Stars & Steel Day delivers development messages

students welcomed to informative day

Before you dream about a future career, you first need to be able to see it.

That was the message behind Stars & Steel Day 2026, as OneSteel welcomed students from the Shooting Stars Whyalla program to the South Middleback Ranges (SMR) on 15 June for a day designed to inspire, inform and build confidence in future career pathways.

Bringing together Indigenous students from Years 9–12, the annual event gave participants a first-hand look at modern mining operations while connecting them with the people, experiences and opportunities that could help shape their futures.

More than a sponsorship

Community and Stakeholder Coordinator, Dan Bateman, said that OneSteel had partnered with Shooting Stars Whyalla since the program was established locally in 2022. 

While financial support remains an important part of that relationship, the partnership has always been about more than sponsorship.

“As a major employer and long-term partner, OneSteel understands the role industry can play in helping young people expand their view on what is possible, build confidence and explore opportunities they may never have considered,” Dan said.

“Through mentoring, career exposure and meaningful connections, programs like Shooting Stars are helping young women develop the knowledge and self-belief needed to pursue ambitions beyond school.”

This year’s theme, “To dream it, you have to see it,” captured that purpose perfectly

An inside look at mining

Opening the day, General Manager (Mining), Jared Fechner welcomed the students and shared insights into SMR’s operations and future projects.

“We are incredibly proud to be involved in the Shooting Stars program and pleased to play a part in showcasing what we do at SMR,” Jared said.

“Days like this are about helping the girls see the opportunities that exist, meeting the people who work in our industry, and understanding that these careers are absolutely within their reach.

“If today’s experience inspires even one young person to pursue a goal they hadn’t previously considered, then we’ve achieved something worthwhile.”

Throughout the morning, members of the mining team guided students through an immersive site experience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the breadth of careers that support a mining operation.

Students explored key operational areas, including the Processing Plant and Magnetite Lookout, examined geological core samples and had the opportunity to get up close to mining equipment. For many, it was their first time experiencing a working mine site firsthand.

“Just as valuable were the conversations that took place along the way,” Dan said.

“Conversations with employees from Mining, Geology and Operations provided students with real-world insight into different career journeys, day-to-day roles and the many pathways that can lead into industry.

Land Access and Stakeholder Manager Raquel Stankovic, who joined the students throughout the site experience, said one of the most rewarding aspects of the day was watching the girls engage with employees and begin to see the range of opportunities available to them.

“What stood out to me was the confidence the girls gained as the day progressed,” Raquel said.

“By stepping into an operational mining environment, speaking directly with our employees and asking questions about their career journeys, they were able to see that there are many different pathways available to them.

“Our partnership with Shooting Stars is something we’re incredibly proud of because it goes beyond financial support. It’s about creating meaningful experiences, building connections and helping young women recognise their own potential.

“When industry and community come together like this, we can make a genuine difference in helping young people broaden their horizons and believe in what’s possible for their future.”

“The stories shared reinforced an important message: there is no single path to success, only the willingness to keep moving towards your goals.”

Seeing potential in action

Land Access and Stakeholder Manager Raquel Stankovic, who joined the students throughout the site experience, said one of the most rewarding aspects of the day was watching the girls engage with employees and begin to see the range of opportunities available to them.

“What stood out to me was the confidence the girls gained as the day progressed,” Raquel said.

“By stepping into an operational mining environment, speaking directly with our employees and asking questions about their career journeys, they were able to see that there are many different pathways available to them.

“Our partnership with Shooting Stars is something we’re incredibly proud of because it goes beyond financial support. It’s about creating meaningful experiences, building connections and helping young women recognise their own potential.

“When industry and community come together like this, we can make a genuine difference in helping young people broaden their horizons and believe in what’s possible for their future.”

Building confidence for the future

Following the site tour, students and employees came together for lunch at the SMR Golding Training Room, creating an opportunity for informal conversations and questions in a relaxed setting.

The afternoon then shifted focus from career awareness to career readiness.

Led by OneSteel’s Workforce Development – Early Careers Lead, Rebecca Harris, students participated in an interactive workshop designed to build practical skills for future employment opportunities.

The session covered personal branding, resume development and interview preparation, with students taking part in mock interviews aimed at strengthening confidence and communication skills.

Most importantly, the workshop encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones in a supportive environment.

They rose to the challenge with enthusiasm, resilience and a genuine willingness to learn-qualities that will serve them well as they consider their next steps beyond school.

Creating pathways through partnership

Stars & Steel Day was made possible through the support of OneSteel Manufacturing and administrators KordaMentha, as well as the commitment of leaders and employees across the mining team who generously shared their time, knowledge and experience throughout the day.

“As OneSteel’s flagship annual event supporting the Shooting Stars program, the initiative continues to demonstrate the impact that can be achieved when industry and community work together with a shared purpose,” Dan said.

“By giving young women the opportunity to experience our mining environments and connect with role models and gain confidence in their own potential, the program is helping turn possibilities into aspirations, and aspirations into future pathways.”