New era in Fremantle's reconciliation journey

The City of Fremantle is embarking on a new era of reconciliation action.

It is seeking the next group of people to finalise and oversee the delivery of the Walyalup Reconciliation Action Plan (2024-2027), which will include three additional pillars of Voice, Treaty and Truth.

The working group’s terms of reference focuses on formulating and implementing reconciliation initiatives for the Fremantle community and providing advice to the City on issues relating to people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

Any land and heritage matters are now managed by the recently established Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation. An example of this is place name approvals.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge acknowledged the outgoing working group following the completion of the City’s first WRAP (2019-2022).

“I would like to thank the outgoing working group for its contributions and achievements.  The plan has had a significant impact on the City’s reconciliation journey.

“The group achieved 19 actions and 106 deliverable outcomes, including symbolic measures such as exploring the viability of a ‘treaty’ as well as practical steps around increasing Aboriginal employment and procurement of Aboriginal services.

“Council really values the WRAP working group because it assists us in making genuine progress with our commitment to reconciliation and closing the gap.

The working group is made up of Councillors, the Mayor, City officers, Aboriginal people, community members and representatives from the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and organisations seeking to support the City in reconciliation.

“We have long been a city that embraces Aboriginal culture and heritage.  Aboriginal people will play an important role in the development and delivery of the next WRAP,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

Nominations are open from now until 5pm on Friday 20 October.  The nomination form can be found at fremantle.wa.gov.au/wrapnomination

Previous members can renominate.  Members will be appointed at the Ordinary Council Meeting in October following the Local Government Elections.