Honouring a Legacy: Road renamed 'Kerry Graham Road'

Published on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 at 11:00:00 AM

SUMMARY

  • A section of road in Exmouth is being renamed "Kerry Graham Road" to honour Kerry Graham's contributions to the Shire.
  • Kerry Graham served as CEO of the Shire of Exmouth for 31.5 years and played a key role in the town's development, including post-cyclone rebuilding and promoting tourism.

HONOURING A LEGACY: ROAD RENAMED 'KERRY GRAHAM ROAD' IN EXMOUTH

A section of road in Exmouth was officially renamed "Kerry Graham Road" in a special ceremony held on May 12 2025, at the Exmouth Golf Club to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Mr. Kerry Graham to the Shire of Exmouth.

 

Kerry Graham dedicated 34 years of his life to the Shire of Exmouth, from October 12, 1970, to October 12, 2004. He served as Chief Executive Officer for 31 and a half years, the longest-standing CEO in the Shire's history.

 

His leadership was particularly crucial during the devastation of Category Five Tropical Cyclone Vance in 1999. He stood as a pillar of strength for the community, working tirelessly with government agencies to rebuild lives and infrastructure. He understood that rebuilding wasn't just about houses; it was about community.

 

Among his many achievements, Kerry was instrumental in:

  • Establishing the Development Trust Fund, which funded vital infrastructure projects such as the sealing of Burkett Road, the Learmonth Airport Terminal Building, the Exmouth Small Boat Harbour, and the Exmouth Marina project.
  • Overseeing the Community Loan Fund, a vital resource for Exmouth's many clubs and organisations.
  • Recognising the importance of preserving Exmouth's heritage, leading to the registration of Point Cloates Whaling Station as a State Registered Place.
  • Foreseeing Exmouth's potential as a world-class tourism destination and laying the groundwork for its economic diversification.
  • Serving as Chairperson on the Shire of Exmouth's Strategic Community Reference Group (SCRG).

 

His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment earned him the Shire's highest honour: Honorary Freeman, bestowed in September 2004.

The road being named in his honour is the entry road to the Exmouth Golf Club, a place that held a special significance for Kerry. His contributions to the Golf Club were immense, as he served in various roles, including President, Secretary, and Captain, and drove the establishment of the Exmouth Open Golf Day.

The renaming of this road is a permanent tribute to Kerry Graham's spirit of service, dedication, and love for the Exmouth community. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the town and will continue to inspire future generations.

 

The intimate ceremony was attended by the Shire President Matt Niikkula, Shire CEO Ben Lewis, Deputy Shire President Jackie Brooks , Kerry's family members and close friends.

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Sandra Flint, Coordinator Communications, Shire of Exmouth
M: 0459 431 439 | E: sflint@exmouth.wa.gov.au

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