Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

In this podcast Jim Ward discusses how he arrived in Port Hedland from New Zealand to follow his career as a locomotive driver on the ore trains that made the regular trips between Hedland and Newman. He talks about the accommodation that was available for train drivers in the South Hedland "high rise". He also sadly describes how his first wife died of cancer, and how good the Company was to him...

In this podcast, Sue Morris , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, talks about her time working in the SPQ. Between  all the cleaners there, they knew all the gossip around the town! She also recalls how some of the young blokes needed a bit advice and guidance, and Sue was happy to help out. She also tells some stories from her cleaning days. She also remembers her lovely Croatian neighbours and ho...

In this podcast, Sue Morris , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes working night shift in the Warehouse and the stories around it being haunted. After a brief stay in Transport, Sue recalls her struggles with cleaning in the SMQ and her lack of acceptance from the staff  there. It was only after joining the picket line at a strike that she was fully accepted as one of them.

In this podcast, Sue Morris , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes her accommodation in her flat (B1). At that time she was working in the hospital and her job often went beyond her domestic duties. Then Sue talks about life for young Mums and how isolated they were, but the community provided support for each other.

In this podcast, Sue Morris , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes how she met Ray and how their relationship developed until they were married in April 1972 at the Community Hall, which was also the Anglican Church. Her dress was made in town by Margaret McIntyre and SHRM provided the catering.

In this podcast, Sue Morris , in conversation with Lisa Rickert tells how she came to Newman in February 1970 as a 21 year old, as her Dad had found a job there. She describes some of the facilities available in those days - The Walkabout Pub, the Picture Theatre and later the Drive-in, and the party scene which was very popular in those early days.

In this podcast Ray Morris , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls some characters from his mining days and tells a few stories about them.

In this podcast Ray Morris , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, talks about his job working with the cranes, and how they could be called out to derailments, even after a few drinks. He describes his time as a Foreman, and eventually how Sue and himself decided to take the VER.

In this podcast Ray Morris , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes his first few years at the mine, including his first day when a big rock came down and stopped him working. He also describes his various roles including working the 992s (the only machine with aircon), being a greaser on the shovels, getting his ticket on the shovels (August 72) and then moving on to the Crane section. He a...

In this podcast, Ray Morris , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes his early employment at Newman. He first arrived as an employee of Bell Brothers and worked 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week - with a couple of hours off on Sunday to join the Sunday Session at the pub. After requesting time off for Christmas, Ray's employment with Bell was terminated. He later met  Mick Carmody in Dampier, wh...

In this final podcast Erica Smyth , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, covers a variety of topics. She talks about the arrival of the "ladies of the night" in town and how that broke the tensions that had been building, especially in the Union area. She recalls her visit to Jigalong, where she loved the experience and atmosphere of being there with the community. She recounts a sad experience in t...

In this podcast Erica Smyth , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls her relationship with Melva Stone, as together they created the book "Red Dust in Her Veins" - a very successful fund raiser for the RFDS. She also discusses the social divisions in the town - not only for staff and wages, but for the women involved as well.

In this podcast Erica Smyth , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls her role in mapping the ore at Marra Mamba. She also describes how she was involved in the beginnings of women's hockey in Newman in 1974.

In this podcast Erica Smyth , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, covers a diverse range of topics, including being stalked in Newman, her response to the gathering in Busselton, Rock Carvings, the Brumbies and Dingoes.

In this podcast Erica Smyth , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, names some of the teachers who were working in Newman in the early 70s. She also describes how she cultivated a relationship with the rough and tumble drillers, who were then happy to share information with her.

In this podcast Erica Smyth , in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes what her job entailed as a Geologist working from Newman. She also describes her dislike of exploring via an aeroplane!

In this podcast Erica Smyth  in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls her arrival in Newman in March 1974 as a 22 year old, raw, new geology honours graduate from UWA. She was only 4 weeks into the job when she developed Type 1 Diabetes. This podcast explores the challenges that presented to a Geologist who worked in the field.

In this podcast Julie Howes, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, talks about her Father's relationship with the Aboriginal people, and how he could speak 5 different aboriginal dialects. These strong relationships however put some pressure on Charlie's marriage, and Julie's Mum returned to Busselton. Julie then talks about her own relationships with the Aboriginal people around Busselton and Bunbur...

In this podcast Julie Howes, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls more memories of her Dad, Charlie Snell. She remembers how he used his bush craft to kill the dingoes, who were very intelligent animals. She also talks about her Dad as "The Snake Man" and how she had to overcome a phobia about snakes.

In this podcast Julie Howes, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, relives a variety of memories from her childhood, including the many ways the kids made their won fun, going out to Homestead Pool or visiting the horse yards, or visiting the pool. And the annual Christmas party where the whole town was invited to celebrate together, with everything provided by the company.

In this podcast Julie Howes, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls many memories of her days at Newman Primary School and how she loved Jim Hopkins as a teacher. She also remembers some of her friends who went to school with her and how everyone lived their carefree life by exploring the bush, especially Radio Hill.

In this podcast Julie Howes, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, relives her memories of the old homestead where tent city was located. She also tells about her father, Charlie Snell, what his job as town foreman  entailed and how she would accompany him throughout the Pilbara, especially to the outlying stations. She also describes his special relationship with the Aboriginal people.

In this podcast, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, Dave Whitehead  goes into more detail about life on the line camps, describing the visitors who came through the camps. These included the "Ladies of the Night" who were well looked after. Also, some bands used to come through on their way to Newman, including the Troubadours and Jimmy Barnes. Dave also discusses the changes that he witnessed in...

In this podcast, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, Dave Whitehead  recalls his move to work on the rails between Newman and Port Hedland  in Dec 1974. He describes this work and his life in the line camps, especially Sandhill, where he lived for 3 years before moving to Newman town. He describes how the introduction of a poker machine at Redmont line camp resulted in generous donations to both th...

In this podcast Joe Caruso joins in conversation with Lisa Rickert and remembers Dixie Steven who was an important component of the rail team. He also recalls what the wages were around that time.