Celebrating Australia Day Poolside: Acknowledging outstanding community members and welcoming new citizens

Published on Friday, 31 January 2025 at 8:00:00 AM

SUMMARY

  • Shire President Matt Niikkula presented the AUSPIRE Awards to individuals and community groups, followed by a citizenship ceremony at the Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool.
  • Local Member Peter Foster was also in attendance with fellow parliamentary colleague Kevin Michel MLA to commemorate the special event.

CELEBRATING AUSTRALIA DAY POOLSIDE: ACKNOWLEDGING OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND WELCOMING NEW CITIZENS.

The Shire of Exmouth celebrated Australia Day with a dual celebration, recognising outstanding community contributions through the AUSPIRE Australian Citizen Awards and welcoming four new citizens to the Exmouth community. The event held at the Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool was a vibrant celebration of community spirit with nearly 300 people attending the festivities during the day.

Shire President Matt Niikkula welcomed the attendees, including the Hon. Peter Foster MLC and Hon. Kevin Michel MLA, and acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land.

“Australia Day showcases the Story of Australia—the story of an extraordinary nation that began 60,000 years ago and has new chapters written every day. Australia Day festivities across the country give us the opportunity to reflect on our history, its highs and lows, and respect the stories of others”, he said.

With this sentiment, the AUSPIRE Community Citizen of the Year Awards highlighted individuals and community groups who have made outstanding efforts and incredible contributions to the Exmouth community.

  • Young Community Citizen of the Year: Awarded to Hugo Langele for his inspiring dedication as a St. John’s volunteer Officer and environmental conservation advocate.
  • Senior Community Citizen of the Year: Awarded to Sharon Lister for her wonderful contributions to Mrs Mac’s Op Shop. As the driving force behind providing affordable goods to the community and supporting local organisations.
  • Active citizenship (Group or Event): Exmouth Community Gardens have been celebrated with this award acknowledging their important work fostering physical, mental and social wellbeing in their green space and encouraging intergenerational learning and engagement.
  • Community Citizen of the Year: Kylie Showman, acknowledged for her unwavering and far-reaching commitment to supporting local children and families through her work with Exmouth Playgroup, Exmouth Eagles Football Club, Exmouth Teeball and her new Exmouth Early Learning Centre.

The recipients' outstanding contributions and lasting impacts to Exmouth local community were acknowledged with heartfelt thanks and celebration.

The celebrations also included a special citizenship ceremony, following the presentation of the AUSPIRE Awards. Shire President Matt Niikkula welcomed four new citizens and highlighted the significance of them making the conscious decision to become citizens of Australia. The Exmouth Shire warmly welcomes Chandra Colgan, Emma Faulkner, Simon Latimer and Ben Thomson.

Concluding the celebrations in true Australian style all attendees were invited to escape the heat and enjoy a dip in the pool alongside a BBQ and Lamington cake (that couldn’t be served fast enough)!

COMMENTS ATTRIBUTED TO THE SHIRE OF EXMOUTH – SHIRE PRESIDENT MATT NIIKKULA

"Australia Day is more than just a public holiday; it's an opportunity to connect with our community, to share stories, and to celebrate the values that unite us as Australians – fairness, compassion, and a spirit of resilience. Welcoming new Australians on this particular day highlights that we celebrate not only where we've come from, but also where we're going. It's a day to look forward with hope and optimism, and to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead."

“The individuals recognised through the AUSPIRE Awards, whether a recipient or a nominee, represent the heart and soul of our community, and we are deeply grateful for their service. Their tireless efforts, their dedication, and their unwavering commitment to making Exmouth a better place for all of us are truly inspiring.”

"Becoming an Australian citizen is a profound commitment, a pledge to embrace our shared values and contribute to our nation's future. It's a moment of immense pride and belonging. It is also one of my favourite parts of being the Shire President to welcome these individuals to our community."

MEDIA

COTY Auspire awardees with local members [left to right] Kevin Michel MLA, Hugo Langele, Kylie Showman, Peter Foster MLC & Exmouth Community Gardens COTY awardee Kylie Showman
COTY awardee Hugo Langele with Matt Niikkula SP.
Shire President Matt NIikkula presenting awards to individuals and community groups.

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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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