Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

Bronwen Day Part 1 - Getting to Newman, The trip up, Living in the Caravan Park, Getting a house in Forrest Ave

In this podcast Bronwen Day, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls how she and her husband, Mark, and two young babies arrived in Newman  in 1986. As housing was limited they originally lived in the caravan park in town, which had its challenges, but where they also made many friends. She remembers persisting with Township to try to get a house, and finally they moved to Forrest Ave.

Anthony Jenssen Part 3 - Social Events, Blue Light Discos, Bloodyslow Cup, Multicultural Dinners, Snow Event, Fortescue Festival. Fireworks, Lions Club

In this podcast, Anthony Jenssen, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls the many social activities and event that were available to a child growing up in Newman. These included the Blue Light Discos, Bloodyslow Cup, Multicultural Dinners, Snow event sponsored by BHP, and the Fortescue Festival and the fireworks at night. He also remembers the great contribution made by the Lions Club in Newman, which often facilitated many of these events, including sponsoring himself for the Outward Bound Camp in Walpole. He also mentions the Animal Farm that is maintained by the Lions in Newman.

Anthony Jenssen Part 2 -Sports played growing up, Venues, Exploring Radio Hill, Water Holes around Newman, Fortescue River flowing

In this podcast, Anthony Jenssen, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  describes all the many sports he was involved in whilst growing up in Newman, and the venues they were played at. He also recalls exploring around town, especially Radio Hill, and visiting the water holes around town - Kalgan's Pool, Weeli Wolli and Sandy Creek. He also remembers when the Fortescue River was up and being able to swim in its current.

Anthony Jenssen Part 1 -Growing up in Newman

In this podcast, Anthony Jenssen, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls his move to Newman in 2001 when his Dad found a job with BHP at the mine. He recalls many of the facilities that were available in his youth, including the YMCA, and the café near the old shopping centre. He also remembers playing around that area on his scooter. He tells Lisa about how his parents moved to Newman when they were in Year 4, and how they also grew up in Newman. His grandparents were Rick and Irene Thomas.

Joe and Ursula Keane Part 5 - Characters, changes, Positive experience that gave opportunities, no regrets

In this podcast, Joe and Ursula recall a few characters in their time and they also reflect on the changes that happened. For them, living in Newman was a positive experience, and gave them the experience and the opportunities to take then forward in the mining. industry.

Joe and Ursula Keane Part 4 - Stink Beetles, Soccer - both local and regional, High-railed bus trips to Hedland, Why they left Newman

In this podcast, Joe and Ursula recall the stink beetles that came into the workshop. Joe remembers playing soccer for the Hearts team. He also served a term as President of the Newman Soccer Association, and  organised the first Pilbara Soccer Competition against many of the other Pilbara soccer teams. They also both recalled the High-railed Bus - which was a bus that went on rails, which they took to Hedland - the boys for soccer and the girls for the shopping! They discussed why they left Newman in 1979 and how they went overland, via Katmandu,  back home to Dublin. 

Joe and Ursula Keane Part 3 - Major influences, highlights, Being Irish, How good it was to live in the town

In this podcast, Joe and Ursula review the major influences they faced in Newman especially  the power of the Unions. Their highlights included the friends they made, and the money they were able to make that helped them to get  deposit on their house. They recall how everything was provided for them in town and also to be part of the Irish community. 

Joe and Ursula Keane Part 2 - Living quarters, Joe's job - CAT workshop, Union influence, Sport, Strikes, SHRM, Hat colours

In this podcast, Joe and Ursula recall what their living quarters were like - a 2 bedroom flat. Joe describes his job as a mechanic  working in the CAT workshop, and the influence of the Unions on the workshop floor. They both also remember the strike that was called when the company tried to move to the three shift rotating roster and the effect that had on sports in the town. Ursula recalls working for SHRM, whilst waiting to get a job on the Mine. Joe also describes the different "hat" colours and what they signified. 

Joe and Ursula Keane Part 1 - Coming from Ireland,Tony Palmer, Getting a job, Driving up, First Impressions, Facilities

In this podcast, Joe and Ursula reveal their reason for coming to Newman after emigrating from Ireland. They remember their trip up via a dusty and corrugated road, and how they stayed with Tony Palmer when they arrived. They describe their first impressions of the town and recall what facilities were available at that time.

Pauline Coghlan Part 4 - Meeting important people, Memorable people in her job, Community Involvement, Leaving Newman

In this podcast Pauline remembers being invited when "important" people came to town. She also recalls some  people who supported her and the school  during her time in Newman. Although her time was limited, she outlines her involvement in the community, including being on the Advisory Council of Hedland College (Newman Campus) and being President of the Tennis Club . She left at the end of 1989 to take up Long Service Leave and travel the world with her family. Pauline concludes with her very positive memories of Newman.