Nestled between the ocean and the Middleback Ranges and only a short drive from the Flinders Ranges, Whyalla, ‘where the outback meets the sea’, sits on the north-western coast of the Spencer Gulf. A sunny mediterranean climate offers almost year round sunshine to enjoy scuba diving, fishing and arid landscape bushwalks at various locations.
Traditionally a city supported by raw material processing and manufacturing, Whyalla is gradually diversifying its economic base. Industries include iron ore mining, steel making, precision engineering, aquaculture and rural production.
With over 21,000 residents, Whyalla is South Australia is the largest is the largest in the Upper Spencer Gulf region . The Middleback Theatre is located within the city, and services approximately 38,000 (population within 100km). It is 380 kilometres north west of Adelaide, via Port Augusta, 75 km away.
Arts Centre Reference Group
Working with local community members to ensure the Arts Centre continues to meet the community’s arts and cultural expectations.
The current members are:
Bernadette Abraham currently works as a real estate Agent with Century 21 Whyalla, a position she has held for 11 years. Longtime resident of Whyalla, Bernadette is keenly interested in Whyalla, the Community and the prosperity of the City. Former employment positions have included Employment & Training, Regional Development & politics, Current Chair of Enterprising Women Whyalla Inc. – giving her rounded knowledge and experience in Whyalla and Regional South Australia. Bernadette believes Whyalla and Regional SA is a great place to live and is keen to promote and encourage ‘doing business’ in Whyalla, together with highlighting our wonderful lifestyle!
Danielle Walpole is Creative Producer at D’faces of youth arts in Whyalla. Danielle has a background in management and visual arts, having previously worked for leading Adelaide art gallery Greenaway Art Gallery and the South Australian Living Artists Festival. She also exhibits regularly as a practising photographic artist.
Colin Carter has resided in Whyalla all of his life and is very passionate about Whyalla and the Eyre Peninsula and its future developments. Mr Carter is currently a small business operator in Whyalla and is an Elected Member of the Whyalla City Council and has been for the past 6 years. During this time he has been Deputy Mayor, Chairperson Whyalla City Council Audit Committee and held membership of numerous council committees and working parties. Colin is currently is Chairperson of the Whyalla City Council Airport Advisory & Security Working Party, a member of the HAC, Whyalla Health Advisory Council (which is the old Hospital Board), a member of the Whyalla ECG ( Environment Consultative Group)and the Youth Opportunities Board of Whyalla. Mr Carter has served on numerous Boards and associations over the years, one of which was the Whyalla Aged Care Board for 16 years. Colin looks forward to having a cohesive relationship with the RDAWEP members in helping drive the economic development of the whole Eyre Peninsula region.
Nicole Carter a proud Kokatha woman, born Whyalla South Australia, 2nd eldest of 4 children. Nicole has had previous roles including Financial Counsellor and Aboriginal Family Practitioner at Families SA, Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officer at Edward John Eyre High School and currently the Aboriginal Inclusion Officer for the Department for Education & Child Development. Nicole contributes on various local committees including the Nunyara Board, Central Whyalla Football Club (Life Member) and Whyalla Hospital HAC and remains a strong advocate of equitable and accessible services for the younger and older Aboriginal generation in Whyalla. Nicole is also the chairperson of the Nunyara board.
Glen Smith since Glen’s arrival in Whyalla Glen has been employed for 40 years in retail in management, sales and customer service roles. Now retired from “paid” employment, Glen is still involved with the community as a volunteer with Whyalla Aged Care and charity events as an entertainer. Joining the Whyalla Players in the early 80’s as a performer Glen then escalated to management committee member in 1996. Since then Glen has held the position of Secretary for 12 years and is now in the 4th year as President of the society.
