Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

In this podcast, Becky Palmer recalls the houses she lived in and her neighbours. She tells of her school life at South Newman PS and her out of school activities which included Irish dancing and gymnastics, Scripture Classes and attending the Youth Group at the Baptist Church. She also remembers fondly going out to the various water holes around Newman for a bush barbie!

In this podcast, Becky Palmer recalls her childhood in Newman. She loved being part of the Irish community but especially loved the freedom of playing in the bush.

In this podcast, Fr Brian Ahearn recalls some cyclones and the hazards of his trips to Wittenoom. He recalls the one school in town and how it evolved. He used to love visiting people in both  Newman and Geraldton. He also played a bit of golf and tennis as recreation.

In this podcast, Fr Brian Ahearn reflects on the town of Newman and the facilities that were available. He also tells of his personal history both growing up and as a priest. 

In this podcast, Fr Brian Ahearn recalls many of the people who helped him in the Parish, including Rosie Gabrielli, Madge and Eric Finnegan, Marie and Kevin Rickert, Pina and Murray Ford, Joan and Ian Gunn, and John and Barbara Keane. He also recalls the visits of Bishop Thomas.

In this podcast, Fr Brian Ahearn talks about his appointment to Newman and how he gathered the parishioners to build the physical Church. He also talks about the various other towns he was connected to, apart from Newman - Wittenoom, Nullagine, Jigalong and some of the nearby Stations. 

In this podcast, Ron and Joy Coles  tell the story of Joy's battle with lung cancer and its relationship to Wittenoom.

In this podcast, Ron and Joy Coles  discuss some of the changes that happened in the Pilbara during their stay there.  They moved around constantly during that time including staying in Perth, Arthur River, and Telfer  They also went to Japan for 12 months, working for Woodside, and moved then to the Burrup, living in Karratha. They later moved to Perth again and Margaret River.

In this podcast, Ron and Joy Coles  recall their memories of strikes, cyclones and floods across the Pilbara. They also describe the facilities that were available in Wittenoom, Hedland and Newman. They also describe the class difference that lay between staff and wages, especially senior staff, and recall some of the people who lived in Ross Ave.

In this podcast, Ron and Joy Coles describe their first impressions of the Pilbara and how they adapted to the heat. They also recall the company cars were Mini Mokes. They remember their time of involvement in Newman Primary School, where Joy was the first Canteen Manager and Ron was the President of the P&C. Their children were involved in the Swimming Club and Soccer and the Clay Pidgeon Cl...

In this podcast, Ron and Joy Coles describe how they set up activities for the youth in Newman, including, Youth Club, Go Karts, Junior Speedway, Roller Skates. They also remember when they sowed grass on the NPS Oval in Hilditch Ave. They also recall some stories of Dr Eckhart and Dr Oxer in Wittenoom. And how their car broke down outside Kumarina.

In this podcast, Ron and Joy Coles outline their travels  around the Pilbara, including Port Hedland,  Northam, Kununurra, then on to Newman. Ron outlines some of the jobs he held in Newman including Warehouse Supervisor and Town Superintendent.

In this podcast, Ron and Joy Coles recall their stay in Wittenoom in the 60s. Ron worked in the mine, but then moved to a desk job. They describe their living conditions there and some of the people they knew in the town.

In this podcast, Mel Warren , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes how the pool was made ready for the swimming carnivals. She also outlines what is available in the kiosk. Mel tells us what the current (2023)  prices are for the pool and what deals are available and also what facilities are available within the pool. She also outlines the proposed upgrades to the lighting and use of solar...

In this podcast, Mel Warren , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls the stress of the pool taking longer than expected. She outlines some predicted special events at the pool. She also remembers some special events in the town, and things that affect the pools, including the Marble Bar earthquake. She also recalls some characters she has met along the way.

In this podcast, Mel Warren, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes what brought her to Newman and the changes she has initiated for the Newman Pool to enable it to be open all year round. Her nickname of "Flipper" describes her ability to walk into aquatic centres and bring them up to speed, then move on! She talks about her own sporting involvement and how she  is trying to bring water pol...

In this podcast, Kenneth Goldie ,  in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls the famous "Sesame St" and his mate Spider, along with S block. He tells how he survived Golden Staph after a hip operation and how his wife Maxine looked after him. He describes his home as "his healing place" and he concludes with a reflection on his life.

In this podcast, Kenneth Goldie ,  in conversation with Lisa Rickert, discusses his involvement in sport and recalls more of his travel stories. He tells of some of the many visitors to his place in the Northern Territory. He also names some other famous people who have been through Sr Kate's, including Dr Sue Gordon who still visits him now.

In this podcast, Kenneth Goldie ,  in conversation with Lisa Rickert, remembers his travels to Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East and beyond. He then recalls returning to Newman and being very grateful for his job there. His memories of Newman are very happy.

In this podcast, Kenneth Goldie ,  in conversation with Lisa Rickert, tells us how he was made a traditional owner of the land in the Paraburdoo region. He spent time travelling and when he returned to Newman in the mid 90s he took the redundancy package. He tells his story of being taken as a 4 year old from Ashburton Downs and was sent to Sr Kate's orphanage in Perth until he was 17. Then he wor...

In this podcast, Kenneth Goldie remembers when he came to Newman just as a strike was happening and how he worked through it with Union approval, to maintain essential services. He also describes some colourful characters from around that time and tells what life was like in the Spiders. He also recalls his connections with Jigalong.

In this podcast, Mylene Barker discusses the changes in Newman and how much she loves living here. She also offers some advice for the young people living in Newman!

In this podcast, Mylene Barker recalls when the bushfire came very close to the town, and also the floods in town after the rain. She also mentions when the river is up and how people from town go out to look at it! She names the facilities that were available to her in town. She remembers Sr Betty as a memorable person in town and she also describes her time as a St John Ambulance volunteer.

In this podcast, Mylene Barker tells about her children's education and their involvement in out of school activities. She also describes her jobs and how she found employment at the Yellow School.

In this podcast, Mylene Barker talks about buying a house in Newman, and the varying times of Boom and Bust in the town. She also makes the comparison of life in Newman with life in the Philippines, including talking about the Education system in her country, where she had trained as a fully qualified teacher.