Newmanhistory6753 Podcast
Immerse yourself in the history of Newman 6753 WA
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Newmanhistory6753.com
Newman town was originally constructed to house the workforce for the iron ore mine located on nearby Mt Whaleback. The town was raised from the red dirt desert of the Pilbara and many of the residents reflect on those experiences in the early days, as the town evolved from its early beginnings
Episodes

May 7, 2026
May 7, 2026
9 min
In this podcast Rhonda Chapman, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Ann Collins, recalls her time working in the library and her visits to Jigalong. She remembers her association with St Joseph's Church and also her involvement as treasurer with the Newman Bikies. She also recalls her daughters jobs in Newman. And the team talk about the old shopping centre and what shops were there.

May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
8 min
In this podcast Rhonda Chapman, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Ann Collins, recalls moving to Newman and some of the jobs she took on, including Community Welfare, Hospital Admin, and Newman Library. She also recalls Bill's role as JP (as was Peter Collins).

May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
6 min
In this podcast Rhonda Chapman, in conversation with Lisa Rickert and Ann Collins, describes her early life in the Pilbara towns of Goldsworthy and Port Hedland, as her husband, Bill, worked for MMA.

Mar 2, 2026
Mar 2, 2026
4 min
In this podcast Barry Middleton, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls the Market Garden and Animal Farm in Newman. He also tells of his pride in his son Anthony.

Feb 28, 2026
Feb 28, 2026
11 min
In this podcast Barry Middleton, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes the events that were a part of his time at the Lions Club. These included the establishment of the Animal Park, Fortescue Festival, the Fortescue Festival Ball, Scouts and various other involvements around town.

Feb 28, 2026
Feb 28, 2026
6 min
In this podcast Barry Middleton, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls when storms hit Newman and the electrical implications of that. He also remembers some characters from Newman, and then describes how he became involved in the Lions Club.

Feb 12, 2026
Feb 12, 2026
12 min
In this podcast Barry Middleton, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls his job as an electrician on the Mine. He started as a relief foreman and his first challenge was to work out the phasing on the shovels. He worked in air conditioning, truck shop and eventually ended up as permanent electrical foreman, then as a mechanical foreman. He then moved on to become electrical inspector in town, which also included being part of the Pilbara electrical safety group.

Dec 8, 2025
Dec 8, 2025
8 min
In this podcast Garry Kruger, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes the weekend activities for Pioneers 50th Celebration and how well-organised it all was. He enjoyed meeting old friends and also interacting with the newer generations. He also nominates some stand out people who were part of the Pioneers Club,

Dec 7, 2025
Dec 7, 2025
7 min
In this podcast Garry Kruger, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, reflects on the changes he has noticed in town since he last visited Newman. He also remembers the Speedway and then comments on the impact of FIFO in the town, especially in the sporting area.

Dec 6, 2025
Dec 6, 2025
8 min
In this podcast Garry Kruger, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, discusses the Turf Club and the people who helped to build it. He recalls how he returned to the Mine and the Crusher and talks about some stand out people he remembers from those days and how their friendships are still important today. He believes that his time working for BHP helped him get setup for life and so he was able to travel and enjoy life. He also recalls some of the strikes in Newman - especially 1988 and the 1983 Apprentices' strike. And he remembers the role of the unions played in bringing good conditions for the workers.


