Published on Friday, 22 May 2026 at 8:09:34 AM
The Shire of Exmouth Seniors program is a vital resource to connect and support seniors in a remote community. The program offers free, monthly events for local senior residents, allowing them to take part in quality events around town.
With Grant funding support from Woodside, the Shire delivers a range of monthly events that foster connection, positive experiences and a sense of purpose. This is critical for mental and physical well-being in our remote north-west town, where senior resident numbers drop, and loss of peers is common later in life.
This month, seniors met at the Ningaloo Aquarium and Discovery Centre for a bespoke guided tour with expert aquarists. This was followed by a gathering in the historic exhibition room to share stories and memories of their lives in Exmouth, a place that has changed and developed rapidly from a small naval town to a world-heritage listed tourism destination.
Shire President Matt Niikkula said,
“We deeply value the contributions of seniors to our community and are proud to be able to express our gratitude to our senior residents by investing in experiences and events to foster connection, wellbeing and monthly activities that support them through their next stage of life. Many resident seniors have contributed to the development of Exmouth and the community since the town was first established, and remain an integral part of our shared community history and legacy.”
As the group wandered amongst plaques of Cyclone Vance and historic photos lining the walls, stories began to flow of a time where there were only dirt roads, no fences between houses and the one general store that traded in both American and Australian currency.
One senior moved to Exmouth during the 1960’s to work at the Harold E Holt Naval Communication Station, like many others at that time. Standing next to the ‘Red Bus’ in the history exhibit, he reflected on a time when all vehicles in Exmouth were imported from America and left-hand drive, requiring a special license to be behind the wheel.
Josey Niikkula, who moved here as a teen with her family to open the first general store in the 1970’s said:
“I’ve just looked at the memory books we made, and the first page I got to was me! As part of the official town opening, I organised a fashion parade as part of the opening event. Lots of things have happened since then, but we were all younger, didn’t feel the heat as much; it was good times.
“I can still remember the one day we got off from working in our family shop, we went to Town Beach, which was a treat!”
Stories continued as memories sparked over morning tea, reminiscing on the opening of the first general store by Madaffari’s, the first fruit truck deliveries to school, the official opening of the town, community balls, life without air conditioning, and community clubs.
Reflecting on what life was like in the past and how it has evolved brought up happy memories and laughter.
Although most seniors have lived in the area for a long time, visiting the Ningaloo Discovery Centre and Aquarium for a guided tour provided a new opportunity to share stories together, blending past and present.
The program enables senior residents to continue accessing experiences and opportunities without barriers, whilst remaining in their place of residence. Other Seniors’ events the Shire has hosted include visits to Bullara Station, free glass-bottom boat tours on the Ningaloo Reef, Bingo, and boat trips through Yardie Creek Gorge.
Exmouth Seniors’ program enables seniors to remain in Exmouth when others would have previously left for more established metropolitan towns with greater support networks. Ageing in Place allows seniors to remain in their preferred place of residence whilst receiving access to opportunities that enable them to remain healthy and happy amongst peers.
---------------------------------------- ENDS-----------------------------------
Sandra Flint, Coordinator Communications, Shire of Exmouth
E: sflint@exmouth.wa.gov.au
Media:
Senior Aquarist Kate Chevin providing expert knowledge on the marine life within Ningaloo Discovery Centre and Aquarium to local seniors group.
Cyclone Vance brought the strongest winds ever recorded in Australia and with it came extensive damage to the town, the story of destruction and recovery is something senior residents have lived through.
Sharing memories within the history exhibition.
The Ningaloo Discovery Centre and Aquarium has 14 separate marine displays that even long-time residents still find interest in.
Back to All News