Published on Monday, 15 June 2026 at 12:18:22 PM
The Shire of Exmouth recognised the invaluable contributions of local community volunteers during National Volunteer Week, hosting the annual Community Volunteer and Sporting Awards, a highly celebrated evening. The awards span nine categories, with two newly added in 2026 following the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Narelle. The new awards highlight how the cyclone emergency response brought forward outstanding community spirit, resilience and support with exceptional volunteering initiatives made across the entire community by individuals, groups and organisations.
More than 24% of Exmouth residents participate in volunteering, with a remote location and small year-round resident population, volunteers keep the fabric of the Exmouth community tightly knit and uphold multiple community functions and opportunities.
A total of 42 nominations from 45 nominees were received across the nine award categories. The outstanding contributions made by community members before, during and after Tropical Cyclone Narelle impacted the community on 27 March 2026 were formally acknowledged through a Tropical Cyclone Narelle Community Champion Award (individual) and the ‘Tropical Cyclone Narelle Helping Hands Group Award’ (collective group award).
Shire President Matt Niikkula officiated the awards ceremony, supported by Deputy Shire President Jackie Brooks and Councillors Amanda Kailis, Gary Mounsey, Kristy Devereux and Matthew Thorburn.
Shire President Matt Niikkula said
“ Volunteers are a powerful testament to the vibrant community spirit of Exmouth; each and every volunteer's deep personal commitment to creating a safe, active and inclusive place for all members of our diverse community to live and feel at home in does not go unnoticed. This year's nominations were nothing short of inspiring and humbling, particularly in light of the most recent events. It couldn’t go unacknowledged the sheer amount of community volunteer support and strength that the past six weeks have brought forward following Tropical Cyclone Narelle. This annual event is a chance to really highlight the essential services local volunteers contribute to, and I congratulate both winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions to the positive development of our town.”
The event was supported by partners who contribute to the ongoing growth and development of Exmouth community’s volunteers; Centacare Family Services, Santos and INPEX, as Van Gogh Coniston Novara joint venture participants and Woodside Energy and its Greater Enfield/Vincent joint venture participant, Mitsui E&P Australia and Scarborough joint venture participants, JERA and LNG Japan.
Award winners overview:
Woodside Energy Volunteer of the Year Award - Ruth Kennedy across her roles and contributions as president of the Toy Library, Treasurer of the Netball club, and a committee member for the P&C and ‘Paint the Town REaD’.
Shire of Exmouth Young Volunteer of the Year Award – Olive Seely as Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club Captain, volunteer basketball umpire and touch rugby mentor.
Shire of Exmouth Exceptional Service Award – Damon White for 15 years of commitment to the Exmouth Eagles Football Club as a coach, assistant coach, umpire, and mentor.
Santos Committee Member of the Year Award – Kate Seely for her pivotal role as President and coach of the Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club.
Shire of Exmouth Sports Star of the Year Award – Mahli Needham for her achievements with the Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club.
Shire of Exmouth Association or Club of the Year Award – Exmouth District High School for commitment to supporting students and the wider Exmouth community.
Shire of Exmouth Event of the Year Award – Community Fun Day, hosted by the Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club.
TC Narelle Community Champion Award – Carl Aitken, as an outstanding leader for the Exmouth State Emergency Services.
TC Narelle Helping Hands Group Award – Exmouth Emergency Services, including State Emergency Services (SES), Volunteer Fire Rescue Service (VFRS), Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) and Marine Rescue 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.
Teams demonstrated exceptional collaboration, resilience and compassion, providing assistance to residents, conducting damage assessments, clearing hazards and supporting other emergency services as required. Their calm and reassuring presence during a stressful time provided confidence and comfort to the community.
Their actions reflected the highest standards of service, dedication and community spirit during an extremely challenging and intense disaster. The professionalism and selflessness shown by these groups highlight the vital role emergency service volunteers play in safeguarding Exmouth and the surrounding areas. Their actions exemplified the very best of volunteer emergency service.
-------------------------------------- ENDS -------------------------------------
Sandra Flint, Coordinator Communications, Shire of Exmouth
| E: sflint@exmouth.wa.gov.au
Media:
Councillor Kristy Devereux, Woodside Energy Volunteer of the Year Award winner Ruth Kennedy and Shire President Jackie Brooks (L to R) - Credit Blue Media Exmouth.
Councillor Kristy Devereux, Shire of Exmouth Young Volunteer of the Year Award winner Olive Seely and Councillor Matthew Thorburn (L to R)- Credit Blue Media Exmouth.
Councillor Kristy Devereux, Shire of Exmouth Exceptional Service Award winner Damon White and Councillor Amanda Kailis (L to R) - Credit Blue Media Exmouth
Councillor Kristy Devereux, Shane Coote and Santos Committee Member of the Year Award received on behalf of Kate Seely by Olive and Tom Seely (L to R)- Credit Blue Media Exmouth.
Councillor Amanda Kailis, Councillor Kristy Devereux, Shire of Exmouth Association or Club of the Year Award winners Exmouth District High School P&C and Shire President Matt Niikkula (L to R) - Credit Blue Media Exmouth.
Councillor Kristy Devereux, Shire of Exmouth Event of the Year Award recipients from the Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club Community Fun Day and Councillor Matthew Thorburn (L to R) - Credit Blue Media Exmouth.
TC Narelle Helping Hands Group award nominees and TC Narelle Community Champion Award nominees pictured with Shire President Matt Niikkula, Deputy Shire President Jackie Brookes, Councillors Amanda Kailis, Gary Mounsey, Kristy Devereux and Matthew Thorburn - Credit Blue Media Exmouth.
TC Narelle Community Champion Award recipient Carl Aitken pictured with Councillor Gary Mounsey - Credit Blue Media Exmouth.
Back to All News