Shaping Fremantle map a celebration of migrant heritage

The City of Fremantle is seeking to celebrate the contribution of southern European migrants, starting with a map of the families, places and businesses that helped make Freo the eclectic place it is today.

Fremantle was the arrival point in Australia for hundreds of thousands of migrants in the years following World War II.

Mayor Brad Pettitt said it was important to properly recognise the role European migrants played in shaping the character of Fremantle.

“If you took the cultures of dozens of countries from around the world, picked out the best parts, mixed them up and put them down in one place – that place would be Fremantle,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“European migrants brought a rich new dimension of foods, customs and culture, adding to the area’s long history of Aboriginal ownership and colonial and gold rush settlement.

“Fremantle’s post-war migrants have had a lasting impact and helped shape Fremantle into the culturally diverse place we know and love today.

“We’re asking people to tell us the places, customs, businesses, industries or families that are important to them, and provide photos to be added to the Fremantle History collection.

“The information we receive will help us understand how we can recognise, celebrate and protect these influences for future generations, including developing recommendations for future projects.”

The idea of giving greater recognition to Fremantle’s post-war migrant heritage was raised when Fremantle Council considered a periodic update to the City’s heritage list back in June.

The council supported a broader, long-term research project to investigate not only the City’s built heritage but also the social history of southern European migration.

People can make a contribution to the project by adding information to the ‘Shaping Fremantle’ map on the City’s My Say Freo website.

The map allows people to identify the location and tell the story of a significant place by dragging a pin onto the map and uploading photographs.

Information about migrant families and photographs can also be provided using the nomination form on the website.

Submissions close on Sunday 17 January 2021.

The City of Fremantle will also have a stand at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal ‘Then and Now’ Open Day on Sunday 15 November.

For more information visit  mysay.fremantle.wa.gov.au/migrants.