Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

Owen and Mary-Anne Goyder Part 3 - Bullying, Drinking, Speedway, major influences, disparity in wages

In this podcast Owen and Mary-Anne discuss bullying in schools and the proportion of males v females in town. They also address the issue of drinking in the town and at school. Owen describes his experience at the Speedway. They both reflect on any major influences at school, especially the disparity in wages between professional people in town, and those employed at the mine. 

Owen and Mary-Anne Goyder Part 2 - Jobs at NPS and NSHS, Teacher transfers, Graduate teachers.

In this podcast  Mary-Anne describes getting a job at Newman Primary as a music specialist, and also reveals the issues for people in Newman needing child care. Owen goes on to describe the Science program at NSHS  and both the advantages and disadvantages of having such a small school. They also discuss the demise of the teacher transfer system to country schools, and how getting back to the city became problematic.  They remember how many graduate teachers were appointed to country schools, and how they were supported by very experienced teachers who had been there for a while. Overall the standard of teaching at all the schools was very high.

Owen and Mary-Anne Goyder Part 1 - Arrival, Massive downpour, Waterholes, Love of the Pilbara

In this podcast Owen and Mary-Anne describe their arrival in Newman in 1991, after Owen was posted there as the Head of Science at Newman Senior High School. They drove up with two little boys and were greeted by a massive Newman downpour as soon as they arrived. which was a blessing in disguise as it filled all the water holes around the town. They also describe the places they would bring visitors to, and how they loved the Pilbara landscape, especially Wittenoom.

Sheena and Mick Simunovic Part 10 - Fortescue Festival, Croatian Club, Retro House, Returning to Newman

In this podcast Sheena and Mick Simunovic remember the Fortescue Festival and the kebabs made by the Croatian Community. Lisa also describes the Retro house that is available as a B&B. They both discuss the possibility of returning to Newman for a visit, because Newman was a very positive experience for their family

Sheena and Mick Simunovic Part 9 - Reflections on BHP as a company, FIFO workers, stress in the workplace

In this podcast Sheena and Mick Simunovic reflect on how good BHP/MNM was as a company. They also discuss the positives and negatives of the introduction of FIFO workers, Mick also remembers how stressful his job became, both in workload and some of the responsibilities that came with the job.

Sheena and Mick Simunovic Part 8 - Redmont Camp

In this podcast Mick Simunovic recalls  what Redmont camp was like - he describes it as the best! Best food, cleaning was done for you - even your bed was made! It had married quarters, so a few couples were able to live there together. Mick was the boss and answered directly to the Mine manager.

Sheena and Mick Simunovic Part 7 - The Big strike of 1988, Floods that affected the Railway

In this podcast Mick Simunovic recalls  the big strike of 1988, and the impact that had on him as staff  member, and the split it had on the town, including wives and families. He also remembers the flood in 1984 which washed out part of the line - he had to work 29 hours straight to sort that out. 

Sheena and Mick Simunovic Part 6 - Croatian Hour 6NEW, Rail Line Camps, Fights in Newman, Living conditions in the line camps

In this podcast Sheena Simunovic describes the Croatian hour on 6NEW every Thursday. Then Mick Simunovic describes the various rail line camps between Hedland and Newman. He outlines what the facilities were like in the camps. He recalls some of the people who worked with him, and the many nationalities that were represented. He also recalls a few fights at the Newman Club and the Walkabout.  He continues to describe the actual set out of the camp and how the guys all lived on top of each other. In 1976 there was no air conditioning, but this changed as the years passed. 

Sheena and Mick Simunovic Part 5 - Beginnings of Newman hospital, Major Traumas, Ambulance Service, Summary

In this podcast Sheena Simunovic recalls the beginnings of Newman hospital, and the role played by Dr Peter Eckhart and his wife Marjorie, who was the matron. She also remembers how the staff pulled together during major traumas, and the role of the Ambulance service. Sheena then summarises her time in Newman as a very positive experience.

Sheena and Mick Simunovic Part 4 - Dr Eckhart and Jigalong, Nurses she worked with, Challenges of being a nurse in Newman, Memorial Rose Garden

In this podcast Sheena Simunovic recalls how Dr Eckhart used to fly out to Jigalong each Wednesday and hold a clinic out there. Along with Lisa Rickert, she remembers some of the nurses she used to work with at the hospital. Again she recalls some of the challenges of being a nurse at the hospital - especially working in a small town, you knew everyone who came through. She also describes the purpose the memorial rose garden that was attached to the hospital.