Exmouth volunteers have been recognised for their work in the shire’s annual Community Volunteer and Sporting Awards, with a focus on those who held the town together during tropical cyclone Narelle.

Almost a quarter of Exmouth residents participate in volunteering, which is crucial to keeping the small community running.

There were nine awards given out, with two new categories introduced this year in the wake of cyclone Narelle.

The new awards highlight the community’s resilience and community spirit in the face of the natural disaster.

Shire president Matt Niikkula officiated the ceremony.

“It couldn’t go unacknowledged the sheer amount of community volunteer support and strength that the past six weeks have brought forward following tropical cyclone Narelle,” he said.

“This annual event is a chance to really highlight the essential services local volunteers contribute to, and I congratulate both winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions to the positive development of our town.”

Ruth Kennedy won the Woodside Energy volunteer of the year award, for her work across multiple organisations.

Olive Seely’s sporting achievements were recognised and she won the young volunteer of the year award.

The exceptional service award went to Damon White for his 15-year commitment to Exmouth Eagles Football Club.

The Santos committee member of the year award was given to Kate Seely for her involvement with the Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club.

Swimmer Mahli Needham was named the sports star of the year.

Exmouth District High School was the association of the year for its commitment to supporting students and the wider community.

The event of the year award went to the community fun day hosted by the Exmouth Amateur Swimming Club.

Carl Aitken, Exmouth SES leader, won the TC Narelle community champion award, while the TC Narelle helping hands group award went to all Exmouth emergency services.

The services that carried Exmouth through the hardest parts of the cyclone and its aftermath were thanked for their compassion and hard work.