Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

In this podcast Mel and Brad Parr, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recall how they became involved in Tigers Footy Club, and how the teams all had to work together to survive the transient nature of the population of Newman. They then recall their highlights, including the Premiership in 2013 and the 50th reunion. And their life membership, after being nominated by Murray McKenzie.

In this podcast Mel and Brad Parr, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recall the facilities that were in town when they arrived. Brad describes his job as an electrician on the hill, and his role as a Superintendent. And then Mel  describes her employment journey in Newman. She also talks about the Bamboo Crew - Newman Mums who can work school hours 

In this podcast Mel and Brad Parr, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  discuss housing in Newman. They also recall the schools and their impressions of them. And then move on to the apprenticeships that are based on school based training.

In this podcast Mel and Brad Parr, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recall their journey to Newman in January 2012 - Mel via the plane from Leinster and Brad driving via Wiluna. They describe their first impressions and recall the site trip before they moved, where they were shown around the town and were given a few houses to select from. Brad was also given a site tour. They also discuss the significance of the introduction of 12 hour shifts and the redundancies   and the impact it had, especially on the sporting teams.

In this podcast Retired Superintendent Geoff Stewart, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls his relationship with some Newman identities, including Maggie Lewis, Anita Grace and Mr Booth. He also comments on the valuable role that Christine Larkin played in promoting the Bloody Slow Cup and Bloody Slow Games.

In this podcast Superintendent Geoff Stewart, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes both the old and new Police Stations in Newman. He goes on to talk about his role as a policeman in Newman, and the changes he made to make it a better place. He especially worked with the Aboriginal Elders to help with the Martu people coming before the court. He also outlines what the RESPECT program was and how successful it was in preventing crime. He emphasises the importance of communication and bringing the community on board to work together with the police.

In this podcast Superintendent Geoff Stewart, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes how he came to be in Newman. He describes a previous appointment at Telfer and how he used to conduct desert patrols to  the communities of  Parnngurr, Punmu, Kiwirrkurra and Kunawarritji. And how he came to love the red dirt! 

In this podcast Marjory Eckhart, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes describes her early days in Newman, especially in relation to setting up the original Newman Hospital and the birth of the first baby. She also recalls the living conditions in town and the lack of facilities in those early days. Marj was also involved in the Golf Club and in setting up the Newman Library. 

In this podcast Ronnie Wintle, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, remembers his early visits to De Grey station. He also describes his family especially his brother Noel. And also recalls building the Cool Room for Collins shop.

In this podcast Ronnie Wintle, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes the various places he installed the air cons including the SMQ, the houses and the assay lab. Also, as the rail track was built, he installed the aircons for the rail line camps, then dismantled them as the track proceeded further along. He also recalls his working relationship with Bechtel Pacific and how they used to check that all jobs were delivered perfectly.

In this podcast Ronnie Wintle, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, remembers his connection with Howard Whitmore, and the early days of his apprenticeship. He also recalls some other jobs he tried, including selling life insurance. He remembers fondly how all the skills that he learnt were found during his time in the North West and how he followed the opportunities that were presented to him. He also describes how life has changed for Pilbara workers these days and compares with the hardships of the early days.

In this podcast Ronnie Wintle, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls his drive up to Newman in the days before the town was fully established, and the hazards that presented themselves. He stayed in the Jackson Watson camp, as the SMQ had not been built yet. He describes eating at the Bechtel Pacific camp, and comments on how good the food was! He also describes his working conditions and what his job involved.

In this podcast Ronnie Wintle, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes his initial posting to Hedland as a refrigeration and air con mechanic.

In this podcast Rhonda Chapman, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Ann Collins, remembers going out bush to camp out, especially at Weeli Wolli. Rhonda and Ann recall the early days of hockey in Newman and how soccer was the first sport played, as many of the participants were of migrant origins.

In this podcast Rhonda Chapman, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Ann Collins, describes Bill changing from MMA to Ansett and lists some of the staff who worked with Bill. Both Rhonda and Ann describe their membership of the golf club., and also recall some of the celebrities who arrived in Newman, courtesy of  Ansett.. They also discuss the beginnings of the Kindergarten in Newman. 

In this podcast Rhonda Chapman, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Ann Collins, recalls her time working in the library and her visits to Jigalong. She remembers her association with St Joseph's Church and also her involvement as treasurer with the Newman Bikies. She also recalls her daughters jobs in Newman. And the team talk about the old shopping centre and what shops were there.

In this podcast Rhonda Chapman, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Ann Collins, recalls moving to Newman and some of the jobs she took on, including Community Welfare, Hospital Admin, and Newman Library. She also recalls Bill's role as JP (as was Peter Collins).

In this podcast Rhonda Chapman, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Ann Collins, describes her early life in the Pilbara towns of Goldsworthy and Port Hedland, as her husband, Bill, worked for MMA. 

In this podcast Barry Middleton, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls the Market Garden and Animal Farm in Newman. He also tells of his pride in his son Anthony. 

In this podcast Barry Middleton, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes the events that were a part of his time at the Lions Club. These included the establishment of the Animal Park, Fortescue Festival, the Fortescue Festival Ball, Scouts and various other involvements around town. 

In this podcast Barry Middleton, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls when storms hit Newman and the electrical implications of that. He also remembers some characters from Newman, and then describes how he became involved in the Lions Club.

In this podcast Barry Middleton, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls his job as an electrician on the Mine. He started as a relief foreman and his first challenge was to work out the phasing on the shovels. He worked in air conditioning, truck shop and eventually ended up as permanent electrical foreman, then as a mechanical foreman. He then moved on to become electrical inspector in town, which also included being part of the Pilbara electrical safety group.

In this podcast Garry Kruger, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes the weekend activities for Pioneers 50th Celebration and how well-organised it all was. He enjoyed meeting old friends and also interacting with the newer generations. He also nominates some stand out people who were part of the Pioneers Club, 

In this podcast Garry Kruger, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, reflects on the changes he has noticed in town since he last visited Newman. He also remembers the Speedway and then comments on the impact of FIFO in the town, especially in the sporting area. 

In this podcast Garry Kruger, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, discusses the Turf Club and the people who helped to build it. He recalls how he returned to the Mine and the Crusher and talks about some stand out people he remembers from those days and how their friendships are still important today. He believes that his time working for BHP helped him get setup for life and so he was able to travel and enjoy life. He also recalls some of the strikes in Newman - especially 1988 and the 1983 Apprentices' strike. And he remembers the role of the unions played in bringing good conditions for the workers.

In this podcast Garry Kruger, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls working in the Newman Club. He started as a yardie then eventually became a full time barman. He also describes the annual Anzac Day ceremony, and how the whole town was invited to the Club afterwards.

In this podcast Garry Kruger, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls working in the crusher then applying for, and getting, an adult apprenticeship as a fitter. He describes how he worked right across the Mine and consequently met many people. People had to make their own entertainment, thus there were many parties and gatherings in town. He spent time out at Redmont line camp and recalls his time out there. After a short stint in Kununurra, he came back to Newman and worked on construction of the Dam. 

In this podcast Garry Kruger, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls the Newman Club and the Community Hall. He then describes how he came to play for Pioneers and how the club was formed. He then changed to Saints and remembers their club rooms  and social activities. He also names many of the great players that played in the NNFL and how well the representative team played in external competitions.

In this podcast Garry Kruger, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes his trip to Newman in 1974 and his accommodation in the SMQ. He started in the Machine Shop as a TA and was quickly introduced to strikes. He recalls all the shops that were available in those days and who worked there. But his main place of interest was the Walkabout Pub and the Animal Bar and his memories related to the Sufferers Paradise.

In this concluding podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, talks about some of the people who helped contribute to his books on the Pilbara. He also recalls his favourite podcasts from the Newmanhistory6753.com website, including Olga Soter's which describes life in Wittenoom and his connection with her. He concludes with advice to people who may be coming to live in the Pilbara for the first time. 

In this podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, discusses the many people and files that have become primary resources for his books, including the Warman archives.

In this podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,discuss the origins of the books that Bill has written, including the Spinifex Trilogy and Irony in the Pilbara.

In this podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,discuss the origins of the books that Bill has written, including the Spinifex Trilogy and Irony in the Pilbara.

In this podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, remembers a New Years Eve in Wittenoom. He recalls his most formidable opponents in his football career, especially Les Nixon and Buster Willison and various other players. He also recalls Murray McKenzie and Des Nugent and their contribution to football in Newman. He describes the 40th reunion of the NNFL which was held in Perth.

In this podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls his role in the beginnings of the Newman National Football League, and recounts some stories related to the footy. He also mentions his friend Josh Booth and also  his involvement in Centrals Football Club.

In this podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls various people he worked with, including Graham (Fergie) Ferguson, Gerry Anderson, Erica Smyth (RIP), Wendy Evans, Siggi Slepecki, and the KNOBS group of geologists.

In this podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, talks about his role as a geologist on the mine and the people who influenced him in those early days, especially Mal Kneeshaw. He also discusses the major influences on his role at that time. He also describes some of the changes in Newman, including the building of the second crusher, the extra houses in town, and the Newman Club.  

In this podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, remembers the dancing schools and concerts in town, as well as the school and the teachers who were there. He also recalls some of the memorable women in Newman, and reflects on the role of women in the early days. 

In this podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls the facilities that were available in the early 70s - the swimming pool, the outdoor cinema, the pub - including a regular fight in the bar every night! All the footy clubs used to gather in the pub after the games and awards were given out. Bill recalls the Fortescue Festival and the Fair Go Games. And also the long service awards out at the old homestead / golf club. 

In this podcast, Bill Knox, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls how he came to work in Newman, and a few complications that hindered his beginnings there. He also tells of his previous experience of having been in the Pilbara, especially Wittenoom. He and his new wife Lesley were very impressed with their flat and all the facilities that were available. 

In this podcast Pat Dewar, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls her memories over the past 24 years during her visits to Newman. She notes some changes that she has seen during that time as well. She also provides some feedback about the Bloody Slow games weekend. She concludes by congratulating the committee that organised the Games.

In this podcast Pat Dewar, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls with affection  the role Geoff Stewart and Christine Larkin, played in organising the Memorial and Bloody Slow Cup/Games.

In this podcast Pat Dewar, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes the memorial and how it reflects the community of Newman. She also associates the Bloodyslow Games with the participation of the whole  community, not just the Police involvement. She also describes what they did as a family during the Memorial weekend in Newman. 

In this podcast Pat Dewar, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes why she has a strong relationship with the Newman community. Her son David was one of the policemen killed in a tragic plane accident just outside Newman, and since then the Newman community has supported her family, and the families of the other policemen, through the Bloodyslow Cup - now called the Bloodyslow Games. She describes her son and his life until then, and recalls especially his excellent relationship with the aboriginal community.

In this podcast Paul, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, tells the story of how he was offered a partnership with a couple on Gove in the NT, which could have become his Pot of Gold. However he turned it down in order to return to his Mother in Melbourne.

In this podcast Barry describes how he came to Newman in 1991 and how he became involved in various community activities - as well as being employed as an electrician on the mine.

In this podcast Bill and Shirley Shephard discuss some of the medical emergencies that happened at the Capi and other stories of interest. They also talk about Yibbie and her husband Bob George. 

In this podcast Bill describes some stories from his time driving through the Outback. In particular he describes this encounter with "The Walkers" - a group who set out to walk the Canning Stock Route

In this podcast Bill and Shirley Shephard share some of their photos and memories from the early days of the Capricorn Roadhouse and the building of the bridge over the Fortescue River. They also include their memories of the original Newman Speedway.

In this podcast, Bill Shephard describes his role as a radio operator during both Cyclones Tracy and Joan. He also talks about how he carted fuel out into the remote Pilbara.