OT-Tell me about Newman

Submitted: Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 17:24
ThreadID: 43563 Views:2031 Replies:7 FollowUps:7
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This is O/T but can anyone out there tell a little about Newman (WA)???

I am considering moving out there and any info would be appreciated particuarly in relation to facilities etc for SWMBO and kids as I would be working most of the time.

TA in advance
Toytruck
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Reply By: Willem - Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 17:59

Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 17:59
Well I have visited Newman in two years.

Typical mining town run and controlled by BHP Billiton.

Supposedly the biggest opencut mine in Australia. Lots of red dust. Vehicles and trains moving all the time. Some reasonable houses in secluded streets laid out in compacted fashion. Two caravan parks both uninspiring but pretty laid back. One fuel outlet with everything. Lots of sporting fields. Shopping Centre with cramped carparking space. Lots of touristy things. Great Visitors Centre. Swimmingpool, school........lots of Locals about. Woolworths, Video shop, fast food outlets, restaurant, grog shop(cannot buy fortified wine in the Pilbara), 2 pubs, bakery, clothes shops, Post Office, Hardware store, Carparts place, industrial area.

4x4's everywhere.

Lots to see and do around Newman 4x4 style. Permits needed to go anywhere on BHP property.

Cheers
AnswerID: 229311

Follow Up By: The Explorer - Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 18:30

Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 18:30
Yes as Willem states there are some special rules regarding alcohol sales. No full strength can be sold before 12 noon or after 8pm. From memory you cant buy cartons (max 6 pack) of anything (except maybe coke) after 8pm either. Not sure about Newman but in Port Hedland no take aways at all on Sundays. You can buy cask wine in Newman, but you have to be just passing through ie if you live there or are staying overnight then NO.

I am lead to believe the rules have been put in place because of the trouble caused by eastern states tourists..could be wrong though:) I have been known to be wrong before, once, though the wife doesnt believe me.

Cheers
Greg
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Follow Up By: Member - Poppy (QLD) - Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 at 20:18

Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 at 20:18
What happened to the good old days
I worked there for 3 years '76 to '78 and my eldest son was born there, and those years were some of the best I had, free to go anywhere and enjoy the surrounds with no restrictions and made some lifelong friends.
Only one pub then and one caravan park out on the Fortescue River
Must go back one day
Cheers Ray
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Follow Up By: Willem - Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 at 20:31

Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 at 20:31
Yes Poppy

I nearly fell out of my truck when I was told that I needed a permit just to cross over the BHP Railway line!!!! The permit is free.

Locals can get an annual permit.

Cheers
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Reply By: Member - Davoe (Nullagine) - Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 18:08

Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 18:08
tyres cost $55 to repair punctures and the entire town shuts at 8.20pm - even the locals reckon its a wierd place. houses are around $400k pluss for 3x1
AnswerID: 229317

Reply By: V8Diesel - Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 18:10

Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 18:10
Ahhhhh.....exactly what Willem said.

Are you working for BHP? If so, there's some fantastic house purchase deals on offer.

AnswerID: 229321

Follow Up By: Member - Toytruck (SA) - Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 at 09:00

Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 at 09:00
V8Diesel and Davoe,
yep working for BHP......house and 4by supplied so won't have to worry about those.

Toytruck
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Follow Up By: V8Diesel - Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 at 11:09

Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 at 11:09
Look into the house deals and buy one from the company. BHP will guarantee to buy it back and pay for redecoration etc.
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FollowupID: 490375

Reply By: Member - Doug T (W.A) - Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 19:50

Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 19:50
Neat little Mining town , reminds me of Glenden or Moranbah . but this link will tell you ....nearly all you need except for the .....suburb on the East side ????

walkabout.com.au/locations/WANewman.shtml

Doug
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AnswerID: 229333

Follow Up By: Willem - Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 21:56

Friday, Mar 23, 2007 at 21:56
I think that you should change your screen name to LINK-MAN.....lol
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FollowupID: 490127

Reply By: Member - Kevin H (WA) - Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 at 10:16

Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 at 10:16
Not to sound to negative but the best part of newman is when you fly over it, take a FIFO position out of Perth.
The best mining town in the Pilbara is Tom Price by far.

Kev
AnswerID: 229434

Follow Up By: Old Gold - Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 at 15:15

Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 at 15:15
Paraburdoo is by far bettet than Tom Price
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Reply By: Member - Rotord - Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 at 17:08

Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 at 17:08
SWMBO is probably interested in the social side of things , and socially the Pilbara towns are pretty good . Sure you will be short on up market shopping and organized entertainment , but on the upside , people tend to be more outgoing and friendly than in most rural towns . It is likely that you will find people easy to meet and there is an easy going barbeque and dinner party round where you will make good friends for life . It is a safer environment for young people than the city .

Company housing or a generous housing allowance is a must . Company airfares for the whole family is also necessary . Doctors and dentists are in short supply , but emergency medical treatment is OK . There is very limited coaching for academically or athletically gifted children . High schooling is generally poor .

The main features are good lifestyle and a chance to rapidly advance your financial position .
AnswerID: 229476

Reply By: Member - Toytruck (SA) - Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 at 09:05

Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 at 09:05
Thanks all for the comments, some excellent feedback.
As said above the position is with BHP, house and 4by supplies with airfares to Perth as needed. Not sure yet, SWMBO is obviously a little hesitant. All I am worried about is earning big bucks to spent on my toytruck:-)

Toytruck
AnswerID: 229565

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