A Brief History
The town of Exmouth was born when the United States built the Naval Communication Station North West Cape. The station opened on 16th September 1967.On 20th September 1968 the name changed to the Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt in memory of the late Australian Prime Minister Harold E Holt. The Prime Minister disappeared while swimming in Portsea, Victoria three months after commissioning. He was declared dead presumably from drowning but his body was never recovered.
Exmouth town site developed the same time to give support to the base and provide housing to the dependent families of the US Navy personnel.
US family houses were built in town rather than on the base that only had single men housing. A power station was constructed, bores were sunk and water was reticulated around town then the became sealed and kerbed which was a first for the north west. Later a school, hospital, community hall, library and swimming pool and other sporting facilities were quickly built. The town was officially opened the same day as the station.
50 Years Celebrations
On 16th September 2017 the 50 years celebrations of the town and station will begin and events are being planned over three days. The celebrations will also coincide with the official opening of the new Ningaloo Centre where many of the events will take place.
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Ningaloo Centre[/caption]
