Aboriginal flag lowered as a sign of solidarity

The City of Fremantle will fly the Aboriginal flag at half-mast for the next week, as an expression of support for local elders following the Voice referendum result.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said that polling places within the City of Fremantle voted overwhelmingly "Yes", with some booths returning a more than 75% affirmative vote.

"This is evidence that Fremantle's reconciliation journey has had a positive impact on our community," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

"We are deeply aware of the disappointment and grief currently being experienced by Fremantle's Aboriginal elders and we want to express our support and empathy," she said. "They have told me they would appreciate this simple sign of solidarity."

"Over the years, we have consulted regularly with the City of Fremantle's Walyalup Reconciliation Action Plan (WRAP) group, as well as also engaging widely with our community on decisions related to Aboriginal people, as part of our genuine commitment to reconciliation," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

"We are continuing on this journey, and our commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, through enshrining the principles of Voice, Treaty and Truth in our new WRAP.  We ask members of the community who want to work locally on these issues to consider joining the WRAP group."

Nominations to join the City’s new WRAP group close this Friday, 20 October with expressions of interest being gathered here: fremantle.wa.gov.au/wrapnomination