Published on Friday, 1 May 2026 at 3:53:52 PM
The Shire of Exmouth has moved into the next phase of its recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Narelle, officially establishing a Local Recovery Coordination Group (LRCG) to guide the community’s return to normalcy. Transitioning from initial incident response to recovery, the LRCG will ensure a coordinated community-centred approach to restoring essential services, supporting local businesses and community wellbeing support resources. By maintaining strong local leadership and fostering collaboration between government agencies, key stakeholders, and community representatives, the group will provide a unified approach to restoring the region.
The Local Recovery Coordination Group formed and met for the first time on 14 April 2026, co-chaired by Shire President Matt Niikkula and Local Recovery Coordinator Tracey Cooper.
Shire President Matt Niikkula said,
“A community-centred and informed approach is essential to ensuring that recovery efforts are successful and bring direct impact to our community where it is needed. Recovery takes time, and we have established collaborative avenues to work together and give space for community voices to be heard. Moving forward, this is essential to overcoming recovery challenges whilst collaborating to deliver the best possible outcomes. Two-way feedback and communication remain the focus of these local recovery coordination groups to inform decision making.”
Two subcommittees were formed under the LRCG to widen the scope of community consultation: the Tourism and Economic Working Group and the Community Working Group. The Tourism and Economic Working Group is chaired by the Shire of Exmouth Deputy Shire President Jackie Brooks and held its first meeting on 17 April 2026.
The Community Working Group is chaired by the Shire of Exmouth Councillor Matthew Thorburn and held its first meeting on 20 April 2026.
Both subcommittees ensure that local knowledge remains at the forefront of every decision made during the recovery process and focus on restoring what the community values most and supporting residents, businesses, and organisations as they rebuild.
As part of the Shire’s commitment to a community‑centred recovery, the official donation platform GIVIT has now been established to support individuals, families, and local organisations impacted by Tropical Cyclone Narelle. GIVIT is a government-trusted donation management partner and is currently working with services on the ground in Exmouth and surrounds to assess needs and register them through the Western Australian Disasters Appeal on GIVIT.org.au.
A community-led fundraiser evening at local brewery Froth kicked off the platform, launching the official donation avenue for those who want to help the community directly and has already enabled donations to officially assist people in need.
Sarah Visser WA GIVIT officer, said
”If you want to help people who have been impacted by this disaster, please donate through the GIVIT Western Australian Disasters Appeal with 100% of donated funds received by GIVIT used to buy exactly what’s needed for affected communities.”
GIVIT enables community members, businesses, and supporters across Australia to contribute directly to locally identified needs, ensuring donations are practical, targeted, and delivered where they will have the greatest impact. Through the platform, donors can see exact items requested by residents and community groups, helping ensure support is meaningful and transparent.
To learn more about ongoing recovery efforts, how to donate or stay informed about Local Recovery Decision-making updates, visit the Shire of Exmouth Website to learn more.
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Sandra Flint, Coordinator Communications, Shire of Exmouth
E: sflint@exmouth.wa.gov.au
Media:
Local Brewery Froth hosted a fundraiser evening to raise funds for community members in need directly following Tropical Cyclone Narelle launching donations to the GIVIT Donation platform.
Visit GIVIT.ORG.AU to submit a donation assisting those in need following Tropical Cyclone Narelle
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