Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

In this podcast Rod and Maxine Matthews recall some characters they met in Newman and surrounds during their stay there.

Kevin Byleveld came to Newman with his wife Leonie and three children in December 1978 and they left in December 1981. He was posted to Newman  as Officer in Charge of Newman Police Station. His main claim to fame, however, was that he was the main force behind the formation of the Newman Turf Club and the construction of the Newman Race Course.

In this podcast Dave Savage discusses some friends and interesting characters he met along the way. He also talks about the changes he saw in his short stay, and compares Newman with his next appointment at Rawlina on the Nullabor Plain. 

In this podcast Dave Savage describes some of the highlights of his life in Newman and reflects on the culture of the town, especially the central place of sport and the associated culture of drinking.

In this podcast Dave Savage describes his house and facilities in Newman during his three years there. He also reflects on school life there - for both the students and the staff. He especially remembers the contribution his students made to rehabilitation of the mine through planting of trees and bushes.

In this podcast Dave Savage reveals his reasons for coming to Newman as a teacher and his first experiences of the town.

In this podcast Olga Soter reflects back over her time in Wittenoom and compares it with what might have been in Austria. She also recalls the effects of the war on Frank and how it affected his health.

In this podcast Olga Soter continues her live history lesson as she recalls how Frank went home to Romania to visit his family, only to find it had been taken over by the Communists. He escaped by walking from Romania, through Hungary, back to Austria to reunite with his young family.

In this podcast Olga Soter relates what life was like as she grew up in Austria during WWII. She also describes bombs falling around her and her impressions of Hitler.

In this podcast Olga Soter describes what life was like in the refugee camp in Northam and her journey to Wittenoom in a very bumpy plane

In  this podcast Olga Soter describes the beginning of the end of Wittenoom

In this podcast Martin Osborn describes the changes in the town while he was there, some characters he met along the way and gives BHP a big thumbs up!

Martin Osborn worked in payroll during the 1980s. In this podcast he describes the big strikes from the staff side of the fence.

In this podcast Rod Matthews describes how he was invited to devise a computer program that would simulate all aspects of production, to allow for forward planning.

In this final podcast  Barry Hibben  shares his final thoughts. He commends the Newman History Project and makes a plea for BHP to become more involved.

In this podcast Rod and Maxine describe their involvement in sports in the town. They also share stories of the "Granny Season" and the Christmas spent with no aircon! Rod also tells of his involvement with the Newman Deep Sea Fishing Club - where he caught the Sundowner across to Hedland to go out fishing.

In this podcast Rod and Maxine remember some characters from their time in Newman.

In this podcast Barry Hibben describes the changes that happened in Newman during his time there - both in the town and on the Mine. He also reflects on the ability of the North West and the red dirt to get into your blood.

In this podcast Barry Hibben reflects on the role of the NNFL as the major component of football in the early days. He names his best footballers of the early 70s and also outlines his participation in other sports. In particular he recalls the cricket match involving Rod Marsh, Mick Malone and Dennis Lillee.

In this podcast Barry Hibben  talks about some of the characters he encountered during his stay in Newman. He especially refers to the Core Shed and to the Geologists.

In this podcast Barry Hibbens describes the reunion trip to the Pilbara for some of the original geologists involved in Mt Newman Mining. Sadly Mal Kneeshaw died just before the trip was to take place, so  the "K" is in his honour!

In this podcast, Barry Hibben recalls how the plans for Newman town were drawn up and how the town actually evolved into being.

In this podcast Barry Hibben   talks about the influences he experienced during his time in Newman. He mentions how football really enhanced the sense of community. He also describes the positive aspect of the Unions as they allowed community events to take place, once the shifts were organised to give free time for community involvement. He goes on  to describe the effect of Cyclone Sheila and it...

In this podcast Barry  Hibben describes what his job entailed and what the geologists were required to do. He also mentions some of his work colleagues including Bill Knox, Mal Kneeshaw and Hugh Jones.

In this podcast Barry Hibben recalls what the Mine was like in the very early days when he visited from Perth. He also talks about his pride in seeing the town of Newman develop after he had been involved at the planning stage. He describes his house and his early days in Newman.