Whyalla residents face realisation that there’s a ‘hell of a challenge ahead’ after the $2.4bn rescue package announcement

Whyalla workers were filled with ‘optimism and relief’ after yesterday’s $2.4bn rescue package announcement, but as the dust settles, they now know they have a ‘hell of a challenge’ ahead.

Whyalla has felt a wave of “optimism and relief” following the government’s announcement of the $2.4bn rescue package, but as the dust settles, locals face the realisation they still have “a hell of a challenge ahead”.

Noel Goldsworthy, 76, knows this first-hand, having worked at the steelworks for more than five decades, earning the title of the oldest and second longest employee.

He has also watched the company be plunged into administration twice.

“I remember the first time, the administrators walked in and just casually told us we’re in administration – we didn’t even know what that word meant.” Mr Goldsworthy said.

“Whereas this time, we were waiting for it to happen … and it probably should have happened earlier because we’ve been going down a slippery slope faster each day.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Whyalla Steelworks worker Noel Goldsworthy. Noel has worked at the Whyalla Steelworks for over five decades. Picture: NewsWire / Tim Joy

However, Mr Goldsworthy said he feels like they have embarked on the road to recovery.

“The government’s rescue package and their plan to get the ball rolling again seems like a very strong place to start,” he said. “And having KordaMentha as administrator again is just right … they’ve been here before, they’re familiar with the structure, the works, the books.

“It’s like we can breathe a big sigh or relief that Whyalla’s bleeding has stopped although there is still a hell of a challenge ahead of us.

“Beneath all our celebrations we still feel quite cautious.”

This is a sentiment that is also shared by Whyalla’s young people.

Olivia Adams and her manager Tyla Couzner speak about the impact their shop suffered with Whyalla Steelworks job losses. Picture: NewsWire / Tim Joy

Olivia Adams said the Whyalla Steelworks has impacted her teenager life in every way, including her family, her work, and her plans for the future.

“My mum works as a sampler at the steelworks, but she has had her hours severely cut back, which I know has caused her a lot of stress because she recently bought a house and she now has a mortgage,” The 18-year-old said.

“My sister has also lost her job at the steelworks.”

Meanwhile, Ms Adams said that her place of work – City Surf clothing shop – has experienced a drastic drop in sales.

“It’s like everyone is being made redundant or being given less working hours, so people don’t have money to spend at shops like this anymore,” she said.

“This shop is making something like $500 a day now, we’re hardly getting any customers.”

Ms Adams said watching so much hardship around her makes her unsure of her future.

Meanwhile in Adelaide, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Peter Malinauskas signed a Heads of Agreement on Wednesday morning, establishing a framework for the future of the two government’s $2.4 billion partnership on Whyalla Steelworks.

The Prime Minister stated the agreement was “for the steel industry and the future of Whyalla” while signing the document.