Published on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at 1:29:32 PM

Outstanding contributions from community leaders and volunteer initiatives were awarded for acts of service to the Exmouth community, in a memorable atmosphere at the Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool. Amongst the pool setting, the Shire proudly welcomed five new Australian citizens, who were celebrated amongst their peers.

Approximately 80 people attended the Shire of Exmouth community event to reflect, respect and come together as a community while cooling down poolside.

Shire President Matt Niikkula opened the event with an acknowledgement of Country followed by the annual Auspire Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Awards and citizenship ceremony, welcoming five new Australian Citizens to the Exmouth community from New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Shire President Matt Niikkula said: “I invite Exmouth to pause and reflect on our national history, the long and continuous histories of Australia and honour the Traditional Owner language groups of the land, sea, and country on which we gather today. This is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the past and consider how we can contribute to a more inclusive and respectful future. We celebrate community members who have made a significant positive impact towards these values and simultaneously welcome new Australian citizens.”

Alongside a citizenship ceremony, the Shire event is supported by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council to host the Auspire (Australia Day Council of Western Australia) Citizen of the Year Awards ceremony. These awards highlight individuals and community groups who have made a significantly positive and lasting impact on the community this year.

Shire President Matthew Niikkula said: “Today we recognise the remarkable achievements and contributions that these nominated individuals and groups have made to the community through the AUSPIRE Citizen of the Year Awards. The awards showcase outstanding service and dedication by recognising individuals who are making a difference and inspiring our remote community.”

The 2026 award winners voted for by the community are:

• Active citizenship (Group or Event): Exmouth Toy Library

Exmouth Toy Library are acknowledged as a vital resource for young families in the Exmouth region, by providing economically affordable, environmentally sustainable toy options in a remote town where access to affordable toys can be limited. Run entirely by volunteers, the toy library is a service that encourages sustainable consumerism, and affordable, educational toy options that benefit the well-being of both parents and their children.

• Community Citizen of the Year: Heather Kay

Heather shows exceptional leadership and dedication to enhancing community life in Exmouth through her decade with the St Johns ambulance volunteer service, and her ability to inspire collective action. Heather played an instrumental role in implementing a new initiative, Community Connection Month.  The initiative was designed to bring people together and promote mental well-being in Exmouth through sport, creativity, volunteering, and social connection. Heather's commitment to volunteering for community wellbeing and her caring, compassionate actions are an inspiration to all and a vital component of small-town community spirit.

These individual and group initiatives are remarkable contributions that uplift the heart and soul of a small, remote community.

The Shire extends its gratitude to all volunteers for their service, passion, and unwavering commitment to shape our community for the better, by enriching the lives of others.

The awards set an inspiring scene, showcasing a promising future for the newly welcomed citizens as they leapt and made a (literal) splash at reaching the final stage of their journey to citizenship, cooling off amidst the north west summer heat with free pool entry for the afternoon.

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Nic Errol, Coordinator Communications, Shire of Exmouth

| E: nerrol@exmouth.wa.gov.au

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