Such a sad story- thanks for the photos. I've always loved the Pilbara, and the Wittenoom tragedy has always intrigued me, in the saddest possible way. I was there briefly in the early 80's, when my old man worked on the iron ore trains between Newman and Port Hedland. I've never forgotten it. So many of the town's buildings have either fallen into total disrepair or been demolished now- consigned to history. Hancock, CSR and ABA (Australian Blue Asbestos) should be ashamed, and be forced to fully compensate the survivors, their relatives, and of course the Banjima people. Thank God for people like Maitland Parker, a traditional land owner and local elder (who is currently dying from mesothelioma), still fighting the WA Govt for compensation, clean up of the mine and gorges, and for eventual access to the land.
@@wa4wd True, however if it was a known health risk 50 years before they settled the town, then the companies are somewhat responsible IMO. Also, the WA Govt should bear some of the responsibility, for letting them mine there in the first place.
@@warrencramer4516 Yes I worked there in the 80s for a Commonwealth Government Department. Visited many times in later years. Last trip was a couple of years ago.
@@warrencramer4516 It started to come off maps around 1996.....Even in 1981 the government was trying to move people out, but the compensation was so low the residents couldn't afford to buy another house anywhere else. It has taken a very long time! Wittenoom was arguably one of the prettiest towns in the Pilbara and the gorge itself is amazing!
The original sign into the mine said Hancock and Wright. There was mining in Wittenoom and Yampire gorge and it goes back to the ealry decades of the last century.
Nice video, but Wittenoom is no place for tourism. Deadly, both visible and invisible blue asbestos fibers are still all around there. I hope you got proper breathing protection on during your visit.
I worked at Wittenoom, there were no safety masks then. Asbestos lives around us in many homes and until relatively recent in the brake linings of cars. Wittenoom has done its damage and now the new waves are appearing
Such a sad story- thanks for the photos.
I've always loved the Pilbara, and the Wittenoom tragedy has always intrigued me, in the saddest possible way. I was there briefly in the early 80's, when my old man worked on the iron ore trains between Newman and Port Hedland. I've never forgotten it. So many of the town's buildings have either fallen into total disrepair or been demolished now- consigned to history.
Hancock, CSR and ABA (Australian Blue Asbestos) should be ashamed, and be forced to fully compensate the survivors, their relatives, and of course the Banjima people. Thank God for people like Maitland Parker, a traditional land owner and local elder (who is currently dying from mesothelioma), still fighting the WA Govt for compensation, clean up of the mine and gorges, and for eventual access to the land.
I feel for those suffering right now from meso.
Liability doesn't just rest with the companies. It was know in the late 1800s that asbestos caused lung disease
@@wa4wd True, however if it was a known health risk 50 years before they settled the town, then the companies are somewhat responsible IMO. Also, the WA Govt should bear some of the responsibility, for letting them mine there in the first place.
This place has always intrigued me....
I went there for work many times and loved the place.
@@wa4wd in Wittenoom?
@@warrencramer4516 Yes I worked there in the 80s for a Commonwealth Government Department. Visited many times in later years. Last trip was a couple of years ago.
@@wa4wd wow!! I believe they took it off the map around then as well! The old blue sky mine hey... bizarre history...
@@warrencramer4516 It started to come off maps around 1996.....Even in 1981 the government was trying to move people out, but the compensation was so low the residents couldn't afford to buy another house anywhere else. It has taken a very long time! Wittenoom was arguably one of the prettiest towns in the Pilbara and the gorge itself is amazing!
A Mazda RX4 coupe with twin CB antennas in Wittenoom, very cool to see!
It was a cool car, one antenna was for the normal AM broadcast, the RX4 had an antenna in the windscreen which was not sensitive enough for the bush.
All interesting old
Beautiful spot camped there 2010
I have spent a bit of time at Wittenoom for work. It was always one of my favourite spots.
Great video
Thanks
Wasnt lang Hancock tied up with that mine?
The original sign into the mine said Hancock and Wright. There was mining in Wittenoom and Yampire gorge and it goes back to the ealry decades of the last century.
Good old days
Wittenoom was always a nice place to go. I am sorry that so much pain has been caused to the many people that suffered its horrible consequences.
@@wa4wd still nice past through have a look I was 10 years old the last time when through there just sad place now a town with no people
My dad, ex Kalgoorlie, was offered a job there in the 50s. Thank god he didn't accept. Would've been a death warrant for us all.
The 1950s might have been the most dangerous times too.
Nice video, but Wittenoom is no place for tourism. Deadly, both visible and invisible blue asbestos fibers are still all around there. I hope you got proper breathing protection on during your visit.
I worked at Wittenoom, there were no safety masks then. Asbestos lives around us in many homes and until relatively recent in the brake linings of cars. Wittenoom has done its damage and now the new waves are appearing