Meaningful partnership event with HOPE Whyalla
Third community event and lots of fun
OneSteel proudly took part in its third community event under the HOPE Whyalla banner recently, an initiative built on meaningful partnerships that offer connection, care, and a little fun, to those who need it most in our community.
Held at Norton Park, the school holiday event brought together local families for a day of free entertainment, food and community spirit. While OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) (OneSteel) continued its tradition of hosting the barbecue, this time we reimagined our space to be more than just a food stall.
With tables, chairs, picnic mats, and games, we created a welcoming area where parents and carers could relax while children enjoyed some of the partners activities such as face painting, pot decorating, rock painting and more.
We are proud to be part of this collaboration … even small contributions, like a sausage in bread or a game on a picnic mat, can have a lasting impact.
Community and Stakeholder Coordinator Dan Bateman
When the cooking was wrapped up early, our team had the chance to be fully present, allowing us to chat, play and connect with families.
Community and Stakeholder Coordinator Dan Bateman explained how the OneSteel team heard powerful stories from carers and parents and saw first-hand how much these moments of support and connection mean to the community.
“What stood out most was the number of carers who attended,” Dan said.
“Grandparents, foster carers, and others who have taken on the responsibility of raising children with love and dedication.
“These incredible individuals often carry a heavy load, as we heard from them on the day through conversation, and it was clear how much they appreciated a space to connect, laugh and feel supported.
“Many asked when the next event would be and how they could stay involved.”The good news is that HOPE Whyalla offers ongoing connection points. The HOPE Hub, located at the Baptist Church on Racecourse Road, runs a weekly café where anyone can drop in for a chat and a barista-made coffee, paid or free through the “pay it forward” system.
There’s also The Orchard, HOPE’s community garden, where men especially can come together, tend to the garden, and share life’s challenges in a supportive environment.
“We are proud to be part of this collaboration,” Dan said. “Even small contributions, like a sausage in bread or a game on a picnic mat, can have a lasting impact.
“We love seeing familiar faces, like the Shooting Stars girls who remembered us from their steelworks tour, and we’re always inspired by the sense of community these events foster.”
By the end of the event, every sausage was gone, every game played, and every child looked to have made a new friend. It didn’t cost much more than our time, but the joy, connection, and support it brought to so many made it worth it. Together with the rest of the HOPE partners, we helped give local kids and families the best day of their school holidays, bringing isolated or disconnected members of the community together for a great day in the sun.
