City Update 24 May 2024
The launch of Cuttlefest 2024
Get ready to celebrate – the amazing Australian Giant Cuttlefish have started arriving in the coastal waters near Stony Point, signalling the start of Whyalla’s annual Cuttlefest celebrations.
There will be events happening all around the city between May and August, with lots of family-friendly, free, adventurous, and creative events to take part in.
Now it’s time to get planning! Events starts this month and there’s plenty to do, so refer to the link here to see the full program and media release: https://bit.ly/3QRqaoT
Start planning your Cuttlefest 2024 experience now!
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Salty 'Sea'esta is just around the corner!
The much-anticipated Salty 'Sea'esta is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8, from 3pm to 8pm, at the Ada Ryan Gardens.
This year’s event offers a wide array of free activities and attractions for all ages, helping the entire community get behind the annual Cuttlefest celebration. Explore a selection of market stalls offering crafts and goods, as well as a number of food and beverage vendors. Keep an eye out for our roving artists, who will be adding a touch of magic to the gardens and don’t miss the star of the show, Sparkles the Inflatable Cuttlefish!
To make sure everyone can partake in the festivities, we are pleased to offer a free bus service provided by Des's Cabs. This service will transport you to and from the event, stay tuned for a timetable.
Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends along for an incredible day of fun and entertainment at Salty ‘Sea’esta.
To view the list of all attractions and read the full release, click the link: https://bit.ly/3KeeWan
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Foreshore funding
Following our announcement earlier this year that our foreshore community plaza and water play project was in line for Federal Government funding, we can confirm that our initial bid has unfortunately been unsuccessful.
We know how important this project is to the community – you’ve provided some amazing feedback and support for the development over recent years – so although we’re disappointed, please rest assured that this is not the end in our bid to have it funded and brought to life. We are now putting every effort into working on further applications with our key partners for funding streams that are suited to Whyalla’s current and future needs. This includes the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnership Program (Stream 1 and 2).
We are also breaking down the planned development into stages to see how we can best utilise the council budget already allocated for next financial year, aiming to make as much progress as possible for the community over the coming two years using council funds.
Thank you again for your support of this project and for sharing your stories earlier this year on how important this space is to you and your community. We will continue to utilise these stories for subsequent funding applications and trust they will demonstrate why this project is deserving of major funding.
Stay tuned – we’ll keep you updated on progress, including the outcomes of other funding programs (hopefully far more positive!)
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Child Care Centre upgrade
Significant progress is being made on the expansion of Whyalla City Council’s Child Care Centre. Local builder Steve White is nearing completion of the building's exterior. Meanwhile, contractors are beginning work on the internal linings and fire mains. The installation of air conditioning and security systems are scheduled to start next week.
Council will provide updates as the project continues.
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After the Shipyards: Whyalla in the 1980s
As part of the South Australian History Festival, Maritime Museum Curator Paul Mazourek conducted a talk titled "After the Shipyards: Whyalla in the 1980s". This talk explored the impact of the BHP Whyalla Shipyards' permanent closure in 1978, which led to an exodus of skilled workers and their families. As Whyalla was built around heavy industries, the story of the city has been described as being continually in decline ever since. Find out if this notion was correct by watching Paul's full presentation at the link here: https://youtu.be/T12Q0MADTlo
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FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant Program
Are you passionate about making remote, rural and regional Australia a better place for young Australians?
Why not apply for a grant through the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant Program and adopt one of the following six ideas generated by young people at the 2024 Heywire Regional Youth Summit?:
- Bussin’: accessible transport options for young people
- MEE (Mentoring Educating Empowering): closing the gap in accessing quality education
- A Place for You: improving mental health resources and services
- The Bigger Picture: empowering young people to celebrate their differences and
foster connections
- Safe Sphere: increasing access to relevant and comprehensive sex education
- Youth 2 Grassroots: strengthening connections between individuals and their land by promoting environmental protection & stewardship
Applications close May 29, 2024!
Find out more: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/grants
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IDAHOBIT Day 2024
May 17 was International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Council showed support by raising the LGBTIQ+ flag and wearing rainbow colours!
We acknowledge IDAHOBIT as a day for our communities to go rainbow and stand up against discrimination. Whether you’re part of the LGTBQIA+ community or you’re an ally – today we stand together.
To learn more about IDAHOBIT Day, please click the link: https://bit.ly/4dFWa9l
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Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW)
May 22 was Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW)!
A National Day of Recognition to thank all State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers who generously give their time to help communities. To show appreciation the Whyalla Recreation Centre are hosted SES and the community from 3:30pm to 5:30pm to meet the SES team, check out their truck and UTV, as well as activities for the family such as jumpy castles, the play cafe and stadium games!
Thank you to SES volunteers for all the work they do for the community.
