Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

Olga Soter and her husband Frank and three small children migrated from Austria in 1950 and were allocated a place in Wittenoom. In this video Olga talks about her life with Frank and the children and her connection with the Catholic Church and the Sisters who lived in Wittenoom.

In this podcast Rod Matthews describes how computers were introduced to Mt Newman Mining, and his role in that.

In this podcast Roland Grant describes how he worked for F J Storan in 1974 and his job was to paint the roof of the Capricorn Grandstand with a hand roller. During that time he had a bird’s eye view of the construction of both South Newman Primary and Newman Senior High School.

In this podcast Paul O'Neill describes his cycling career and the accident that changed his life completely. He then describes how he went on to compete for Australia in many world events, including the Sydney 2000 Paralympics

After migrating from Mullingar in  Ireland as a small child, together with her parents Paddy and Anne, and her siblings Jacqui and Thomas, Dolores Flanagan grew up in Newman in the 70s. She describes her memories of growing up and life in the town of Newman.

Paul Frampton came to Newman in October 1978. He has lived and worked in Newman ever since. In this podcast with Lisa Rickert he describes the changes he has experienced over the last forty years or more.

In this podcast Dennis Hodge discusses the impact that FIFO had on Newman town

Marjory Eckhart was the first matron at Newman Hospital arriving in Newman on 2nd December 1968, setting up the hospital and working there until 1982. Marjory worked alongside her husband Dr Peter Eckhart until 1987. Marjory was proactive in setting up the Newman Library, later becoming a councillor and shire president for the Shire of East Pilbara.

Mike Ede came to Newman on November 13 1969 after answering an ad in the newspaper. He became a foreman and his crew were called “Ede’s Angels”.

In this podcast Alec and Joanne Barfield discuss the strike of 1988. Although both were staff, they refused to do the wages jobs and lost their jobs (which were reinstated in a few weeks after the strike ended). They talk about the effect it had on the town and the tension that was so visible between friends and neighbours and even families.