Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

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.

Pauline Coghlan Part 3 - Bush BBQs, School camps and excursions, Influences - Politics and the Strike of1988, Highlights - the school, completion of Highway 1 and the people.

In this podcast Pauline recalls the joy of the bush BBQ. She also discusses the school camps, Country Week, the school trip to the EXPO in Brisbane and the celebration of the Bicentenary in 1988.She enjoyed her daughter's association with Newman PS. She also remembers the influences that came to bear on the school especially the Politics that underlay many things, and the Strike of 1988 and the effect that had on the students and their families. Her highlights included the School in general, and also her invitation to the completion of the sealing of Highway Number 1 with the laying of the last strip of bitumen. And of course the people and the community were very special.

Pauline Coghlan Part 2 - Leadership, 6NEW, Governor's visit, Community involvement, Sports, Fires in Town

In this podcast Pauline speaks glowingly of her staff and how many of them went on to become leaders in their own right. She also recalls the creative ways she used to get the message to the parents about the introduction of Unit Curriculum at the High School. These included interviews on 6NEW and joining in sporting groups eg Netball and Tennis, She remembers the visit of the Governor to Newman and how he proclaimed a holiday for all the schools! She also discussed the fires that happened around town - including the football clubs and the attempts at the High School and South Newman PS.

Pauline Coghlan Part 1 - Arrival, Beauty of the Land, Community, Facilities, Houses, Role as a Principal, P&C, Importance of Rec Centre

In this podcast Pauline Coghlan describes her arrival in Newman in 1987, having been appointed as Principal of the High School. She especially recalls the beauty of the land around Newman and a wonderful sense of community that extended beyond the school community.  She also described her role as Principal which covered the curriculum, the people in her care and interacting with the broader community. She also mentions how significant it was to have the Rec centre built during her time in Newman - and especially the role played by Dennis Hodge.

Maria Palmer Part 3 - Irish community, Memorable People, Karijini The rains, Strikes, Changes in Newman

In this podcast, Maria Palmer fondly remembers being part of the Irish community in Newman and some of the memorable people she encountered. She also remembers Karijini as a special place, and when the rains came to Newman. She looks at the strikes through a child's eyes and remembers the changes in the town throughout her time there. 

Maria Palmer Part 2 - SNPS and NSHS, Teachers, Youth Group BMX

In this podcast, Maria Palmer recalls the schools she attended in Newman - both South Newman PS and Newman Senior High. And she remembers some of her teachers. She also talks about being part of the Youth group at the Baptist Church and the BMX gatherings on a Friday night.

Maria Palmer Part 1 - Growing up in Newman, Daily routines, out of school activities, Holidays, Karijini, House

In this podcast, Maria Palmer recalls growing up in Newman, including the daily routines of going to South Newman PS and then the activities that were on offer after school, especially different sports, dancing and swimming. She also recalls her holidays in Geraldton and Kalbarri but she has a special fondness for the camping holidays in Karijini.  She also describes where she lived in town.

Michael Turner Part 4- Characters, Resilience, Sealing of road to Meeka and Coaxial Cable, Payroll

In this podcast Michael Turner, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Leith from present day 6NEW, describes some of the characters he encountered in Newman, and  the currency of Newman -  beer cans! He recalls the tough working conditions in the early days, and the resilience required to stay there. He mentions two things that made a difference - the sealing of the road to Meekatharra and the introduction of the coaxial cable - both of which made Newman less isolated. He also describes his job as a payroll clerk and how the payroll system worked. His final message was that Newman was not so much about the facilities, but about the people!

Michael Turner Part 2 - Sporting involvement, especially Saints Football Club and NNFL, Prince Charles and Rolf Harris

In this podcast Michael Turner, in conversation with Lisa Rickert recalls his involvement with the Tennis Club and also with Saints Football Club. He tells of how football was such an important part of the fabric of the town, and gave people an opportunity to meet others outside their normal work circle of friends. He also remembers the visits of Prince Charles and Rolf Harris.