Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at 11:43:57 AM
The Shire and community are ‘getting their gloves on’ to keep the world-famous Ningaloo Coast destination litter-free. Those fortunate enough to witness the spectacular environment that surrounds Exmouth, encircled by Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park, will understand why Clean Up Australia Day is an annual call to action for litter prevention in the area.
On Tuesday 10 March 2026, the Shire of Exmouth joined 251 councils participating in 16,320 sites nationwide for Clean Up Australia Day. The annual event gathers Shire staff, residents, businesses, and students to collectively give back to the place they call home. The event encourages attendees to get their gloves on for the day and builds momentum for ongoing collective actions that foster positive, sustainable change; a Shire commitment under the Strategic Community Plan 2023-2033.
Shire President Matt Niikkula attended to get hands-on in efforts and collect litter alongside community members and Shire staff, with 44 total in attendance. Shire president Matt Niikkula said:
“Exmouth holds a unique responsibility to advocate for sustainability and environmental protection. Our community feels strongly about environmental stewardship, and today was just one example of how we actively participate in caring for the environment around us on a daily basis. The message is simple: We ask all who come and enjoy what this place has to offer to please leave it cleaner than you found it so that others may continue to experience its wonders for generations to come.”
Deputy Shire President Jackie Brooks and Councillors Amanda Kailis, Jacqueline Hine and Kirsty Devereaux were in attendance to support the event and contribute by getting their gloves on alongside the community.
As an active participant in the Keep Australia Beautiful campaign and Clean Up Australia Day, the Shire strives to uphold Exmouth as a clean and green town. Advocating for the unique local environmental assets is something that the community and Shire feel strongly about. Hosting events such as Clean Up Australia Day is a chance to champion leadership in sustainable behaviours and provide education on the importance of litter reduction.
Collaborative Shire and community actions over time set the standard for sustainable practices in the area and encourage others who visit to do the same.
Although Clean Up Australia Day is hosted once a year, the event serves as a reminder that every day offers an opportunity to improve our waste management and take responsibility for our local environment. The Shire works team maintains key community areas to a high standard, as represented in the findings, with minimal to no litter found in these areas. However, the event highlighted that outside of these key areas, there is a considerable volume of waste on the outskirts of town, in bush reserves, roadsides and drains.
Shire President Matt Niikkula said
“We can all do better – Ningaloo is a shared responsibility and one that the Shire does not take lightly. We only ask that everyone do their part to help keep it healthy and litter-free for the future.”
Alongside hosting annual community clean-up events, the Exmouth Recycling Centre, which opened for operation in October 2025, alleviates the volume of waste sent to landfill on a daily basis. Providing sustainable waste management resources was a key step to promote accessible sustainable practices whilst living or visiting Exmouth and the Ningaloo Coast.
The Shire is a proud participant in Clean Up Australia Day, and the annual event unites the community while providing a chance for new residents to participate in local environmental causes. A total of 29 bags equating to 87 kilograms of rubbish were collected, leaving the Exmouth environment lighter in litter for tomorrow's generation to enjoy.
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Thank you to all community members and Shire of Exmouth staff who attended the annual Clean Up Australia Day event.
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Shire President Matt Niikkula, Councillor Amanda Kailis and Councillor Kirsty Devereux ‘getting their gloves on’.
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Shire of Exmouth staff work in teams to collect litter from multiple areas in the community.
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Shire President Matt Niikkula keeping Exmouth clean.
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A total of 29 bags, equating to approximately 87 kilograms of rubbish, were collected.
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Rosa Harper | Communications and Marketing Officer Shire of Exmouth
communications@exmouth.wa.gov.au
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