Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

Harley Jones 2 - Conditions in tent city, his job as a cadet draftsman, saving money

In this podcast Harley, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  continues to describe what conditions were like in the Tent City. He also describes his job as a cadet draftsman, and how his job offered him the opportunity to save his money, as there were no expenses whilst he was working at the camp.

Harley Jones 1 - Arriving at the Exploration Camp, Description of the tents and the camp.

In this podcast Harley, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls his trip to Newman in 1963 when he was only 16. It was  his first trip in a plane and did a multi stop "milk run" until he landed in Meekathara. From there he was driven to the exploration camp at the Newman Homestead. He describes the tents they lived in and the layout of the camp. 

Sandy Kalpakoff Part 5 - Going out bush, 6NEW, Leaving Newman, Best Memories

In this podcast Sandy, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  remembers going out "bush" with Mick and Tracie Fleay. She also loved her time as a volunteer on 6NEW. She describes her time in Newman as quite stable with minimal changes in the town. She recalls how sad she felt leaving Newman, especially as her daughter had just graduated from Year 7, which was dedicated to the memory of Gerard Ross. She concludes with a big thank you to the people of Newman for some of the best memories of her life.

Sandy Kalpakoff Part 4 - Establishing the Newman Neighbourhood Centre

In this podcast Sandy, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls her involvement in the establishment of the Newman Neighbourhood Centre in 1992.

Sandy Kalpakoff Part 3 - Jobs, Living in Newman, Creches, Fortescue Festival, NATS

In this podcast Sandy, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls some of her many jobs in Newman, including working as a receptionist at the Rec Centre. Also at DES, Allied Pickfords, Video City,  and Australia Post. She discusses why they ultimately left Newman and the effects it had on her. She remembers the Creches that were available. She shares her memories of the  Fortescue Festival  and also her participation in NATS.

Sandy Kalpakoff Part 2 - Involvement in Sports - Hockey, Badminton and Basketball

In this podcast Sandy, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  describes some of the sports she was involved in, including hockey, badminton, and basketball

Sandy Kalpakoff Part 1 - Arrival in Newman, Sporting facilities, Friendly People, Gymnastics

In this podcast Sandy, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls coming to Newman in 1989 after time already spent in the Pilbara. She arrived in winter and was surprised at the cold! She was really impressed with all the sporting facilities and the friendliness of the people. She describes the involvement of herself and her children in multiple sports, but her special love was gymnastics, where she ended up as coach. She recalls how she had to set up for the classes each day in the Rec Centre, and became very involved in competitions, especially in the Pilbara region. 

Merv Welsh Part 3 - Fortescue Festival, Beginnings of Aussie Rules footy.

In this podcast Merv, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, shares his memories of the Fortescue Festival and the "Fair-Go" Games. He goes on to describe the beginnings of the Aussie Rules Footy competition in Newman and how the teams were named, and the jumpers chosen. They played on Boomerang Oval, with no change rooms, and the grass was watered from the sewerage plant. 

Merv Welsh Part 8 - Footy trips, Pride in the town, Mines that no longer exist, Fatalities, Pink Panther truck, Pioneers 50th

In this podcast Merv, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls the early footy trips to other towns, especially Tom Price. He goes on to reminisce about how safe the town was in the early days and how people took pride in their place and especially their gardens. Merv and Lisa discuss mines that no longer exist, such as Shay Gap and Goldsworthy. Merv also recalls some fatalities on the mine during his time there. He also remembers the Pink Panther truck which brought the ammonium nitrate to town. They conclude with a reminder that Pioneers are celebrating their 50th anniversary later this year (2025).

Merv Welsh Part 7 - Cyclone Kerry, Various Characters, Events and celebrities in the Community Hall, Playing Football in the Swan Districts League with various Pilbara footballers.

In this podcast Merv, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls Cyclone Kerry and how it wiped quite a bit of the railway track. He  recalls stories about some of his workmates and also some characters from that time. He also remembers various events that were held in the Community Hall, including the Rolf Harris and Alf Garnett shows, and various sporting personalities. He discusses his football history and playing against Ron Willison and Stroud Dale  in the Swan Districts competition.