ONeSteel helps celebrate pageant award
Whyalla event wins tourism honour
The 2025 OneSteel Christmas Pageant has been recognised at the 2026 Whyalla Business and Tourism Awards with the Contribution to Tourism honour.
In acknowledging the award, Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone said the award belonged to everyone who made the event happen, including OneSteel Manufacturing as the major sponsor.
“This award is something everyone involved can feel proud of,” Mayor Stone said. “A huge thank you to our dedicated working group, sponsors, volunteers, schools, businesses and community groups.
“Without them there would be no pageant – we hope you’re enjoying this win as much as we are.”
General Manager Environment and Community, Chris Smyth said OneSteel and the many employees who help organise OneSteel’s participation in the pageant each year should take great satisfaction from the recognition.
“OneSteel is proud of its long history supporting this event,” Chris said.
“It is a feature event on the Whyalla community calendar and a significant occasion for us as a business and for all our employees that take part.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of the City of Whyalla Council, whose staff invest considerable time and effort into coordinating the event, together with the contributions of sponsors, volunteers and working group members.
“OneSteel is proud to also support the pageant through our involvement on the working group and the participation of our employees in the OneSteel Polar Express float (pictured right).”
Chris congratulated the Whyalla Council and its pageant organising committee on the award and thanked them for allowing OneSteel to continue sponsoring the event while accommodating the company float, employees and their families.
He said OneSteel Community Coordinator Dan Bateman had once again done a mountain of work to make it all happen.
“What makes this event and award so special to OneSteel isn’t just our sponsorship, but the opportunity to give back to the community where we work, live and raise our families,” Chris said.
“Alongside the many community initiatives and events we support, the OneSteel Christmas Pageant is particularly special because it brings our employees and families together to celebrate the festive season, connect with the community, and create memorable experiences for local children and families.
“Our float trailer has been upgraded by our wonderful apprentices (pictured right) for this year’s pageant, and we’ll be there again on November 21 to celebrate everything that is great about the festive season and our city.”
The pageant kicks off a big day of festivities in Whyalla as it travels along Nicolson Avenue from 3pm on Saturday, November 21 before the celebrations continue into Civic Park with the After Pageant Market, featuring local makers and creatives, a variety of food and beverage vendors, live music, free face painting, and a free jumping castle for children, creating a festive community celebration for all ages.
