Over the 2007/2008 financial year, the number of new migrant workers in South Australia’s City of Whyalla doubled from the previous year.
Located on the western shores of the Upper Spencer Gulf, Whyalla is the third most populous city in South Australia, with 22,000 residents.
The City is also one of South Australia’s principal industrial cities, a major exporter and a significant contributor to the State’s economy. It has a rich history built on steel production and resource processing, and has attracted an extensive support base, particularly in the areas of fabrication and construction.
The increased number of migrant workers is due to a number of factors, including increased labour demand, retirement of employees from the workforce, and others leaving to take up jobs in the mining industry.
The Whyalla Economic Development Board (WEDB) is currently tracking more than 80 vacancies across 35 occupations with local employers.
WEDB is an independent incorporated body, comprising representatives from Council, the Whyalla Chamber of Commerce, OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks, the University of South Australia, TAFE SA Regional, industry, unions, small business and the community. The board is funded under a Resource Agreement between Whyalla City Council and the Department of Trade and Economic Development.
After exhausting the local labour market to fill these vacancies, many employers have had no choice but to recruit from overseas. However, migrant settlement is having a positive impact on local population numbers. More than 90 per cent of migrants with temporary visas choose to apply for permanent residency and many have chosen to stay with their families and make Whyalla their permanent home.
WEDB’s attendance at the Melbourne Career Expo earlier in the year, promoting Whyalla as a city of opportunities for work and quality lifestyle, has also resulted in dozens of people interested in making the move to Whyalla.
Several employers have received CVs and entered into discussions with candidates and enquiries continue to flow into the WEDB office long after the May event.
A highlight of the year has been WEDB receiving $25,000 in grant funding from the Office of Regional Affairs (Department of Trade and Economic Development) to implement a Community Builders Program to establish support services for new residents. More than 60 volunteers participated in the program, which developed three core projects:
a meet and greet service, information kit for new arrivals and a multicultural festival.
Work is currently under way to ensure future sustainability of these projects.
For further information contact WEDB CEO, Steve Arndt, by email at Steven@wedb.com.au
