Newmanhistory6753 Podcast
Immerse yourself in the history of Newman 6753 WA
Listen on:

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

Oct 17, 2025
Oct 17, 2025
9 min
In this podcast Dave Cant, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes how he met Julie in the Tigers Club and how she moved up to join him in 1988.
He describes how he changed his job from the Bank to working on the mine as a TA on the shovel pad, then he took on an adult apprenticeship in industrial electronics, and eventually ended up in Health and Safety. Both he and Julie agreed their main goal was to increase their skill sets and set themselves up for their future life.
He then reflects on how, although they had no family in town, the people of Newman were always ready to offer support and help. He especially recalled the many different people who influenced his life and career during his time in Newman.

Oct 14, 2025
Oct 14, 2025
12 min
In this podcast Dave Cant, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, reflects on the friendships and mateships that he encountered n Newman, and the effect that it had on his life.
He also describes the ploys that Pioneers Club used to entice people to their Club, including Themed Nights (such as Mock Weddings) and alternative drinks such as Shooters and Coronas.
He remembers the success of the Pioneers Cricket Club, which won 9 premierships, as opposed to the footy team, which did not have similar success during his time in town.
Dave also remembers with sadness some of the people who passed away and how that affected the whole town.

Oct 12, 2025
Oct 12, 2025
10 min
In this podcast Dave Cant, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls moving to Newman in 1985 to work in the ANZ bank.
He tells of his connection with his uncle Sir David Brandt, who laid the gold spike that completed the railway between Newman and Port Hedland. He was also related to John Tonkin on his Dad's side, so he had connections in high places!
On his first day in town he ran into Ian Crawford who introduced him into the Pioneers Cricket team, and he played for them on that day!
He also describes his role in the bank as Number One teller and how the money was delivered to pay the wages of the workers.

Aug 20, 2025
Aug 20, 2025
4 min
In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, discusses the child care clinic and where it was situated. She also tells Lisa about her visit to the cemetery when she was in town for the 50th Reunion, and some friends that went with her. And her mind wanders back to the parties they used to have.

Aug 19, 2025
Aug 19, 2025
6 min
In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes the 50th Reunion Celebration of the Pioneers Football Club, and how Des was mentioned and his letter read out. She also mentions how in the days following she went on a Mine tour and then tried to go to the Visitor's Centre, which sadly was closed.

Aug 15, 2025
Aug 15, 2025
8 min
In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, tells the story of a horse that Des had heard about, and Cheryl had to go to the TAB and put the bet on. She also describes how she and Des ran a sport shop from their house. They used to love going camping down at the dry river bed and have a BBQ. She recalls what it was like coming back to Newman and how things have changed. She remembers how Des had organised a visit from Ron Barassi and it was not very successful.

Aug 14, 2025
Aug 14, 2025
7 min
In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, recalls the Fortescue Festival and the Boxing Match. She also describes the Picture Gardens and how the single guys avoided payment. She remembers how Des used to tease her when the Post deliveries commenced in town. She and Des both played squash and Des also played cricket and football for Pioneers. She adds some names on the photo of the Ten Year function held at the Community Hall.

Aug 13, 2025
Aug 13, 2025
8 min
In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, discusses what the social life was like in Newman in the very early days. Des was very involved in the establishment of the Pioneers Football Club, especially the fund raising. Des was also very involved with the building of the Catholic Church in Warman Ave and Cheryl recalls where Mass was celebrated before the Church was built, and Fr Brian Ahearn who was the first Parish Priest. She remembers her neighbours and their children and how everyone helped each other. Lisa reminded Cheryl how she used to make Barbie Doll cakes for her friends, and wedding cakes as well. There was a massive social life happening, especially in the Nugent's back yard.

Aug 11, 2025
Aug 11, 2025
7 min
In this podcast Cheryl Nugent, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, remembers moving to Newman in 1969 and living at 25 Warman Ave. She describes shopping at Collins Supermarket in town. She also recalls the original hospital in town and the role of Dr Peter Eckhart and his wife Marj, including fixing Des' knee after an accident on the Mine.

Aug 8, 2025
Aug 8, 2025
7 min
In this podcast Mick Carr, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, reflects on how easy it is to catch up with Newman friends, even after many years. He also recalls his involvement with the Union and the changes that came into the workplace, especially regarding Health and Safety.


