Published on Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 1:15:33 PM
In a heartfelt celebration of local strength and togetherness, the Shire of Exmouth is proud to announce ‘Our Exmouth: Community Showcase’ on Saturday, 9 May 2026. Born from the spirit of a town that stands tall in the face of adversity, this event replaces the previously planned ‘Welcome to Town’ and serves as a vital opportunity for residents to reconnect and recharge following the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
While the original March launch was sidelined by the storm, the rescheduled showcase has evolved into something much deeper: a day dedicated to the wellbeing of our community - connecting residents, seasonal workers, visitors, local businesses and community groups.
Research shows that coming together after significant hardship is essential for mental health, and this event provides a safe, joyful space for long-term locals, seasonal workers, and new residents to find support and shared belonging.
As a precursor to the main event, the community can already begin the celebration this week. The "Whaleshark Jack Exclusive Film Exhibition" officially opens its doors this Thursday, 23 April 2026 in the Tantabiddi Travelling Gallery at the Ningaloo Centre. The exhibition offers visitors and locals alike a rare glimpse behind the scenes, featuring props and exclusive footage from the Stan original film. Crucially, the exhibition celebrates the incredible local contribution to the film; with so many of our own community members having been involved in the cast and crew, the gallery serves as a tribute to their hard work and talent. The exhibition will run until Sunday, 2 August 2026.
The highlight of the showcase evening on Saturday, 9 May 2026 will be an exclusive community screening of Whaleshark Jack.
Filmed right here in our backyard, the project truly belongs to the town. In a special treat for the region, members of the cast and crew will be attending the showcase in person to soak up Exmouth’s famous hospitality and participate in a live Q&A session, allowing locals to engage with the stars who brought this Ningaloo story to life.
Shire President Matt Niikkula noted that the event is a testament to the town's unwavering character.
“We are proud of Exmouth's resilience, and the fact that our community spirit shines brighter than the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Narelle. We have been significantly impacted, but our community has stood together and recovered as one to reopen our town for business. Nothing illustrates this achievement better than showcasing the multiple talents, flavours and community services available for residents and visitors of Exmouth to welcome visitors back to town, but more so, making meaningful connections is vital in a small, remote community, and bringing the array of opportunities together in one place is something that is needed more than ever for both residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
The market portion of the afternoon will feature local businesses, local creative talent, community club and group sign-ups and volunteer opportunities. Families can enjoy food trucks, and live music on the lawn with a variety of free activities and games.
The event is designed to set a welcoming atmosphere for community connection and draw together long-term locals and new residents with a warming celebration of everything unique to Exmouth.
By creating an event for people to reconnect, share positive experiences after a challenging period and engage with community initiatives and resources, the Shire remains committed to nurturing a friendly, safe and inclusive community spirit. A shared Shire and community vision encourages residents and visitors to feel supported and informed of the opportunities available to them as the town continues to work through stages of recovery.
We look forward to facilitating the gathering of long-time locals and welcoming new residents and visitors to the region in this one-of-a-kind, never-before community showcase, exclusive cinema screening suitable for all ages.
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Sandra Flint, Coordinator Communications, Shire of Exmouth
| E: sflint@exmouth.wa.gov.au
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