Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

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.

In this podcast Bill and Shirley Shephard tell the story of Jimmy Edwards, upon whom the book "A Town like Alice" (Nevil Shute) was based. Jimmy had connections with Warrawagine Station near Marble Bar.

In this podcast Bill and Shirley Shephard discuss some of the famous people they have encountered at the Capi.

In this podcast Paul, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls what life was like on Groote Island. He especially remembers a place called Umbakumba where he could get fresh prawns. But he disliked the humidity. From there he was sent  briefly to Jim Jim in Arnhem Land, and then on to New Guinea. He ultimately joined Henry Walker and was sent to Hays Creek, where he met up with a fellow worker c...

In this podcast Dave Cant, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, outlines the changes he has noticed in the town of Newman since he left. He also reflects on the importance of the role that his time in Newman has played in the shaping of his life, and the opportunities that were presented through this association.

In this podcast Dave Cant, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls why they left Newman in 1998 and moved to Albany then Perth and ultimately to Sydney.  He describes why he returned to Newman for the 50th reunion of Pioneers, and the some of the activities that were on offer during the weekend. Dave reflected on the early beginnings  of Pioneers and how that same passion is still evident today...

In this podcast Dave Cant, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes how he met Julie in the Tigers Club and how she moved up to join him in 1988. He describes how he changed his job from the Bank to working on the mine as a TA on the shovel pad, then he took on an adult apprenticeship in industrial electronics, and eventually ended up in Health and Safety. Both he and Julie agreed their main g...

In this podcast Dave Cant, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,   reflects on the friendships and mateships that he encountered n Newman, and the effect that it had on his life. He also describes the ploys that Pioneers Club used to entice people to their Club, including Themed Nights (such as Mock Weddings) and alternative drinks such as Shooters and Coronas. He remembers the success of the Pioneer...

In this podcast Dave Cant, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,   recalls moving to Newman in 1985 to work in the ANZ bank. He tells of his connection with his uncle Sir David Brandt, who laid the gold spike that completed the railway between Newman and Port Hedland. He was also related to  John Tonkin on his Dad's side, so he had connections in high places! On his first day in town he ran into Ian...

In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  discusses the child care clinic and where it was situated. She also tells Lisa about her visit to the cemetery when she was in town for the 50th Reunion, and some friends that went with her. And her mind wanders back to the parties they used to have. 

In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  describes the 50th Reunion Celebration of the Pioneers Football Club, and how Des was mentioned and his letter read out. She also mentions how in the days following she went on a Mine tour and then tried to go to the Visitor's Centre, which sadly was closed. 

In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  tells the story of a horse that Des had heard about, and Cheryl had to go to the TAB and put the bet on. She also describes how she and Des ran a sport shop from their house. They used to love going camping down at the dry river bed and have a BBQ. She recalls what it was like coming back to Newman and how things have changed. She...

In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,   recalls the Fortescue Festival and the Boxing Match. She also describes the Picture Gardens and how the single guys avoided payment. She remembers how Des used to tease her when the Post deliveries commenced in town. She and Des both played squash and Des also played cricket and football for Pioneers. She adds some names on the ph...

In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,   discusses what the social life was like in Newman in the very early days. Des was very involved in the establishment of the Pioneers Football Club, especially the fund raising. Des was also very involved with the building of the Catholic Church in Warman Ave and Cheryl recalls where Mass was celebrated before the Church was built,...

In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,   remembers moving to Newman in 1969 and living at 25 Warman Ave. She describes shopping  at Collins Supermarket in town.  She also recalls the original hospital in town and the role of Dr Peter Eckhart and his wife Marj, including fixing Des' knee after an accident on the Mine. 

In this podcast Mick Carr, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  reflects on how easy it is to catch up with Newman friends, even after many years. He also recalls his involvement with the Union and the changes that came into the workplace, especially regarding Health and Safety. 

In this podcast Mick Carr, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  remembers some special events held at the Pioneers Club, such as a Players Review. He then describes returning to Newman after leaving and also recalls  the 40th Reunion of the Club and compares it with the 50th Reunion, outlining the highlights of the weekend. He especially remembered the "Bad Losers" award and the day Alan Whyborn wo...

In this podcast Mick Carr, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  describes his apprenticeship at the Mine and how John Cartwright taught him many skills, including life skills. He remembers how Pat Smith and his son Dave recruited him for Pioneers football club, and how everyone there became instant mates. Some of Pioneers people he recalls include Dave Cant, Jenky, the McCoy boys and many more. He...

In this podcast Paul, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  concludes his memories by comparing life in the Pilbara and up North, with living in the city or rural communities.

In this podcast Paul, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls working in Onslow and how he problem solved moving rocks that weighed 6 tons as they built the Breakwater in the mid 1960s.

In this podcast Paul, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls working in, or visiting, many towns throughout the Pilbara, including Goldsworthy, Shay Gap, Port Hedland, Paraburdoo, Tom Price, Wittenoom, Roy Hill where he met Gina Reinhart and her Dad, Lang Hancock!

In this podcast Paul, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  continues telling stories of his time in the Pilbara, including a great fishing story! He recalls the highlights of his working life, especially acquiring skills to help in his trade. He again refers to his relationship with his Mum and why he chose to move away from her. He also describes his life after retirement.

In this podcast Paul, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls his time in Timor, and how much he enjoyed his time there. He especially liked the people there and recounts some stories about his time in Timor. He also describes his relationship with his Mum and how he held her close through some of the tough times.

In this podcast Paul, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  adds a few further thoughts about his time in New Guinea. He goes into more details about his very serious incident where he was nearly killed and how dangerous this job was.