City Update 27 September 2024
Citizenship Ceremony
Council held it's largest Citizenship Ceremony, with 20 Whyalla residents taking their pledge with Mayor Phill Stone, becoming Australian Citizens! Council has chosen several significant dates this year to hold group Citizenship Ceremonies. The ceremony was chosen to take place, like so many other councils around the nation, on Australian Citizenship Day which is a day to recognise the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and the responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens. Help us in congratulating our latest Australian Citizens!
Larry AGUILAR, Amisha BUDHATHOKI, Hazel DHAKAL, Kean FLORIA, Geralyn HOLOSI, Muhammad ISHAQ, Andrew LAWRENCE, Muhammad MANNAN, Xaviera NOOR, Faizan MOHAMMED, Luckline MUTSIGWA, Drashtiben PATEL, Viraj PATEL, Bhautik VADHER, Sonja VAN ROSSEN, Mary WAUGH, Guanghui XUE, Jevy MEJOS, Mankeerat SINGH and Yash GAJJAR
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Operating your Futures program graduates
Recently, eight community members completed the 'Operating Your Futures' program, hosted by Civil Contractors Federation South Australia (CCF SA) Civil Train and supported by Whyalla City Council.
This initiative, developed and awarded to the CCF SA and federally funded through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations National Priority Fund, aims to address Australia’s skills shortage in plant operations, which is listed as a national priority.
Key goals of the program include re-skilling workers aged 45+, revitalizing regional areas by expanding the civil workforce, and removing traditional barriers to employment.
Congratulations to the graduates of the program for their commitment to growth and opportunity!
Click here to read the full release: https://bit.ly/4e3WRJx
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From the Mayor's Desk
Welcome to the September 2024 edition of From the Mayor’s Desk!
Following each Ordinary Council Meeting Mayor Phill Stone will recap a number of important topics and provide a snapshot of what was discussed.
In this edition Mayor Stone covers these talking points: The Whyalla Child Care Centre upgrades, Transport Renewal Program, Wetlands Toilet block upgrade, Monthly Council Reports and more!
For further information from Council Meetings please visit and review the agenda and minutes from any Council Meeting available here: https://bit.ly/3r4WF9E
You can also check out the latest edition in the Whyalla News.
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Library secures grant for early childhood literacy program
The Whyalla Public Library is excited to announce that it has received grant funding to launch a new program aimed at enhancing early childhood literacy and development.
This program is still in the early stages of development and will be delivered in the new year (2025), this initiative will focus on establishing a toy library equipped with interactive play toys, each paired with educational materials and tools designed to foster language development in young children.
Library Coordinator, Natalie Williams is excited for this opportunity to be delivered to the community ‘’this has been in the works for some time now and it’s great to see it moving forward. It really is a great initiative, and I know the children and families will enjoy these resources.’’
Click the link to read the full media release: https://bit.ly/4elTmOe
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South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) visits Whyalla
Recently, the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) visited Whyalla to conduct a talent search!
Students from years 7 to 12 from Whyalla Secondary College and Samaritian College attended the event held at the Whyalla Recreation Centre. The SASI Talent Search program identifies athletes that have the potential to represent Australia in Olympic and Paralympic sports.
Thank you to SASI for visiting Whyalla!
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Whyalla Homelessness Sleepout and Fundraiser
For the first time, Whyalla City Council, in collaboration with Mission Australia, local businesses, and community agencies, hosted the Homelessness Sleepout and Fundraiser, bringing the community together to raise awareness and essential funds to combat homelessness in Whyalla.
This community-driven event saw local businesses, groups, and individuals unite in solidarity, with participants braving the elements for a night to better understand the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.
Council’s Manager City Activation Gail Rostig reflected on the experience, stating that it was heartening to see such strong support for young people within Whyalla experiencing homelessness.
“For us all personally, it was one cold, uncomfortable night—something we don’t experience every night,” Ms Rostig said.
Click the link to read the full media release: https://bit.ly/4ewKiWQ
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Green energy pioneer visits Whyalla
Whyalla continues to be the focus of global green energy pioneers, with a legendary Formula 1 engineer the latest looking to take advantage of our city’s hydrogen potential. Paddy Lowe – former McLaren Racing Technical Director and now CEO of Zero Petroleum – visited Whyalla with his team to view several locations and learn more about the Hydrogen Jobs Plan project. Zero is the leading producer of carbon-neutral synthetic fuel – made from just air (carbon dioxide) and water (hydrogen) – aiming to reduce reliance on oil/coal/gas-based fossil fuels. They've also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government to explore investment opportunities in South Australia by 2026, with Whyalla one of the potential sites.
Mayor Phill Stone said: “Zero Petroleum is an example of the cutting-edge industries that are interested in Whyalla as a result of the State Government’s investment in hydrogen. Regardless of whether this particular prospect ends up in Whyalla, it demonstrates that the eyes of the world are squarely focused on our city and realising the major potential for our green energy future.” Read the full update here: https://bit.ly/47FpwBX
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School Holidays, Term 3
Looking for events to entertain the kids these School Holidays?
The Whyalla City Council in collaboration with Libraries SA, headspace, Whyalla Recreation Centre, Plaza Youth Centre, Road Safety Centre and HOPE Whyalla are offering a number of fun, educational options to amuse the kids.
Click the link to book: https://bit.ly/4dhXA8s
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HOG Rally comes to Whyalla
Get ready to rev your engines! The S.A. Harley Owners Group (HOG) State Rally is rolling into Whyalla this October Long Weekend, and you don’t want to miss it!
Saturday, 5 October – come and check out the incredible bikes and meet the riders.
Thunder Run kicks off at 10am from Roopena Football and Sporting Club and will travel through the streets of Whyalla (see map below). With over 150 riders, this is your chance to head outside, wave them on, and be part of the action.
The ride finishes at Neagle Tce on the Whyalla Foreshore, where the fun continues with a Show and Shine, Gymkhana Chapter Games, local stalls, food, and more. Stay tuned for more details on vendors!
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Whyalla's Christmas on the Avenue returns
The annual Christmas on the Avenue event is set to return to Whyalla on Saturday 14 December, with a fun-filled day of Christmas festivities!
The day will begin with the GFG Alliance Christmas Pageant on Nicolson Avenue before the festivities continue in Civic Park with an After Pageant Fair and the annual Community Christmas Carols event, promising a special day for the whole community.
Community groups have rallied together to coordinate a spectacular event to ensure residents and visitors can enjoy an evening filled with local talent, Christmas cheer, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
The working group includes:
HOPE Whyalla
Rotary Club of Whyalla
Whyalla Navy Cadets
Whyalla Car Enthusiasts
Whyalla Vintage & Classic Car Club
Whyalla Business and Tourism
Whyalla Show Society
GFG Alliance
Council thanks those individuals that expressed interest in being involved in the 2024 event. The council events team will be in touch with opportunities to get involved.
Click the link to read the full media release: https://bit.ly/3XXCqIn
