One Day Smoking Ceremony postponed

A message from Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge and City of Fremantle's Aboriginal Engagement Officer Brendan Moore about this year's One Day event.

"After careful consideration and with heavy hearts, we've made the difficult decision to postpone this weekend's One Day Smoking Ceremony due to uncertainty around the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

"We understand this decision is disappointing for many of you who look forward each year to celebrating an inclusive event for all people and cultures, however the health and safety of our community is our top priority.

"The beauty and uniqueness of our award-winning One Day event is its informal, intimate and interactive nature, and due to the uncertainties of this ever-changing pandemic we can't deliver that experience in a COVID-19 safe environment.

"With that said, we look forward to bringing back One Day once we're confident we can deliver a COVID-safe event that doesn't put our vulnerable community at risk.

"The growing clusters in nearby Coolbellup and Willagee are concerning for Fremantle, so we'll continue working with our Elders and the Aboriginal community in general, who currently have significantly lower vaccination rates than the rest of the population, on ways to ensure they are safe during this pandemic.

"The great thing about One Day is that it is held on a day that is an alternative to 26 January – and that can be any other day of the year. So we look forward to holding this event as soon as it feels safe to do so – hopefully one day soon!

"We thank everyone for your support of One Day, and we are eager to celebrate with our inclusive and caring community in the near future."