(10/12/2019) Beat the heat in Freo this week

With Perth bracing for heatwave conditions for the rest of the week, there are lots of ways to beat the heat in Fremantle.

The weather bureau is forecasting a maximum of 38 degrees in Perth tomorrow, 39 degrees on Thursday and 40 degrees on Friday through to Sunday, prompting the WA Health Department to activate the State Hazard Plan for heatwaves.  

Heatwaves are Australia's deadliest natural hazard, killing more people than cyclones, floods and bushfires combined. Young children, seniors and people with chronic diseases are at particular risk.

Mayor Brad Pettitt said Fremantle was a good option for people looking to escape the heat.

“Being by the ocean Fremantle is generally two or three degrees cooler than Perth, but that still means we’re expecting temperatures in the high thirties for the next few days,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“Our Community Safety Team will be keeping a close eye out for people who are showing signs of heat stress and handing out water to people who need it.

“There are also lots of places in Fremantle that are inexpensive or free, like the Fremantle Library or Fremantle Arts Centre, where people can go to escape the heat for a few hours.”

Fremantle Library located at Fremantle Oval offers a cool space to relax, read and study, with free WiFi and computers available to use. 

Tomorrow the library will be showing a free Christmas screening of the movie ‘Santa Claus Brothers’, starting at 12.30pm.

The Wanjoo Lounge, located at the back of the Library, offers lots of free activities for over 55s and a space for a refreshing drink and a chat.

Due to the extreme heat Buster It’s All About Play, usually scheduled for Friday 9.30-11.30am at Leighton Beach in North Fremantle, has been cancelled.

Fremantle Arts Centre is currently hosting a new exhibition of the works of celebrated Australian artist and author Shaun Tan.

The free exhibition showcases the original paintings, sculptures, studies and sketches from his most recent book, Tales from the Inner City, and is open from 10am-5pm until 27 January.

Another free exhibition - Preppers - features sculpture, installation, video and hanging works by five artists mutually fascinated by the doomsday prepper lifestyle.

Young children and parents are also invited to Friday Story Time, presented by lively storyteller Carolina Duca, from 9:30-10:30am, while from 2pm on Sunday Queensland-based bluegrass act The Company will be playing in the shady front garden as part of the Sunday Music series.

You can also stay cool in the pool and relax under the shade at the Fremantle Leisure Centre.

A family pass for four people is just $20.10, while an adult concession entry is $5.40, child entry is $4.90 and children under three are free. Discounted multiple entry passes are also available.