We are a multi-talented workforce, a community that is driven by excellence, to bring creativity and innovation to everything we do. SPOKE continues its ‘Photo of the Month’ to celebrate the creativity and talent amongst our people.

Each month, we will showcase inspiring photography that has captured our imagination and tells a compelling visual story, taken by our colleagues from around the GFG network. From landscapes and intricate details to spontaneous moments of life, we want to celebrate moments of beauty and inspiration. So, if you believe you have what it takes, have a keen eye for detail and a passion for visual storytelling, we invite you to submit your best work for a chance to be featured in our ‘Photo of the Month’ section. Email us at spoke@gfgalliance.com

September’s Photo of the Month is by David Oliver, Permit to Work Coordinator (coke ovens), Whyalla.

As we move into our new roles, time to reflect on the things we won’t see again.

Cokemaking quote No 55

The worst feeling is letting go,

But you know you have to…

Cokemaking quote No 136

It’s hard to turn the page when you know your favourite characters are not going to be in the next chapter.

These poetic turn of words by David Oliver, capture a bittersweet sentiment as he bids farewell to the coke ovens at Whyalla Steelworks, as it transitions in the drive towards a GREENSTEEL and carbon neutral future. Read more about the closure of Whyalla Steelworks’ coke ovens here.

Whyalla Steelworks has been a part of David’s life for 34 years and he has lived through its ups and downs. It was a journey that began at the BHP steelworks back on the 11 Oct 1989, when David was 22 years old.

With a flair for photography and the capturing the beauty of nature, and indeed, the Steelworks so iconic to Whyalla, David’s photographs tell the story of the history of the town. It’s fitting that as we say farewell to the coke ovens and acknowledge the role it has played in the community; and the photo of the month pays tribute to the end of an era. See more of David’s photography here.

The quench will never be seen under Whyalla’s sky again, something I have seen around the town for so much of my life.

The people I have worked and struggled with to operate the old girl we call coke-making over the years, have made the journey that bit more enjoyable. The camaraderie, to laugh and bounce frustrations off each other, and then get back on with the job. Some I will continue to work with in my new role at the blast furnace, others are off to new and exotic parts of the plant, but each one I will still call my coke-making friend.

David Oliver

David’s love for the dramatic landscape of South Australia, the rugged terrain, the flora and fauna and the iconic steelworks, are no more evident than in the striking photographs he takes of his world and the natural details all around him.