The main town, Northam, is situated 96 kilometres from Perth, in the picturesque Avon Valley. The Town occupies approximately 2,400 hectares and is the main urban and commercial hub of the Shire of Northam.

Northam is the Regional Centre of the Avon Valley and Central Wheatbelt. Farming communities of the Shire of Northam (which primarily produce wheat, barley, oats, sheep, wool and cattle) use Northam for their everyday banking, retail, shopping and government needs. The Northam Marketing Strategy completed during the 2001/02 financial year identifies Northam as a Market Town, which survives and grows through the provision of services to surrounding towns and communities.

Northam has also been clearly established by the State Government as a Regional Centre, resulting in many Government Departments strengthening their regional office or establishing such an office. Furthermore, the four major banks have outlets in Town, unlike smaller rural communities.

Northam is well catered for in recreation, culture, health and education facilities. The Town is home to a Regional Library, Hospital, Senior Citizens’ Centre and recreation facilities, including a Recreation Centre, three major sporting grounds and an Olympic Swimming Pool.

From an educational viewpoint, Northam has a Senior High School, C Y O`Connor College of TAFE, Muresk Institute of Agriculture (division of Curtin University), three Primary Schools and St Joseph`s School, which provides education to Year 10.

The townsite of Northam was first gazetted in 1836 and is the focal point for important rail and road links to Eastern Australia. It was a centre for Post-War migration and many of the residents have strong links to Eastern Europe. The Mundaring to Kalgoorlie pipeline also passes through Northam, which has significance as an engineering feat.

Council is committed to developing the Town and encouraging growth, through new investment and tourism, whilst maintaining a warm country feel and friendly community.