April----2014----

newviewTHE

“ROTTO SWIM” A SPLAShING SUCCESS

TOP COP’S COMMUNITY FOCUS

CRICkETERS IN ThE PINk

BEATING BULLYING

DUST, SWEAT AND GEARS

-----ThIS EDITION-----

The outstanding contribution of

Shire of East Pilbara Councillor

and volunteer extraordinaire, Gerry

Parsons, was recognised on 8 March,

International Women’s Day, when

she was named as Newman’s Most

Inspirational Woman.

Gerry was chosen as the first among 24 worthy

nominees for an award that celebrates the efforts

of the women who strive to build our community.

International Women’s Day has been marking

the economic, political and social achievements

of women since 1911. Newman’s been

celebrating the occasion for 11 years, with

sponsorship from BHP Billiton ensuring that it

does so in style.

“It’s about coming together,” said Nicole Willis

from Newman Mainstreet, the event’s coordinator.

“This year’s theme was time to shine,

emphasising that we’re all diamonds in the

rough living in isolation up here and we’re a long

way from home and family support, so we want

to emphasise women empowering each other,”

she said.

Comedienne and media personality, Cal Wilson,

entertained the 268 people gathered at the

Newman Recreation Centre. They also heard an

inspirational speech from Australia Day

Ambassador and Para-Olympian, Priya Cooper.

Priya spoke of the importance of setting goals

and never letting anything get in the way of

achieving them. She said that the year 2000 was

one of the lowest points in her life when she

needed shoulder surgery and doubted her ability

to even qualify for the Sydney Olympics.

Priya said it needed just one person to believe in

her enough to get her confidence back. She went

on to not only qualify, but to win a Gold Medal in

the 400m Freestyle and three Bronze Medals in

other events.

Nicole thanked the many volunteers who once

again made the event such a success.

Above: In the frame! Left: Famous comedienne, Cal Wilson,

with Mainstreet Co-ordinator, Nicole Willis.

Left: Last year’s recipient, Sister Betty, presented the

IWD award to Gerry Parsons. Both images courtesy

of Sarah Stampfli from Serene Bedlam Photography.

Newman’s Women Celebrate in Style

NEWVIEW FACT On 1 May 1946, Indigenous pastoral

workers in the Pilbara defied the Aborigines Act 1905 (WA) and

walked off stations in protest over pay and living conditions. It took

three years for their determination to be rewarded with improvements, but many never went back to work

on the stations.

Source: moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/online/marnti-warajanga/the_1946_strike.html

Thirty six brave souls hit the water at the Newman Aquatic Centre on 22 February in a determined bid to “swim to Rottnest” without leaving the pool.

While they didn’t have to contend with sharks or jellyfish, they did have to overcome pain, exhaustion and sheer boredom as they stroked their way through 400 laps, or 20 kilometres, raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) along the way.

Organised in teams of ten, four or two, all did Newman proud, but Danielle Cochrane’s efforts were particularly outstanding.

Danielle swam 15 kilometres, or 300 laps, on her own and was ably supported by her friend Sally Burton, who swam the remaining five kilometres.

She was also supported by friends and family, who cheered her on and supported her through the last gruelling laps.

The RFDS is extremely pleased with the support from the people of Newman who got behind the swimmers and raised money for the service.

“Thanks to the efforts of those involved, the RFDS received over $3000. Incredibly Mrs Danielle Cochrane raised the bulk of that amount which is an amazing individual effort,” said Joanne Hill, Manager of Media and Communications with the RFDS.

“The RFDS is now transporting more patients than ever before in WA. Community support is an essential component in helping us meet this demand and ensuring that we can continue to deliver aeromedical and primary health care where it is needed.

“Once again we thank everyone involved for supporting the RFDS.”

WWW.THENEWVIEW.COM.AU

---“Swim to Rottnest” A Splashing Success ---

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One of the Rotto Racers powering ahead for a very worthy cause.Image courtesy of Andrew Price.

Bel Jackson, always active in the community.

NEWMAN’S COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

---Top Cop has Strong Community Focus ---Larry’s called the Pilbara home for 17 years, loves the country with its red earth and stunning scenery and loves the people in its scattered communities even more.

He’s lived and worked in Karratha for the last 14 years but visited Newman on many occasions and has had a yearning to live here for quite some time.

“I’ve always liked Newman. I‘ve always been keen to come up and run the station, however it’s never been the right time. But as Shane Sadler’s left and gone to Karratha, the timing’s right to have a crack at it,” Larry said.

After 32 years in the force he brings a wealth of experience to the job. He’s served in Perth and Midland’s traffic branches, the Central Investigations Branch (CIB), the Pilbara Incident Management Unit and the Pilbara Crime and Intelligence Coordination Unit.

Larry loves Newman’s strong sense of community and he’ll be bringing a community-focus to his policing.

“I want to build on the excellent work that has been achieved by the previous Officers in Charge and staff,” he said.

He stresses that policing is a shared community responsibility.

“We all have a part to play in ensuring we have a safe community. If you see something wrong, let us know. Don’t ignore unacceptable behaviour – it’s a shared responsibility,” he stressed.

He may be the new cop in town, but Senior Sergeant Larry Miller isn’t new to Newman or the Pilbara.

--- Age Doesn’t Weary This Amazing Volunteer ---

After 25 years working for the Newman community, Bel Jackson’s enthusiasm for volunteering shows no signs of dimming.

Bel is a stalwart of the Lions Club, helping to organise community events such as the Fortescue Festival, and the annual quiz night. However her passion for helping out doesn’t end there. She also lends a hand at East Pilbara Independence Support (EPIS), which offers support for the frail or aged, as well as people with disabilities and the people who care for them.

Newman’s RSL also benefits greatly from Bel’s valuable contribution, especially around ANZAC Day.

If that’s not enough she also helps out at the senior citizens’ group, organising the bingo and has been a member of the bowls and darts clubs.

Bel’s outstanding contribution was recognised with an Australia Day Award for Newman in 2007, and the Senior of the Year Award for the Pilbara in 2008.

Bel arrived in Newman from Perth in 1988 as a temporary measure to babysit her two grandchildren while her eldest son’s wife went back to work. She’s never looked back.

With her eldest son an electrician and fridge mechanic with BHP Billiton, her daughter a nurse at the hospital, her granddaughter working for the ANZ and her husband at the Mt Whaleback mine, she and the family are firmly ensconced in Newman.

So what keeps her volunteering after all these years at the age of 82?

“You meet different people and it keeps you active - I just enjoy doing it,” Bel said.

While she loves getting out and about, she’d clearly love to see some fresh new faces.

“We need more volunteers, people should get involved – they’d really enjoy it,” she said.

New Senior Sergeant and Officer-in-Charge, Larry Miller.

newviewTHE

--- Beating Bullying ---

Schoolyard bullying is a sad fact of life that’s as old as schoolyards themselves, but the Newman Senior High School has been developing some very modern solutions to an age-old scourge.

The school ran a very successful anti-bullying workshop to teach students the skills and confidence to stand-up to bullying with verbal strategies and non-violent self-defence techniques to keep them safe.

The workshop was sponsored by BHP Billiton Iron Ore in conjunction with Pilbara Joblink and run by Colin Wee and Dragan Malesic from Super Parents, a business which teaches children, parents and teachers effective anti-bullying techniques.

Another workshop was held on 21 November for adults working with children.

The consequences of schoolyard bullying are frequently under-rated. Recent studies have shown it can result in long-term psychological harm to the bullied and the bully alike. The workshops proved extremely valuable, while also being a lot of fun for the kids.

Pilbara Joblink’s coordinating role in the workshop is all part of its important work boosting the self-esteem, resilience and confidence of Newman’s young people, a task made easier by the contribution of BHP Billiton Iron Ore.

“We’re very appreciative of BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s efforts,” said Pilbara Joblink CEO, Stephanie Soter.

“They’re very good at looking at emerging trends and building private-partnerships to address them,” she said.

--- Cricketers in the Pink! --- Two old Newman cricket foes - Tigers and Pioneers - were recently pitted against each other in the town’s 20/20 Pink Stumps cricket competition, with funds being raised to support the McGrath Foundation’s initiative to place breast cancer nurses in the community.

Both teams entered into the spirit of the event and decided to donate

their usual $10 per player match fee that normally covers insurance,

ball fees, registrations and soft drinks, to this worthy cause. Players

also autographed the pink stumps and they were sold to raise even

more money.

Spectators generously purchased plenty of pink merchandise and all

players were only too eager to wear pink hats, zinc and shoelaces in

a further show of support.

This was a serious game, played as part of the Newman Cricket

Association (NCA) competition, with both teams intent on gaining

those all-important premiership points.

The two captains decided Man of the Match, with Beau Morrison

from the Tigers presented with a prized hat autographed by

Glenn McGrath.

The cricket result was almost irrelevant as the occasion highlighted

a great evening of competitive community sport while smashing the

$500 target to raise $915.00. This figure includes the contents of a

collection tin that was placed at the Pitstop Deli. (For the record,

the Tigers won by six wickets.)

Special thanks go to both clubs for getting behind the event, and also

to the NCA sponsors - Veolia, Ausblast, HRT, Ahrens and Pitstop.

Newman’s Pink Cricketers. Man of the Match, Beau Morrison, is in the back row, second from right.

Dragan Malesic (left) and Colin Wee, ready for the workshop on how to handle bullying.

Glamour and grace may seem strangely at odds with the machismo of rodeo, but each year the Miss Rodeo Princess Newman competition brings a touch of elegance to the Newman Rodeo.

The Newman Campdraft and Rodeo Association has been running the competition for four years, giving girls from 10 to 18 a chance to shine with their knowledge of horses and rodeo.

For girls under 10 there’s also a Mini Princess competition.

“It’s about promoting the sport of rodeo through the Princess Quest, so whoever’s the lucky winner, they’ve got a job to do – they have to get out there, promote the rodeo and fund raise,” said Jacinta Ronchi, Secretary of the Newman Campdraft and Rodeo Association.

Contestants are judged on their horsemanship, public speaking skills and their interaction with other contestants. In past years they’ve raised as much as $5,000 between them, with half going to promoting the rodeo, and the rest going to local not-for-profit groups.

They not only promote the sport at public events like BBQs, they also have to front the judges where they’re interviewed on their knowledge of rodeos and judged on their horse skills. Another challenge is to put together a portfolio of their involvement.

But it’s not all hard work. The winner gets a sash and a trophy buckle as lasting mementos and the chance to star in the rodeo’s Grand Entry each year.

The competition draws contestants from far afield, with this year’s Mini Princess coming from remote Rocklea Station.

It was petrolheads’ paradise when the MotoX Memorial Weekend roared into life on the first weekend in March.

The annual event commemorates the lives of former Newman Motorcycle club members Michelle Russell and Luke Miles-Woodland and other members who have lost their lives. A lap of honour and a minute’s silence honours their memories each year.

The Memorial Weekend is the biggest event on Newman’s motoX calendar, with approximately 1000 spectators heading for this year’s event.

Contestants flocked to the Echo Park track from as far and wide as the Eastern States, Perth, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Onslow.

Saturday was for the youngsters, with 40-odd juniors tearing up the track in grand style, with about 60 of their senior colleagues hitting the dirt on Sunday.

The Newman Motorcycle Club was incorporated in 1984 with the club running race meetings north of the town until moving to the Light Industrial Area in the late 80s with the development of the Echo Park track.

The track is set into the side of a hill with many jumps and berms. There’s even a bridge constructed from two haul-pack tray trucks donated by BHP Billiton Iron Ore. Spectators are given a great view of the action from the canteen and bar with its grassed viewing area.

The club is always keen to hear from prospective new members with membership forms and further information available for download at the club’s website: www.newmanmx.com.

NEWMAN’S COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

--- Pilbara Rodeo Princesses ---

--- Dust, Sweat and Gears at Memorial Weekend ---

Junior riders display their skills and high-level concentration at the MotoX Memorial Weekend event.

Pilbara Rodeo Princess organiser, Aneeka Ronchi Cousins with 2014 Rodeo Princess winner, Jessinta Oldham. Image courtesy of Lanie Ambrock, Ozcan Photography.

This community newsletter is proudly supported by BHP Billiton Iron Ore. This newsletter is designed and written by Creating Communities Pty Ltd.

NEWVIEW COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

---Upcoming Events---

Newman Recreation Centre Friday 15 August

The highlight of the Newman social calendar, this is not to be missed! For further details contact: newmanlions@yahoo.com.au

or Anthony Middleton 0405 666 482

--- Annual Newman Lions Club Fortescue Ball ---

Capricorn Oval Sunday 17 August

Bring the whole family for a day of fantastic fun.

For further details contact: newmanlions@yahoo.com.au or Anthony Middleton 0405 666 482

--- Annual Newman Lions Club Fortescue Festival ---

Early May (and for 10 weeks after)

Newman’s free Sunday afternoon concerts start again in early May with a range of fun performances for the family. This year’s

acts are yet to be announced but they’re sure to once again provide something for everyone.

For further details please contact Sharon Walsh on 9175 8000 or mrs@eastpilbara.wa.gov.au

--- Newman Sunday Concerts ---

Friday 16 May

For further details contact: Nicole Graves at Swan Districts Football Club on ngraves@swandistrictsfc.com or 0417 338 300

--- Vets versus Swans celebrity football Match ---

Saturday 23 August

Giddee up and get down to the Newman Track ready to watch the great race. Whips are cracking from 12:00 noon onwards. For

further details contact the East Pilbara Race Club on 9140 1198; 0418 938 941 or on the Track Phone: (08) 9175 2890

Newman Cup

The recent Welcome to Newman event, hosted by BHP Billiton Iron Ore, enabled some new residents employed through local business partners and service providers to gain an appreciation of the community and an introduction to mining operations.

Some attendees had been in town for only a month and an undoubted highlight would have been the one-hour mine tour, showcasing the awesome spectacle of the Mount Whaleback mine.

Following on from the tour, the BHP Billiton Iron Ore Community Relations team discussed the role that the Company plays in the community and its commitment in supporting community development, education enrichment and indigenous development.

Ruth Monk from Newman Senior High School said, “It was a great opportunity to meet new people and to be introduced to BHP Billiton and the commitment they have to the community. The evening was enjoyable. Special thanks to the ladies at the Newman Visitor Centre for providing the nibblies!”

The event was held in collaboration with the Shire of East Pilbara, and Shire President, Lynne Craigie, highlighted the strong working relationship and partnership with BHP Billiton Iron Ore. The occasion was also a chance for networking and learning more about the Company’s commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates.

--- Newcomers Glimpse a Special Community ---

“Ore-inspiring”; New community members look over Mt Whaleback’s mining operations.