Truth telling program continues with launch of new RAP

Aboriginal Elders and other community members have been thanked for their work to develop the City of Fremantle's new Walyalup Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2027.

The City's working group was presented with copies of the RAP and a gift of appreciation by Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge at Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre earlier this week.

"We deeply appreciate the dedication of not only the members of this working group, but the one before it, who laid the foundations for our first Stretch RAP.

"As the City continues on its reconciliation journey, we are grateful for your wisdom and guidance that continues to inspire our initiatives and enable us to grow as an organisation and as a community," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

Adopted by Council in August and subsequently endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the RAP contains 17 actions and 95 deliverable outcomes to be achieved over the next three years.

There is focus on relationships, respect, opportunities, governance and for the first time, a focus on truth-telling.

The City recently delivered a Backyard Truth-Telling Series with the Centre for Stories, which created a safe and welcoming space for stories to be told that speak to the truths and lived experiences of Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal allies.

Mayor Fitzhardinge announced that the truth-telling program will continue with a First Nations Film Festival to be held at Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre across the Australia Day long weekend.

It will include three feature length films, a short film, and Q&As with one of Australia's top filmmakers, Tom Murray, who specialises in truth-telling documentaries.

There will also be a special First Nations edition of the Art Centre's regular Sunday Music program that weekend.

Mayor Fitzhardinge also confirmed that the City will hold its January Citizenship Ceremony on Thursday 23 January 2025.

WARDARNJI NYOONGAR CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2024

A reminder that this Saturday, the annual Wardarnji Cultural Festival will be held at Esplanade Park in Walyalup | Fremantle.

The event celebrates Nyoongar culture through song, dance and storytelling.

Directed by renowned Nyoongar performer and producer Karla Hart, Wardarnji features a blend of traditional and contemporary dance by more than 100 performers of all ages.

There are market stalls showcasing local Aboriginal artists, makers and small business owners.

Food vendors will be open from 4.30pm with performances starting at 5.30pm.

Above image: Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge with members of the City of Fremantle's Walyalup Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group.