NAIDOC Week
It was great to see so many smiling faces joining in this week’s activities! Thank you to the organisers and everyone who got involved, we were proud to continue our support and involvement. Don’t forget there’s still a free kids’ disco (ages 5-12 years) from 6pm tonight (7 July) at D’faces Hall; the free Ninja Challenge from 11am-3pm on 8 July at the Whyalla Secondary College gym; and a free screening of Elementals on 8 July from 2pm at the Middleback Theatre.
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Cuttlefest action-packed weekend
It’s all happening this weekend with FREE events for the entire community 😍
The weekend kicks off with Illuminart: Light Up HMAS Whyalla from 5.30pm-8pm tonight (Friday 7 July), followed by the Salty Sea‘esta twilight market tomorrow (Saturday 8 July) from 3pm-9pm.
Check out the flyers below for all the details and times, including the timetable for the FREE bus service. Also don’t forget to check Whyalla.com for all the other events and activities across the rest of the month!
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Temporary closure of Whyalla Birthing Services
Mayor Phill Stone has welcomed the announcement of an independent review into the closure of birthing services at the Whyalla Hospital. A midwifery workforce shortage has been blamed, requiring women to deliver their babies at other locations like Port Augusta.
“I am pleased to see that work is already underway to recruit qualified staff, which must be acted on as a priority to enable the resumption of services as a matter of urgency,” Mayor Stone said.
“I fully support the comments of the Member for Giles, Eddie Hughes, that our community deserves to be able to give birth in a hospital close to home, and I too want birthing services back in our hospital quickly.
“It is essential that the review identifies any underlying issues that has resulted in such an unacceptable decision. Speed is of the essence.
“However, in the meantime, the focus must also be on the safety and wellbeing of our expectant mums in an environment in which they feel comfortable.”
Council will maintain close contact with the State Government and Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network until birthing services return.
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Our people
Paula has recently joined the civic customer service team and will be working in the role of Customer Service Officer for the next six months. Paula loves working in customer service. Paula's favourite part is interacting with the community and customers and working as part of a fun team! Be sure to make Paula feel welcome when you next pop into the Civic Building or call the customer services team.
We welcome back Tyson James who recently accepted the role of Municipal Employee, once again joining the outdoor crew! Please give Tyson a wave if you see him out and about.
Welcome to the team Jasmine Cooper, who joins the Infrastructure Department as the Building and Maintenance Officer. Jasmine brings a wealth of experience in Local Government with planning, coordinating, and facilitating property maintenance and contractor management. Please give Jasmine a warm welcome!
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Foreshore fencing
Temporary fencing has been placed on the edge of the walkway in front of the jetty car park (see image below). This is in place to protect the community from a potential safety hazard created by damage from a recent king tide. We are unsure how long the fencing will be in place, as Council need government approval for the repairs to be carried out. We’ll provide further updates on timeframes as soon as we can.
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Roadworks notice
Beginning on Monday next week (July 10), our crews will be installing an emu crossing along Gowrie Avenue in front of Samaritan College. Please be aware of changing traffic conditions in the area, including possible detours at times.
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School holiday fun
There’s plenty for families to do at our library and visitor centre these holidays! Bring the kids to the Whyalla Maritime Museum for a fun Cuttlefest challenge. Take the Cuttlefish and Friends Quiz anytime throughout June, July and August – you’ll explore the museum finding fun facts about our beloved cuttlefish. Complete the challenge and you’ll take home a certificate and activity pack! There’s also free entry to the HMAS Whyalla and Maritime Museum for children (in family groups) all throughout the holidays, so be sure to take advantage of this special offer by booking soon (bookings required).
There’s also a host of activities at the library – check out the calendar below for the complete list.
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Author visit
It was great to have Whyalla-born author Michelle Prak in town recently, talking to residents at the library about her latest book The Rush. The library will continue to look for opportunities for the community to meet and learn from authors from across the country.
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Waste education
Jo and Charuka from our Waste Education Team have continued their journey to Samaritan College, stopping by the Saint Teresa's Campus recently to teach the students about waste disposal and how to apply this knowledge at home. If you'd like to organise a similar lesson for your classroom or group, please contact us on 8640 3444.
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Libraries are the heart of our community
Under the current State Government deal, your local libraries are losing $16 million over five years. This could mean cuts to books and programs, shorter opening hours, and fewer staff on hand to help you in times of need.
The Local Government Association is asking for an urgent funding boost for our libraries, so be sure to share your story to support library funding: https://www.lga.sa.gov.au/library
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Governance Coordinator
We currently have a vacancy for a Governance Coordinator, who will work closely with the Manager Governance, ensuring organisational-wide good governance practices. The coordinator will be a role model for contemporary and progressive leadership, inspire and motivate others, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. Discover more about the position and how to apply at the link here: https://bit.ly/3pAGAaM
Environmental Health Officer
Another position available is the Environmental Health Officer, who is accountable for ensuring the proper standards of public and environmental health are being maintained throughout communities. This is undertaken by monitoring, investigating, and promoting public and environmental health issues with legislative action where necessary. The role will provide environmental health services across multiple councils in the Eyre Peninsula as part of a shared services agreement with the Whyalla Council, working closely with our current Environmental Health Officer. Discover more about the position and how to apply at the link here: https://bit.ly/3CYRytX