Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

Sue Morris Part 1 - Newman in the early 70s

In this podcast, Sue Morris, in conversation with Lisa Rickert tells how she came to Newman in February 1970 as a 21 year old, as her Dad had found a job there. She describes some of the facilities available in those days - The Walkabout Pub, the Picture Theatre and later the Drive-in, and the party scene which was very popular in those early days.

Ray Morris Part 4 - Stories from the Mine

In this podcast Ray Morris, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls some characters from his mining days and tells a few stories about them.

Ray Morris Part 3 - Working with Cranes, Becoming a Foreman, taking the VER

In this podcast Ray Morris, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, talks about his job working with the cranes, and how they could be called out to derailments, even after a few drinks. He describes his time as a Foreman, and eventually how Sue and himself decided to take the VER.

Ray Morris Part 2 - Early days on the mine

In this podcast Ray Morris, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes his first few years at the mine, including his first day when a big rock came down and stopped him working.
He also describes his various roles including working the 992s (the only machine with aircon), being a greaser on the shovels, getting his ticket on the shovels (August 72) and then moving on to the Crane section. He also met his future wife, Sue, during this time.

Ray Morris Part 1 - Arrival in Newman

In this podcast, Ray Morris, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes his early employment at Newman. He first arrived as an employee of Bell Brothers and worked 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week - with a couple of hours off on Sunday to join the Sunday Session at the pub. After requesting time off for Christmas, Ray's employment with Bell was terminated. He later met  Mick Carmody in Dampier, who gave him an introduction to the employment officer in Mt Newman House, and he was then employed by the company.

Erica Smyth Part 7 - Ladies of the Night, Jigalong, suicide in the bush, returning to Newman, present day roles.

In this final podcast Erica Smyth, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, covers a variety of topics.
She talks about the arrival of the "ladies of the night" in town and how that broke the tensions that had been building, especially in the Union area.
She recalls her visit to Jigalong, where she loved the experience and atmosphere of being there with the community.
She recounts a sad experience in the bush where she came across a suicide.
Erica also recalls a return visit to Newman and her disappointment that she couldn't get in to see Ore Body 29.
She concludes by describing her present day roles.

Erica Smyth Part 6 - Melva Stone and social divisions in the town.

In this podcast Erica Smyth, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls her relationship with Melva Stone, as together they created the book "Red Dust in Her Veins" - a very successful fund raiser for the RFDS.
She also discusses the social divisions in the town - not only for staff and wages, but for the women involved as well.

Erica Smyth Part 5 - Mapping the ore at Marra Mamba and the beginnings of women’s hockey in 1974

In this podcast Erica Smyth, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls her role in mapping the ore at Marra Mamba. She also describes how she was involved in the beginnings of women's hockey in Newman in 1974.

Erica Smyth Part 4 - Being stalked, Busselton, Rock Carvings and Dingoes.

In this podcast Erica Smyth, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, covers a diverse range of topics, including being stalked in Newman, her response to the gathering in Busselton, Rock Carvings, the Brumbies and Dingoes.

Erica Smyth Part 3 - Teachers and Drillers

In this podcast Erica Smyth, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, names some of the teachers who were working in Newman in the early 70s. She also describes how she cultivated a relationship with the rough and tumble drillers, who were then happy to share information with her.