JOONAH HOUR: PILBARA LOCALS SHARE THEIR SPOOKIEST ENCOUNTERS
By: Lynnese O’Donoghue
From a mysterious figure floating through Roebourne to strange encounters at remote mine sites, three storytellers shared their experiences of the unexplained during Ngaarda Radio's Halloween special.
There are some stories that stay with you long after the sun comes up. Stories told around campfires, passed between generations, and remembered by people who have seen or felt something they cannot explain.
Spooke Pilbara night with a big full moon. Photo Credit: Jasper Blair McDonald
On Friday, October 30, Ngaarda Radio's Breakfast Show took a supernatural turn, inviting listeners to share their experiences of Joonah, spirits and mysterious happenings across the Pilbara.
Tangiora Hinaki, Anthony Hubert and Roma Gane joined the special broadcast, sharing encounters that ranged from frightening late-night experiences to stories deeply connected to Country and cultural knowledge.
And while it was all part of the Halloween fun, their stories offered something more — a reminder of the importance of listening to Elders, respecting Country and recognising the spiritual beliefs that continue to hold meaning for many Aboriginal people.
TANGIORA HINAKI — SOMETHING CAME THROUGH THE WINDOW
For Tangiora Hinaki, what began as an exhausting work trip across the Pilbara turned into a night she has never forgotten.
Staying away from home after travelling for a festival, Tangiora recalled drifting off to sleep when she suddenly sensed something approaching her bedroom window.
She believed she was awake.
As the presence appeared to move closer, she jumped onto her bed, stretched her hands towards the window and began praying.
But the experience took an even stranger turn.
Tangiora described suddenly finding herself back in Roebourne, where she witnessed two shadowy figures before one of them turned and stared directly at her.
She woke in terror.
Still feeling as though something was in the room, Tangiora crawled along the floor searching for the light switch.
It was three o'clock in the morning.
She kept the lights on and waited until sunrise before she could sleep again.
But the following morning brought another surprise.
A colleague who had been staying nearby told her he had experienced something frightening during the same night, describing a sensation of being grabbed and unable to move.
Tangiora said the similarities between their experiences left her shaken.
Her story did not end there. After returning to Ngaarda Media, she received an unexpected message reminding her of the importance of spiritual protection when travelling on Country.
For Tangiora, who says she has experienced unexplained events before, the encounter reinforced her spiritual beliefs.
It's a story she now shares around the campfire — and one that still gives listeners goosebumps.
Tangiora Hinaki and Husband Randal Hinaki. Photo Credit: Tangiora Hinaki
ROMA GANE — THE GHOSTLY PRIEST OF ROEBOURNE
Growing up in Roebourne, Roma Gane remembers a time when children were warned to be home before dark.
Stories about Joonah and other mysterious beings were part of childhood, and venturing out after sunset was something to think twice about.
But one particularly hot night, beneath a full moon, Roma and a friend found themselves sitting outside with family.
As the moon rose over the town, they noticed someone approaching along the road.
At first, the figure appeared to be an elderly priest, dressed in old-fashioned clothing and carrying rosary beads.
But as he drew closer, something was very wrong.
The figure appeared to float several inches above the road.
There were no footsteps.
No sound.
Roma recalled watching as the mysterious priest passed them and continued towards the old Roebourne school.
It was an experience that stayed with her for decades.
Roma Gane our special guest who shared her scary sighting from the days when she lived in Ieramugadu (Roebourne)
During the broadcast, Roma also recalled stories of other unexplained encounters around Roebourne, including a frightening account of a large dog with unusually bright eyes appearing near an old drinking spot.
For Roma, these stories are part of growing up in a place with a long history and strong spiritual connections.
Rather than always responding with fear, she said some encounters were simply accepted as part of life.
ANTHONY HUBERT — WHEN COUNTRY SENDS A WARNING
For Anthony Hubert, stories of the supernatural are closely connected to Aboriginal cultural knowledge and the importance of respecting Country.
Working on Country and around remote mining operations, Anthony said he has encountered situations where workers have become frightened by experiences they could not explain.
Some reported objects moving around their accommodation rooms. Others described feeling physically threatened by an unseen presence.
Anthony recalled one incident where a worker was reportedly terrified after something appeared to disturb his room.
People nearby heard the worker shouting but struggled to get inside to help.
According to Anthony, the incident became an important lesson about listening to Traditional Owners and understanding the cultural responsibilities that come with being on someone else's Country.
He said cultural guidance from Elders, knowing where people should and should not go, and respecting significant places were all important.
Anthony also shared an experience involving the mysterious Min Min Lights.
While travelling on Country, he recalled seeing a bright light moving unusually low to the ground.
The light appeared to approach their vehicle before suddenly disappearing.
An older family member who was travelling with them advised everyone to remain quiet.
For Anthony, the experience was another reminder that Country holds stories and knowledge that visitors may not understand.
His message was clear: respect Traditional Owners, listen to Elders and never take cultural protocols lightly.
MORE THAN JUST A HALLOWEEN SCARE
Throughout the morning, the spooky encounters sparked conversation, laughter and plenty of goosebumps as listeners joined in with stories of their own.
The special broadcast also featured Halloween music, including Michael Jackson's Thriller, Yothu Yindi's Ghost Spirits and the novelty favourite Monster Mash.
But beyond the entertainment, the three interviews revealed something shared between the storytellers.
Whether it was a terrifying dream, a mysterious figure on a moonlit street or an unexplained encounter at a remote mining camp, each story reflected how people make sense of experiences that remain difficult to explain.
And for Aboriginal storytellers, those experiences can also carry cultural lessons about Country, spirituality and the knowledge passed down through generations.
So, the next time you find yourself travelling along a lonely Pilbara road after dark, or hear something strange outside your window, remember these stories.
Because sometimes, the most memorable stories are the ones that leave us wondering what really happened.
The experiences shared in this article are personal accounts from guests on Ngaarda Radio's Halloween Breakfast special, broadcast Friday, October 30, 2026.