Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

In this podcast Superintendent Geoff Stewart, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes both the old and new Police Stations in Newman. He goes on to talk about his role as a policeman in Newman, and the changes he made to make it a better place. He especially worked with the Aboriginal Elders to help with the Martu people coming before the court. He also outlines what the RESPECT program was and how successful it was in preventing crime. He emphasises the importance of communication and bringing the community on board to work together with the police.

In this podcast Superintendent Geoff Stewart, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes how he came to be in Newman. He describes a previous appointment at Telfer and how he used to conduct desert patrols to  the communities of  Parnngurr, Punmu, Kiwirrkurra and Kunawarritji. And how he came to love the red dirt! 

In this podcast Marjory Eckhart, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes describes her early days in Newman, especially in relation to setting up the original Newman Hospital and the birth of the first baby. She also recalls the living conditions in town and the lack of facilities in those early days. Marj was also involved in the Golf Club and in setting up the Newman Library. 

In this podcast Ronnie Wintle, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, remembers his early visits to De Grey station. He also describes his family especially his brother Noel. And also recalls building the Cool Room for Collins shop.

In this podcast Ronnie Wintle, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes the various places he installed the air cons including the SMQ, the houses and the assay lab. Also, as the rail track was built, he installed the aircons for the rail line camps, then dismantled them as the track proceeded further along. He also recalls his working relationship with Bechtel Pacific and how they used to check that all jobs were delivered perfectly.

In this podcast Ronnie Wintle, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, remembers his connection with Howard Whitmore, and the early days of his apprenticeship. He also recalls some other jobs he tried, including selling life insurance. He remembers fondly how all the skills that he learnt were found during his time in the North West and how he followed the opportunities that were presented to him. He also describes how life has changed for Pilbara workers these days and compares with the hardships of the early days.

In this podcast Ronnie Wintle, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls his drive up to Newman in the days before the town was fully established, and the hazards that presented themselves. He stayed in the Jackson Watson camp, as the SMQ had not been built yet. He describes eating at the Bechtel Pacific camp, and comments on how good the food was! He also describes his working conditions and what his job involved.

In this podcast Ronnie Wintle, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes his initial posting to Hedland as a refrigeration and air con mechanic.

In this podcast Rhonda Chapman, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Ann Collins, remembers going out bush to camp out, especially at Weeli Wolli. Rhonda and Ann recall the early days of hockey in Newman and how soccer was the first sport played, as many of the participants were of migrant origins.

In this podcast Rhonda Chapman, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Ann Collins, describes Bill changing from MMA to Ansett and lists some of the staff who worked with Bill. Both Rhonda and Ann describe their membership of the golf club., and also recall some of the celebrities who arrived in Newman, courtesy of  Ansett.. They also discuss the beginnings of the Kindergarten in Newman.