Population and Lifestyle

Katanning is a true multicultural community, the most ethnically diverse regional centre in Western Australia and possibly Australia. Featuring some 50 language groups, we are proud to say that ours is a harmonious community, embracing the different cultural and religious backgrounds of our townsfolk.

One of the contributors to this cohesive sense of community spirit is that we as a town recognise ethnic diversity as an economic driver. Apart from providing a strong dedicated workforce to support staffing requirements of industry, new residents are setting up businesses that reflect their cultural heritage. These businesses are thriving, such as the halal butcher who services the region and beyond.

With big business including the sheep sale yards, the grain handling facility, the abattoir and the meat processing facility offering stable employment opportunities, unemployment is low in the town, and this is reflected in our very low crime rate.

Community events form the backbone of Katanning’s social calendar. One of the most important community events on our social calendar is the Harmony Festival, where everyone comes together to celebrate and learn more about the various cultures in our town - the food, entertainment, historical stories, and shared experiences.

Our townsfolk also have 7 day a week access during warmer months to an impressive aquatic centre, featuring an Olympic size swimming pool for competitions and lessons, a large sport and recreational centre, a youth centre, and a wide range of cafes, restaurants and bars. Sports play a huge part of community life – tennis, football, basketball, gymnastics, swimming, netball, cricket … you name it. But we also have more specialised sporting interests – from gliding and light aircraft, to BMX tracks and skate parks. Katanning is the centre for many regional, and occasionally state, competitions and events at the Katanning Speedway will appeal to motorsport enthusiasts.

Although the town and its surrounds feature plenty of wide open space and walking trails, we are also developing the Piesse Park Community Recreational Area. This will be a major gathering point for the community for picnics and family activities. The jewel in the crown of Piesse Park is the enhanced lake and dam, fed by a natural stream.