Help is available for workers impacted by the closure of the Whyalla Steelworks blast furnace
The Commonwealth and South Australian Governments have comprehensive programs in place to assist workers and their families affected by the closure of the blast furnace.
Our priority is to ensure workers and their families can access the services they need during this transition.
As part of a government support package, a Worker Transition Centre will be established in Whyalla to provide direct, face‑to‑face support for workers and their families.
Through the Worker Transition Centre, impacted workers and their families can receive guidance on accessing a suite of support services including:
- Career advice and counselling
- Employment support
- Free training and recognition of prior skills and experience
- Financial counselling
- Wellbeing services
- Pathways into new jobs and opportunities
Access dedicated support through the Worker Transition Centre
A Worker Transition Centre has been established in Whyalla to give impacted workers and their families personalised guidance on accessing a suite of support services, including:
- Career advice and counselling
- Employment support
- Free training and recognition of prior skills and experience
- Financial counselling
- Access to relevant concessions and government benefits
- Wellbeing and mental health services
- Support for apprentices
- Workshops and information about pathways into new jobs and opportunities
An employment services consultant at the Worker Transition Centre will work with you to create a personalised transition plan and connect you with the relevant supports.
Meet with employers and talk about what's next
Employer Connect Whyalla | 15 October 2026
Whether you’re looking for a new job now or planning your next step, Employer Connect Whyalla on Thursday, 15 October gives you the chance to meet employers face-to-face, explore available opportunities, and have conversations about what’s next.
Register here or drop in during the day.
Whyalla Worker Information Sessions
Whyalla Worker Information Session - 14 October
Join us for free information sessions to hear about the government supports and local services available to help you plan your next steps.
Whyalla Partner Information Session - 14 October
If your partner has recently lost their job or is expecting to be retrenched, this free information session will help you understand the support available and how best to support them and your family through the changes ahead.
Further help and resources
Career counselling and referral to free training
Delivered by RDA Eyre Peninsula (RDAEP), the Career Transition Service aims to equip each participant with a tailored career plan, which may include referrals to free accredited training.
This training, subsidised by the South Australian Government for contractors and workers impacted by the downturn in Whyalla’s steelmaking, includes access to opportunities such as:
- Fee Free TAFE and other vocational education and training (VET) courses available on the Subsidised Training List
- Recognition of Prior Learning
- Accredited occupational tickets and high-risk licences (e.g. forklift, whitecard, first aid, confined space, elevated work platform).
Support for apprentices
Apprentices who are or have been employed at the OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks or its supply chain at the date of the blast furnace may be eligible for transition support, wages and assistance to secure placement with a new host employer.
Skills SA is partnering with the SA Skills Commission and the Apprentice Employment Network SA (AEN SA) to support local apprentices experiencing disruption to their employment.
During this period of disruption, while a new employer is being identified, apprentices may also be eligible for:
- transition payment,
- assistance to progress with off-job training,
- waived fees associated with the transfer to a new employer.
Additionally, apprentices who are entering their final, fourth year of study will be prioritised for early completion of their apprenticeship.
Impacted apprentices are encouraged to contact the SA Skills Commission on telephone 1800 673 097 or email [email protected] to access these supports.
Financial counselling
There are free, confidential financial counselling services available to support South Australians experiencing financial hardship. A financial counsellor can:
- Assess your financial situation
- Provide general advice and information
- Develop a workable budget
- Help you prioritise and consolidate debts
- Explain the debt collection and enforcement process
- Liaise with hardship teams at your bank, utilities, and other providers
- Refer you to other support services if needed
If you're a business owner in Whyalla looking for financial support, you can:
- Call National Debt Helpline at 1800 007 007
- Call Way Forward at 1300 045 502
- Visit Moneysmart.gov.au for tools, resources, and helpful financial advice.
For local support in Whyalla, contact:
- Centacare – Catholic Country SA: (08) 8645 8233 (direct line for the Whyalla office).
- Anglicare for financial and gambling counselling: 1800 759 707 (located at Whyalla Community Centre).
Mental health and wellbeing support
Through CentaCare's Surviving to Thriving Program, the Whyalla Community can access free, personalised support to help you and your family move toward a stronger, more positive future.
Counselling Support
Receive compassionate counselling support to help you navigate personal challenges, improve your wellbeing, and build confidence for the future.
Financial Counselling
Financial counselling services offer practical guidance and support to help you manage financial concerns and feel more confident in your financial situation.
Community Workshops & Information Sessions
Centacare can also attend community events and functions to deliver small workshops and information sessions, providing valuable education, support, and resources to the wider community.
There is no cost to access counselling services, and Centacare will work with you to provide support that suits your circumstances and goals. For local support in Whyalla, call Centacare's Whyalla office on (08) 8645 8233
