City Update 8 November 2024
Whyalla celebrates Children's Week
Whyalla’s Children’s Week was celebrated recently at the Whyalla Public Library, where children, parents, and caregivers came together. The event offered an array of activities, including a Storytime session, face painting, balloon twisting, kite flying, and various games.
Families had a free sausage sizzle for lunch, while parents enjoyed coffee from the students at Sunrise Christian College and accessed information from various local family and children services. Emergency services vehicles were also on display where children had the opportunity to check out the inside of the vehicles.
Community Services Lead Jo Vlassco spoke on the success of the day, saying, 'It was fantastic to see the library space being used in such a dynamic way, bringing the community together in a fun and engaging environment for the children. Having so many supportive family services present added real value, strengthening our community by offering valuable resources and connections for families.’"
Garage Sale Trail starts this weekend
Get ready for Australia’s biggest treasure hunt—the annual Garage Sale Trail is here this weekend and next!
With over 60 sales registered, you’ll find incredible bargains all over town. The ADRA Op Shop on Hincks Avenue is just one of many community groups looking forward to hosting a sale with a smorgasbord of bits and bobs for you to peruse. ADRA is encouraging everyone to come down and take a look!
You can find every sale happening online at https://garagesaletrail.com.au/whyalla to have handy on your phone or you can grab a hard copy of this weekend's sales at the following Council buildings: Civic Building on Grundel Street, the Whyalla Public Library and the Visitor Information Centre!
We look forward to seeing you on the trail this weekend November 9 - 10 and next weekend November 16 - 17!
The Blue Tree Project has arrived in Whyalla
The Blue Tree Project helps break the stigma around mental health by engaging in conversations around mental health challenges, and to create an awareness of mental health through education, engaging and storytelling.
Now with over 1,265 Blue Trees across Australia, Whyalla's blue tree is located in Ada Ryan Gardens, next to the bird enclosure.
The tree will be lit in blue and features a QR code directing visitors to the Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network website for local support information.
This initiative is generously funded by the State Government.
For more information about the Blue Tree Project, click the link: https://bit.ly/4fl0n24
Deck the Floats! Get your application in now
Have you submitted your float applications for this year's Christmas on the Avenue yet? You've now got less than a month, with applications closing at 5pm on Monday, 25 November! Community groups, businesses, and individuals are all invited to get involved.
If you’re keen to enter but are facing barriers or not sure where to start, HOPE Whyalla is here to help with their incentive program! Whether you need assistance with your application, ideas for decorating, or even help gathering materials, HOPE Whyalla can support in bringing your float ideas to life. For more information, click the link to view the media release.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2024 Christmas on the Avenue event, click the link to read the full release: https://bit.ly/488TyOY
Tom Curtain's Katherine Outback Experience is coming to Whyalla
To celebrate the release of his fifth album, multiple Golden Guitar winner and horseman extraordinaire Tom Curtain, has again hit the road with his award-winning Outback Show Katherine Outback Experience as part of his Good Life Tour. The show is entertaining, engaging, interactive and family-friendly! It consists of real horse training and working dog demonstrations including plenty of hands-on fun for the kids! As well as live music by Tom Curtain, Laura Frank and Chris Matthews.
Where: Jubilee Showgrounds
When: Friday 6 December 2024 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Book your tickets here: https://whycc.au/4fseCCu
Successful Traineeships at council
Whyalla City Council has welcomed its largest group of school-based trainees through a partnership with local schools and Career Employment Group (CEG), with five students from Sunrise Christian School and Whyalla Secondary College gaining hands-on experience across various Council departments.
This initiative supports youth development by providing real-world skills and career pathways, while also bringing fresh ideas to the Council.
In addition, the Council proudly announces Jaxon King as the Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula Trainee of the Year, celebrating his dedication to the depot team where he’s developed skills in irrigation, mowing, and tree maintenance. “Jaxon’s commitment and adaptability have made him an invaluable team member,” said Open Spaces Coordinator Tracy Robertson. Congratulations, Jaxon!
Foreshore Cafe new operators
We’re pleased to announce Whyalla Waves Café as the new operators of the foreshore café! Anil Kumar and Seeb Abid have been chosen as the successful operators after numerous expressions of interest (EOIs) were received. The pair are looking forward to serving the community by providing an excellent customer experience, while showcasing local produce with a focus on classic café food and beverages such as barista-made coffee, burgers, fish and chips and much more.
Mr Kumar – who locals may be familiar with from his Masala in Whyalla business – stated that he is excited for this new venture, while emphasising that this will be a separate operation from Masala.
The cafe will now be closed during the transition period between operators, with council and Whyalla Waves Café working to minimise the disruption to service during the change-over. We’ll continue to provide updates as the fit-out progresses. Read our full release here: https://bit.ly/3C1lyYB
FREE Career Transition Support in Whyalla
The Career Transition Service provides free professional face to face & tailored career development sessions for people in Whyalla. It is available to individuals looking to commence, transition, and build a career, as well as those navigating redundancy or job loss. Update your resume, find a new adventure, or retrain.
Book your session now with Paula Wilson, our Career Development practitioner, by phone, email, or through the registration form linked below.
Appointments Wednesday & Thursday
Phone: 8640 3444
Email: careertransition@whyalla.sa.gov.au
Register: https://bit.ly/40a9JK1
This service is co-funded by RESA and Local Jobs Program, hosted by Whyalla City Council.
Whyalla makes global headlines
Whyalla's green future has once again made global headlines, with South Australia referenced as being 'best positioned to pivot' to green iron in an article by the Washington Post. It mentions that the State Government is 'courting some of the world's biggest steelmakers to take advantage of its natural resources and make green iron here'. It also highlights the global challenges being faced by steelmakers, showing they are not unique to Whyalla.
Mayor Phill Stone is pictured above being interviewed by journalist Michael Miller for the article, which you can read here: https://wapo.st/3C0a73r
Disposal of pool water
With the weather warming up, many people are starting to get their pools ready for swimming, which often involves draining / backwashing water from the pool. Did you know it needs to either go into the sewerage system or remain on your property?
Pools installed since 2004 should be permanently connected to the sewer, meaning drainage shouldn’t be an issue. If your pool was installed prior to 2004, you can direct the water to a sewerage drainage point or anywhere on your property. If you’re in an unsewered region, water can be directed to anywhere in your yard, so long as it’s contained within your boundaries. Always make sure you’re not draining pool water into a septic tank.
Most importantly, always ensure the water isn’t draining into streets and / or laneways. This is considered general littering, with fines up to $1000. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us via direct message; calling 8640 3444; or emailing council@whyalla.sa.gov.au.
Major Project Connect
Join us for Major Project Connect Whyalla on November 14 at Uni SA’s Mint Café Lawns!
This event is designed for local businesses to explore opportunities beyond traditional industries and to connect with upcoming projects, expand networks, and diversify.
Representatives from the Office for Northern Water Delivery and Office of Hydrogen Power SA will be there, ready to engage with suppliers on two major SA Government projects that are shaping regional South Australia’s future.
Learn more and register here: https://whycc.au/3CnvdsI