OneSteel crew sleeps out and smashes fundraising target
More than $17,000 raised for Whyalla HOMELESS
OneSteel’s Whyalla Sleepout crew went “out and beyond” to raise more than $17,000 at this year’s Mission Australia Whyalla Sleepout on July 31.
The event had moved from outside at Ada Ryan Gardens to inside at the Recreation Centre due to a statewide extreme weather Code Blue warning. With permission from organisers, the OneSteel Manufacturing volunteers had other ideas as they pushed on, and out, to brave the outdoor elements and “really earn” their sponsorship dollars.
An event supported by many Whyalla businesses, organisations and individuals, the OneSteel $17,109 total was complemented by $23,990 raised by the Whyalla Homelessness Awareness Committee for a total of over $41,000 achieved at the Whyalla event and more than $272,000 Australia wide.
You really forget how fortunate we are to have the jobs that we do, that support the lifestyles that we have, with the ability to place food on the table and ensure we have a roof over our heads
Jared Fechner
Manager South Middleback Range (SMR) Fixed Plant Jarrod “Mutts” Mutton came second nationally out of 3,685 participants for individual fundraising with $5935 while General Manager Whyalla Iron Ore Operations Jared Fechner was third with $3551 and Chris Smyth, General Manager Environment & Sustainability was eighth nationally with over $2340 raised. Joseph Colbert was not far behind at more than $1700 with Tony Taylor and Shawnee Fennel raising almost $700 between them.
For Mutts and Jared on the top 5 national leaderboard it wasn’t, however, about individual honours, it was the collective effort that will ultimately benefit homeless youth in Whyalla with every dollar raised in Whyalla going back to those in need in Whyalla.
“I didn’t really have an awareness of the extent of the problem in Whyalla and the number of services that are available to people that are sleeping rough or homeless,” Mutts said.
“The organising committee did a great job of helping us understand the extent of the problem, what challenges these people face on a daily basis and how it is an invisible problem in Whyalla.
“One of the things I liked about it was the fact that all of the money raised stays in the local community and we got to understand the services and activities that benefit from this fundraising.
“Through some of the story telling I was able to draw some parallels with events that have happened in my own life but with the stark difference that I had the family support to work through these issues to get to a positive outcome.
“So many people are not that lucky and it was great to be involved in something that can help make a difference for these people.
“I am very appreciative of the family, friends and colleagues that coughed up their hard earned to support a great cause.”
OneSteel team coordinator, Dan Bateman praised the dedication of volunteers, sponsors and supporters who more than doubled the funds raised at the inaugural 2024 sleepout.
“This result belongs to everyone who stepped up, shared our message and helped make the event possible,” Dan said.
“Our volunteers put in an incredible effort before the Sleepout, connecting with local businesses and gathering support.
“Even when a Code Blue was activated and they were invited to move inside in line with safety guidelines, they remained dedicated to the experience.”
Volunteers at this year’s Whyalla Sleepout shared a meal, spent a night raising awareness about homelessness and heard powerful stories of adversity, compassion and hope during the pre-sleep event.
One of the things I liked about it was the fact that all of the money raised stays in the local community and we got to understand the services and activities that benefit from this fundraising.
Jarrod Mutton
A panel featuring an emergency nurse and other frontline workers provided insight into the complex experiences that can lead to homelessness, while highlighting the practical support available to people facing housing insecurity.
Among the most moving moments was hearing from a young Whyalla man whose life changed after taking part in an Operation Flinders camp, funded through the 2024 Sleepout. After attending his first camp, he continued to become involved in a range of Operation Flinders activities.
The experience gave him a renewed sense of direction, connection and possibility. Although he has faced significant challenges, he now sees a much brighter future for himself and recognises the camp as a turning point in his life.
Those attending also heard from a Whyalla woman who reflected on the year that she spent experiencing homelessness. With remarkable honesty, she spoke about the fear, sadness and uncertainty she endured, while also remembering who supported her during that difficult period.
Her story was a powerful reminder that homelessness is a chapter in someone’s life, as she now has secure employment, a home and a family of her own.
Jared Fechner said these stories really hit home and made the one-night gesture even more meaningful.
“You really forget how fortunate we are to have the jobs that we do, that support the lifestyles that we have, with the ability to place food on the table and ensure we have a roof over our heads,” Jared said.
“It was saddening to hear firsthand the stories of people in our community that find themselves without the comforts of a warm meal, a warm bed or a place to call home.
“For the young people that this affects, it is truly heartbreaking, with the realisation that the situation they find themselves in, isn’t necessarily by their choosing, but driven by the situations that they find themselves in.”
All money raised in Whyalla will stay in Whyalla for the benefit of people experiencing homelessness in the region. Funding from the 2024 event helped purchase essential backpacks and sleeping bags for those experiencing homelessness while also enabling eight young Whyalla people to attend the Operation Flinders camp that helps build optimism, belonging, hope and emotional wellbeing with a focus on resilience, purpose and connection.
Main picture and top right: The OneSteel crew that slept out for the night Shawnee Fennel, Tony Taylor, Joseph Colbert, Jared Fechner, Chris Smyth and Jarrod Mutton. Middle right: Jarrod Mutton sets up his cardboard tent. Third from top right: Jared Fechner, Jarrod Mutton, Chris Smyth and Joseph Colbert with their last meal before sleeping out. Bottom right: The briefing before the sleepout. Below: The sleepout totals
