Cosmo Newbery
WA 6440 • Western Australia
About Cosmo Newbery
Cosmo Newbery, also known as Yilka, is a small and remote Aboriginal community located approximately 1,036 kilometres east of Perth in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia, within the Shire of Laverton. Situated on the Great Central Road, 83 kilometres north-east of the town of Laverton, the locality spans an extraordinary 12,246 square kilometres of arid outback and Gibson Desert fringe. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 143, with all 20 dwellings consisting of social and community housing, reflecting its status as a remote Aboriginal settlement entirely without private housing.
Cosmo Newbery has a long and complex history, first becoming a settled community in 1920 and serving at various times as a pastoral station, a mission, and a government ration depot under protectionist-era policies. Today it is home to Wangkatha language speakers — one of the Wongi group of Aboriginal languages — and the community maintains a strong cultural connection to the surrounding country. Essential services including health care are provided through organisations such as the Ngaanyatjarra Health Service, and the Great Central Road is the primary access route, typically requiring a 4WD vehicle.
Cosmo Newbery falls under postcode 6440 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kalgoorlie (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- No scheduled bus service — N/A N/A
Commute to Perth CBD
🛣️ Extremely remote; access via Great Central Road (unsealed in parts); fly-in fly-out the only practical option for many service providers
A very remote community; essential supplies and services require travel to Laverton (~83km) or further afield.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Lancefield Street
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Mt Margaret