

|Dec precipitation mm = 23.0

|year precipitation mm = 345.9

|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm

|Jan precipitation days = 3.1

|Feb precipitation days = 2.6

|Mar precipitation days = 3.3

|Apr precipitation days = 5.3

|May precipitation days = 8.3

|Jun precipitation days = 10.2

|Jul precipitation days = 10.6

|Aug precipitation days = 10.6

|Sep precipitation days = 8.1

|Oct precipitation days = 6.9

|Nov precipitation days = 5.2

|Dec precipitation days = 4.1

|Jan afthumidity = 36

|Feb afthumidity = 39

|Mar afthumidity = 40

|Apr afthumidity = 45

|May afthumidity = 57

|Jun afthumidity = 63

|Jul afthumidity = 60

|Aug afthumidity = 53

|Sep afthumidity = 48

|Oct afthumidity = 43

|Nov afthumidity = 41

|Dec afthumidity = 39

|Jan dew point C = 11.7

|Feb dew point C = 11.9

|Mar dew point C = 11.0

|Apr dew point C = 9.6

|May dew point C = 9.8

|Jun dew point C = 8.5

|Jul dew point C = 7.3

|Aug dew point C = 6.7

|Sep dew point C = 7.6

|Oct dew point C = 7.8

|Nov dew point C = 9.6

|Dec dew point C = 10.6

|source 1 = Bureau of Meteorology (1877-2012 normals, extremes 1957-2012){{cite web

|url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_021043_All.shtml

|title = Port Pirie Climate Statistics (1877-2012)

|publisher = Bureau of Meteorology

|access-date = August 10, 2024}}

}}

Port Pirie is {{convert|5|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} off the Augusta Highway. It is serviced by Port Pirie Airport, six kilometres south of the city.

The first railway in Port Pirie opened in 1875 when the South Australian Railways {{RailGauge|1067mm}} gauge Port Pirie-Cockburn line opened to Gladstone, ultimately being extended to Broken Hill.Wilson, John, Port Pirie - The Narrow Gauge Era (1873–1935), Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin, March 1970, pp. 49–62 The original Ellen Street station was located on the street with the track running down the middle.Bakewell, Guy and Wilson, John, Farewell to Ellen Street, Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin September 1968, pp. 210–213{{cite book|last1=Ward|first1=Andrew|title=Railway Stations of Australia|date=1982|publisher=MacMillan Company of Australia|location=South Melbourne|isbn=0-333338-53-7|pages=60–61}} The station today is occupied by the Port Pirie National Trust Museum.[http://www.southaustralia.com/info.aspx?id=9000743 Port Pirie National Trust Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509160224/http://www.southaustralia.com/info.aspx?id=9000743 |date=9 May 2015 }} Explore South Australia

In 1937, it became a break-of-gauge station when the broad gauge Adelaide-Redhill line was extended to Port Pirie. At the same time the Commonwealth Railways standard gauge Trans-Australian Railway was extended south from Port Augusta to terminate at the new Port Pirie Junction station where it met the broad gauge line, in the suburb of Solomontown.[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30759205 Solomontown Railway Station] Adelaide Advertiser 14 July 1937[http://www.natrailmuseum.org.au/downloads/documents/Multi_Gauge_Muddle.compressed.pdf Port Pirie] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228020700/http://natrailmuseum.org.au/downloads/documents/Multi_Gauge_Muddle.compressed.pdf |date=28 February 2016 }} National Railway Museum

As far back as 1943, a plan existed to build a new station to remove trains from Ellen Street.[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article96357055 Council Wants No Trains in Ellen Street] The Recorder 31 March 1943 As part of the gauge conversion of the Port Pirie to Broken Hill line, Mary Elie Street station was built to replace both Ellen Street and Port Pirie Junction stations.[http://www.atrf.info/papers/1976/1976_Webb.pdf The Planning & Evaluation of Rail Standardisation Projects in Australia] GR Webb 1976

When opened, the new station was the meeting point for the Commonwealth Railways and South Australian Railways networks with through trains changing locomotives and crews, so the disadvantages were not as notable. However, after both became part of Australian National in July 1975 and trains began to operate in and out with the same locomotives, trains began to operate via Coonamia station on the outskirts of the city.

Mary Ellie Street station was eventually closed in the 1990s and in 2009 was redeveloped as the city's library. Until 2012, a GM class locomotive and three carriages were stabled at the platform.[http://www.westonlangford.com/images/photo/127936/ Port Pirie Marie Elie Street Display] Western Langford Railway Photography

A freight line continues to operate into Port Pirie, feeding the metals plant with raw materials from Broken Hill, and transporting the processed material to Adelaide. This line is managed by Bowmans Rail.{{cite web |url=http://www.bowmansrail.com.au/about-us/ |title=About Us - Bowman's Rail |website=www.bowmansrail.com.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911203756/http://www.bowmansrail.com.au/about-us/ |archive-date=2016-09-11}}

Port Pirie's marine facilities, managed by Flinders Ports, handle up to 100 ship visits annually, up to Handymax size, for commodities such as mineral concentrates, refined lead and zinc, coal, grain, and general cargo.[https://www.pirie.sa.gov.au/about-council/business-and-investment/access-to-prime-infrastructure Access to Prime Infrastructure] Port Pirie Regional Council. Retrieved 26 February 2020.

File:John Pirie Bridge.jpg

John Pirie Bridge, locally known as "the bridge to nowhere", was built in the 1970s to encourage development of industry on the other side of Port Pirie Creek. Construction cost $410,000 and lasted 26 weeks. It was officially named the John Pirie Bridge in 1980. The land across the bridge remains undeveloped.{{cite web |last1=Ladgrove |first1=Petria |title=Bridge To Nowhere |url=https://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2009/12/07/2763786.htm |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=8 May 2021 |date=7 Dec 2009 }}

The main industries are the smelting of metals, and the operation of silos to hold grain.

{{As of|2020}}, Port Pirie is the locality of the largest lead smelter and refinery in the southern hemisphere; a lead smelter has been there since the 1880s. The owner since 2007, Nyrstar, is the city's main employer., and high blood lead levels in the local population are an ongoing concern. In 2006 Zinifex formed a joint venture with Umicore to create Nyrstar, which owns the smelter, with the intention that it would eventually be an entity separate from the parent companies.{{cite web |title=Zinifex and Umicore seek to create the world's leading producer of zinc metal |url=http://asx.com.au/asx/statistics/showAnnouncementPDF.do?idsID=00677174 |publisher=Australian Securities Exchange |work=Zinifex Limited |access-date=12 December 2006 |date=12 December 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070325234959/http://asx.com.au/asx/statistics/showAnnouncementPDF.do?idsID=00677174 |archive-date = 25 March 2007}}{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/12/12/1165685650493.html |title=Zinifex, Umicore to combine zinc assets |date=12 December 2006 |access-date=12 December 2006 |publisher=The Age}}

The PPRC completed a major redevelopment of its foreshore area in 2014 including the construction of the Solomontown Beach Plaza, opening up Beach abroad to through traffic, replacing lighting along the beach and improving security.

{{Further|Lead poisoning}}

Lead smelters contribute to several environmental problems, especially raised lead levels in the blood of some of the town population. The problem is particularly significant in many children who have grown up in the area. A state government project addressed this.{{cite web |url=http://www.health.sa.gov.au/pehs/branches/branch-ptpirie.htm |title=Pt Pirie Environmental Health Centre |access-date=11 June 2006 }}{{Update inline|date=November 2020}} Nyrstar plans to progressively reduce lead in blood levels such that ultimately 95% of all children meet the national goal of 10 micrograms per decilitre. This has been known as the "tenby10" project. Community lead in blood levels in children are now at less than half the level that they were in the mid 1980s.{{cite web |url=http://www.zinifex.com/index.aspx?link_id=18.779 |title=Zinifex Port Pirie Strategy |access-date=4 May 2007 |publisher=Zinifex Limited |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928222714/http://www.zinifex.com/index.aspx?link_id=18.779 |archive-date = 28 September 2007}}

The Port Pirie smelter conducted a project to reduce lead levels in children to less than 10 micrograms per decilitre by the end of 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.tenby10.com/Index|title=10 by Ten – 10 Ways To Have An Impact|website=www.tenby10.com|access-date=17 August 2018}}{{Update inline|date=November 2020}}

"The goal we are committed to achieving is for at least 95% of our children aged 0 to 4 to have a blood lead level below ten micrograms per decilitre of blood (the first ten in tenby10) by the end of 2010" (the second ten in tenby10).

Higher concentrations of lead have been found in the organs of bottlenose dolphins stranded near the lead smelter, compared to dolphins stranded elsewhere in South Australia.Lavery, T.J., Butterfield, N., Kemper, C.M., Reid, R.J., Sanderson, K. 2008. Metals and selenium in the liver and bone of three dolphin species from South Australia, 1988–2004. Science of the Total Environment, 390: 77–85 The health impacts of these metals on dolphins has been examined and some associations between high metal concentrations and kidney toxicity were noted.Lavery, T.J., Kemper, C.M., Sanderson, K., Schultz, C.G., Coyle, P., Mitchell, J.G., Seuront, L. 2008. Heavy metal toxicity of kidney and bone tissues in South Australian adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), {{doi|10.1016/jmarenvres.2008.09.005}}

Port Pirie has many educational institutions, including John Pirie Secondary School{{cite web|url=http://www.johnpirihs.sa.edu.au|title=Welcome to John Pirie Secondary School's website|website=www.johnpirihs.sa.edu.au|access-date=17 August 2018}} (years 7–12), St Mark's College[http://www.stmarks.pp.catholic.edu.au/ St Mark's College] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030074553/http://stmarks.pp.catholic.edu.au/ |date=30 October 2009 }} (Foundation - year 12), Mid North Christian College{{cite web|url=http://www.midnorthcc.sa.edu.au/|title=Mid North Christian College - Port Pirie, SA - Home|website=www.midnorthcc.sa.edu.au|access-date=17 August 2018}} (reception - year 12), many preschools and primary schools, and a TAFE campus (adult education).

Risdon Park High School (formerly Port Pirie Technical High School) was a co-ed state school.{{Cite web |title=Risdon Park High School (S.A.) - Full record view - Libraries Australia Search |url=https://librariesaustralia.nla.gov.au/search/display?dbid=auth&id=35960325 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=librariesaustralia.nla.gov.au}}{{Cite book |last=CARASS |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gzaYBwAAQBAJ&q=%22Risdon+Park+High+School%22+-wikipedia |title=Proceedings of the Fifth International Congress on Mathematical Education |date=2013-03-14 |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |isbn=978-1-4757-4238-1 |language=en}} In 1973, Port Pire Technical High School changed its name to Ridson Park High School, and in 1995 the school merged with Port Pirie High School forming John Pirie Secondary School.

File:Port Pirie Railway Station.jpg, now a museum]]

Port Pirie is home to the National Trust Historic and Folk Museum and Memorial Park,{{cn|date=January 2024}} and the Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery also serves the regional community.{{cite web | title=Tribute - Lillian Crombie | website=Port Pirie Regional Council | date=8 January 2024 | url=https://www.pirie.sa.gov.au/noticeboard/latest-news/tribute-lillian-crombie | access-date=20 January 2024}}

Every September and October the city hosts a country music festival.

The Keith Michell Theatre, within the Northern Festival Centre, is named after the renowned actor Keith Michell, who grew up in Warnertown, {{convert|5|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} from Port Pirie.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

A play by actress and playwright Elena Carapetis, The Gods of Strangers, set in Port Pirie, is based on the oral histories of Greek, Cypriot and Italian people who migrated to regional South Australia after World War II. It was staged by the State Theatre Company South Australia in 2018.{{cite web | last=McLean | first=CJ | title=Theatre Review: The Gods of Strangers | website=Glam Adelaide | date=17 November 2018 | url=https://glamadelaide.com.au/theatre-review-the-gods-of-strangers/ | access-date=20 January 2024}}{{cite web | last=Carapetis | first=Elena | title=The Gods Of Strangers | website=State Theatre Company | date=17 January 2019 | url=https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/the-gods-of-strangers/ | access-date=20 January 2024}} It played at the Dunstan Playhouse in Adelaide as well as in Port Pirie. It was also filmed by local production company KOJO and intended to be shown by Country Arts SA in regional cinemas in 2020, but it was later shown online owing to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Australia.{{cite web | last=Marsh | first=Walter | title=The Gods of Strangers to return for online season | website=The Adelaide Review | date=19 June 2020 | url=https://www.adelaidereview.com.au/arts/performing-arts/2020/06/19/gods-of-strangers-to-return-for-online-season/ | access-date=20 January 2024}}

The town's main newspaper, The Recorder, was first published 21 March 1885 as The Port Pirie Advocate and Areas News. In 1971, a brief experiment, known as the Northern Observer (7 July - 30 August 1971), occurred when The Recorder and The Transcontinental from Port Augusta were published under a combined title in Port Pirie.{{Cite web|url=http://guides.slsa.sa.gov.au/c.php?g=410317&p=2796365|title=LibGuides: SA Newspapers: M-N|last=Laube|first=Anthony|website=guides.slsa.sa.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2018-08-28}} The Recorder, which is still in print today (Tuesdays and Thursdays), has recently changed to a morning paper, after being delivered at around 3:00 pm.[http://www.portpirierecorder.com.au/about-us/ The Recorder - About Us] Accessed 2 June 2013. Other Port Pirie newspapers include the free The Flinders News (Wednesdays), and The Advertiser, which covers some Port Pirie news, but to a very small extent.

Another newspaper, the Port Pirie Advertiser (7 April 1898 – 28 June 1924) was also published by Robert Osborne.{{Cite web|url=http://www.samemory.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?c=6275|title=Port Pirie advertiser|website=www.samemory.sa.gov.au|access-date=2018-03-05}} A further publication was the short-lived Saturday Times (6 December 1913 – 15 August 1914), printed by Roy Harold Butler and closed at the start of the Great War.{{Cite web|url=http://guides.slsa.sa.gov.au/c.php?g=410317&p=2796357|title=LibGuides: SA Newspapers: S|last=Laube|first=Anthony|website=guides.slsa.sa.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2018-08-24}}

Television coverage in the city is provided by the ABC, SBS, Southern Cross (7, 9 and 10) and Austar. Several radio stations cover Port Pirie, including ABC 639AM, ABC 891AM, 1044 5CS, 1242 5AU, ABC Classic FM, Radio National, ABC NewsRadio, triple j, Magic FM and Trax FM (a community radio station).

The results shown are from "Port Pirie West", the largest polling booth in Port Pirie, which is at the SA TAFE Campus.

Port Pirie is part of the federal division of Grey, and has been represented by Liberal MP Rowan Ramsey since 2007. Grey is held with a margin of 4.43% but is considered a safe Liberal seat.

The city is part of the state electoral district of Frome, which had been held since 1993 by former Liberal Premier, Rob Kerin, with a margin of 3.4%. It also has been considered a safe Liberal seat.

Although the region is generally Liberal-leaning because of its agricultural base, Port Pirie is an industrial centre that is favourable to the Australian Labor Party.

In late 2008, Rob Kerin announced his retirement, which led to a by-election being held in January 2009. Port Pirie mayor Geoff Brock announced his candidacy as an independent, and subsequently took the seat from the Liberals at the 2009 Frome by-election. After the poll for the by-election had closed and first preferences had been counted, (but before other preferences had been distributed), the result was LNP: 39.2%; ALP: 26.1%; Brock 23.6%; Nat: 6.6%; Greens: 3.8%; Other: 0.7%.[http://www.abc.net.au/elections/sa/2009/frome/ Frome 2009 By-election results], abc.net.au, 2 February 2009. Retrieved on 15 March 2009.[http://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/byelection2009/results.php District of Frome - Electoral Results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323070859/http://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/byelection2009/results.php |date=23 March 2009 }}, Electoral Commission SA, 24 January 2009. Retrieved on 15 March 2009.

State Opposition Leader Martin Hamilton-Smith (Liberal Party) claimed victory, prematurely.[http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24943402-2682,00.html Libs claim Frome victory], AdelaideNow, 21 January 2009. Retrieved on 15 March 2009. Distribution of National Party, Greens and other preferences placed Brock ahead of the ALP candidate. Hence with the assistance of the ALP candidate's preferences, Geoff Brock won the by-election 51.7% to 48.3% for the Liberal candidate.

Port Pirie and some of the sparsely inhabited areas around it are in the Port Pirie Regional Council local government area.

• Brodie Atkinson (1972-), St. Kilda, Adelaide Crows, North Adelaide premiership player (1991), Sturt premiership player (2002) and Magarey Medal winner (1997)
• Mark Bickley (1969-), Adelaide Crows dual premiership captain
• Abby Bishop (1989-), Canberra Capitals basketball player
• Mark Jamar (1982-), Melbourne Demons player
• Lewis Johnston (1991-), Sydney Swans and Adelaide Crows football player
• Sam Mayes (1994-), North Adelaide, Brisbane Lions (2013-2018) and Port Adelaide FC (2019-) football player
• Nip Pellew (1893-1981), Australian test cricketer and North Adelaide player
• David Tiller (1958-), North Adelaide Roosters captain and premiership player
• Elijah Ware (1983-), Port Adelaide and Central Districts player and premiership player

• Geoff Brock, state politician
• Sir Hugh Cairns (1896–1952), neurosurgeon
• Ted Connelly, state politician
• Lillian Crombie (1958–2024), actress{{cite web | title=Tribute - Lillian Crombie | website=Port Pirie Regional Council | date=8 January 2024 | url=https://www.pirie.sa.gov.au/noticeboard/latest-news/tribute-lillian-crombie | access-date=20 January 2024}}
• Andrew Lacey (1887–1946), federal and state politician, state leader of the ALP 1933–1938
• Keith Michell (1928-2015), actor
• John Noble (1948-), actor and director
• Robert Stigwood (1934-2016), music entrepreneur and impresario[http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/music-mogul-robert-stigwood-dies-aged-81/news-story/a10966a487421f5634f62eb472d69c68 Late Port Pirie-raised music mogul Robert Stigwood who changed the entertainment world], The Advertiser, 5 January 2016. Accessed 6 January 2016.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-05/robert-stigwood-music-mogul-behind-bee-gees-dies/7068478 Robert Stigwood, music mogul behind Bee Gees and Clapton, dies aged 81], ABC News, 5 January 2016. Accessed 6 January 2016.
• Jørgen Jensen (1891-1922), Victoria Cross recipient

• :Category:People from Port Pirie
• Diocese of Willochra
• Roman Catholic Diocese of Port Pirie
• Sir John Pirie, 1st Baronet, for whom several places and features are named
• Nyrstar

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category| Port Pirie, South Australia|Port Pirie}}

• [http://www.wilmap.com.au/ausmaps/maps/ac26.gif Port Pirie, South Australia reference]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120119225902/http://www.pirie.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm Port Pirie Regional Council]
• [http://www.smh.com.au/news/South-Australia/Port-Pirie/2005/02/17/1108500204638.html "Port Pirie"], Travel section, Sydney Morning Herald, 14 January 2008.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080228040443/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/31/2020197.htm "Port Pirie smelter changes from Zinifex to Nyrstar"], ABC News, 31 August 2007.
• [http://www.nyrstar.com/en/ Nystar], Home page - English.

{{Port Pirie Regional Council localities}}

{{South Australia}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1845 establishments in Australia

Category:Cities in South Australia

Category:Mid North (South Australia)

Category:Port cities in South Australia

Category:Spencer Gulf