Past residents recall Goldsworthy tales

South Hedland couple Valerie and Noel Pulleine were just a few former Goldsworthy residents that swapped nostalgic tales and reminisced about the town at its reunion last month.

Held bi-annually at the Bayswater Hotel, in Perth, the gathering attracts people from across Australia who cast their minds back and regale each other with stories about the vivid former mining settlement.

The old town site was located 110km due east of Port Hedland – it was established in 1962 by Utah International and disbanded in April 1993.

More than 450 people dropped in to say g’day and catch up with old friends at the get together.

Mr Pulleine was a power station operator at the town for 16 years, while his wife, Mrs Pulleine, worked in the wet canteen.

He said reunions help to stoke memories and affection for WA’s first iron-ore town.

“We’ve been going to the reunions for 14 years – we love them,” Mr Pulleine said.

“We go to meet a few old friends and swap a few stories.

“You see a lot of faces you worked with, but it’s hard to recognise everyone because they didn’t have grey hair 40 years ago.”

Mrs Pulleine said Goldsworthy had a unique atmosphere that was ideal for raising their two young children.

“It was a quiet, friendly little town … there was a different atmosphere there, the people were close and there was very little crime,” she said.

“You could go out at night and leave the door unlocked – you knew if your kids were in anyone else’s home they’d be safe.”

It is apparent former residents’ affection towards Goldsworthy has not abated in recent years.

For more about Goldsworthy reunions, call Judy Nash, 9450 1114.