Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

Owen and Mary-Anne Goyder Part 6 - Introduction of Aboriginal children to school, Red Sands Pub, Newman as a stand out place to live, The Eagle in the ute story

In this podcast Owen and Mary-Anne discuss the changes that happened during their stay in Newman. One they especially noted was the introduction of the Aboriginal children from the Pumajina camp, on the outskirts of town, to the school system, with adjustments needed all around. They also recalled the excitement in town, with the building of the Red Sands Pub! Both Owen and Mary-Anne agree that their stay in Newman was a stand out amongst the places they have lived and worked. They conclude with a story  about their neighbour who turned up with a wedge tailed eagle in the passenger seat of his ute..... a great way to finish with a very Newman story!!

Owen and Mary-Anne Goyder Part 5 - Anglican Church, Characters, Living in Newman, Health Care facilities

In this podcast Owen and Mary-Anne describe their involvement with the Anglican Church. They also describe some characters who were present in Newman during their time there - including their neighbour Sgt Jim Guy who was a Policeman and Roy Aveling, who was the AMP man. They recall the sense of a lack of relationship between the mine workers and the Teachers and Police - who were seen as transients. They describe how the town itself affected them, especially Mary-Anne as a young Mum, but they treasured the trips to Hedland and Karratha to visit the real shops like K-Mart! They also comment on  the health care in town.

Owen and Mary-Anne Goyder Part 4 - Bush camping, teacher friendships, Sporting activities, School and Town Choirs.

In this podcast Owen and Mary-Anne recall the joys of camping at Karijini and beyond. They also discuss the friendships that were formed among the teaching community that have endured beyond their time in Newman,  and the social life enjoyed by all the teaching staff. They  remember their involvement in various sporting activities - especially T-Ball, and also Mary-Anne's involvement in a school and town choir.

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.