Welcome to the Shire of Exmouth

Award Winners Nomination Background

Woodside Energy Volunteer of the Year Award – Ruth Kennedy

Ruth Kennedy is a dedicated volunteer across several organisations in Exmouth. From early‑years groups serving as President of the Toy Library, committee member for the P&C, member of the Exmouth Early Years Network and Treasurer of the Netball club. Through the Early Years Network, Ruth has been a driver in the promotion of “Paint the Town REaD (RED).” An initiative which began in 2025, Ruth has assisted the network to activate red book boxes, activities and an outstanding online presence for Bungy the reading emu – a mascot which has brought to life a special literacy opportunity for young families in Exmouth.

Shire of Exmouth Young Volunteer of the Year Award – Olive Seely

Recognising that our volunteers form the true fabric of our community, nurturing the next generation of inspiring individuals is a vital priority for all our clubs and community groups. Olive Seely has been a dedicated Swimming Club Captain for the past three years, showing strong leadership, reliability, and support for her club. She mentors younger swimmers, helps with training setup, presents at club events, and leads warm‑ups and team reflections at competitions. She consistently encourages younger members, offering guidance and reassurance before races. Beyond the pool, she contributes to community events, supports club fundraising through Containers for Change, and volunteers as a basketball umpire and Touch Rugby mentor. Her commitment and positive influence make her a deserving nominee for the Young Volunteer of the Year Award.

Shire of Exmouth Exceptional Service Award – Damon White

For more than 15 years, Damon has been one of the most respected, influential, and committed figures within the Exmouth Eagles Football Club. Damon’s longstanding dedication to the Club exemplifies leadership, integrity, and community spirit. Damon has undertaken numerous roles, including coach, assistant coach, umpire, and mentor. His dedication has helped shape not only capable footballers but also confident and respectful young members of the community. Particularly significant in junior football, Damon has consistently devoted time and energy to guiding and coaching younger players. In recognition of his enduring service, leadership, and positive influence over many years, this nomination for Exceptional Service is both fitting and well-deserved.

Santos Committee Member of the Year Award – Kate Seely

Kate Seeley is an outstanding nominee for Committee Member of the Year at Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club. Kate’s leadership, dedication, and tireless effort have played a pivotal role in the club’s success. As President and coach, she consistently goes above and beyond, balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining a strong, positive presence. A highlight of Kate’s contribution this year was delivering a highly successful community event, which raised over $10,000 for the club. This achievement reflects her exceptional organisational skills, commitment, and ability to inspire others. Kate has been an active and valued member of the club for 10 years. Her continued commitment, inspiring leadership, and genuine care for the club and its members make her truly deserving of this recognition.

Shire of Exmouth Sports Star of the Year – Mahli Needham

Mahli Needham has demonstrated exceptional achievement, sportsmanship, and commitment, competing at the highest level available for her age group, representing Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club. Mahli qualified for four individual events at State Championships—an outstanding accomplishment at just 9 years old. These results are particularly impressive and highlight her natural ability and strong work ethic. Mahli also broke a long-standing club record this season, setting a new benchmark for swimmers to aspire to, and was selected to represent Exmouth at Country Pennants. Alongside her achievements competitively, her dedication, leadership, and genuine support for those around her make her an outstanding role model and a truly deserving nominee for the Sports Star of the Year.

Shire of Exmouth Association or Club of the Year – Exmouth District High School P&C

Over the past 12 months, the Exmouth District High School P&C has demonstrated strong governance, sound financial management, and a clear commitment to supporting students and the wider school community. Through careful budgeting, transparent decision-making, and the dedication of volunteers, the P&C has successfully delivered projects that directly benefit students across all year levels. Fundraising efforts have been reinvested into meaningful improvements, including new water fountains and bottle-filling stations, funding decodable readers and literacy resources for emerging readers in pre-primary and primary, supplying new class novels and storage for the High School English Department, creating a reading and research space in the library, upgrading the Uniform Shop, and contributing towards Country Week travel costs. The P&C has also supported community events and collaborative projects with local organisations, demonstrating strong community engagement and responsible management. The impacts of this organisation stretch far beyond the school perimeters and students into the wider community as a whole.

Shire of Exmouth Event of the Year – Community Fun Day, Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club

The Community Fun Day, hosted by the Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club, is a deserving nominee for Event of the Year. The day brought together more than 100 community members for fun and connection at the local pool, while raising over $10,000 to support more than 80 young swimmers within the club. It also created a welcoming space for the wider community to experience the joy of swimming at the local Paltridge Memorial Pool and strengthened community connection and strengthened relationships, creating a sense of belonging in our town. The event gave young club members the chance to give back, showcasing their leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship as they helped deliver an inclusive, well‑run day alongside their families. The Community Fun Day left a lasting positive impact, celebrating community spirit and meaningful connection. We hope it becomes a much‑loved event and club tradition for years to come.

TC Narelle Community Champion – Carl Aitken

Carl is an outstanding leader within the local SES team, demonstrating exceptional commitment and capability during the lead‑up to and aftermath of Tropical Cyclones Mitchell and Narelle. His calm, coordinated leadership guided volunteers through demanding conditions, ensuring the community received timely and effective support. Carl’s clear communication, steady decision‑making, and dedication to both his team and the wider community were instrumental in the success of both emergency responses. His leadership exemplifies the highest standard of volunteer service and makes him a highly deserving nominee for the Leadership Award.

TC Narelle Helping Hands Group – Exmouth Emergency Services

The Exmouth SES Unit and the volunteers that assisted them from the VFRS, BFB and Marine Rescue Exmouth teams are deserving of this nomination for their tireless and unwavering commitment to keeping the community safe during Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Throughout this event, volunteers from these organisations responded promptly and professionally, working in challenging and often hazardous conditions to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure.