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It's been a bittersweet week for Fremantle’s skating community; saving the Munchies Skate Park only to find the Woolstor...
17/10/2025

It's been a bittersweet week for Fremantle’s skating community; saving the Munchies Skate Park only to find the Woolstores ledge is to be broken up.

The Munchies Skate Park at Beach Street was set to be transformed into a car park by the PTA, but transport minister Rita Saffioti this week confirmed the decision had been reversed following the installation of a “No Parking” mural across the park.

WA Skateboarding Association spokesperson Zachary Tilghman says the park is a “landmark” and “in the cultural consciousness” of Fremantle’s skating scene.

“If you look to other global cities around the world, they understand the collective cultural value of these spaces… these are their spaces which we don’t have to spend money to exist in and provide community,” Mr Tilghman said.

“It’s a cultural hub, it’s a community centre, and sure we have [other] skate parks but it’s really not the same because these places are organic… it’s not a pay-to-play model like the rest of Fremantle’s become lately.”

Around the corner, the Woolies Ledge at the Elders Woolstores suffered a different fate, after an appeal launched by developer Human Urban was approved by JDAP to break up the ledge by adding two doorways.

According to WASA secretary Rowan White, Human Urban’s plans will “be slicing a hole” in the most “iconic” and “important” part of the much-loved Ledge.

“It’s printed on our T-shirts, it’s the part that people have tattooed on themselves… opening another doorway will inhibit the flow of the space,” Dr White said.

“These two doorways, these two concessions may not seem like much to a layperson but to a skateboarder, it completely destroys what makes it special.

“We’ve made it very clear to the developer and to everyone involved, it’s not a secret, it’s well known that the removal of this condition will not let us carry on as we have.”

Read full story at https://tinyurl.com/2rzmbwkc.

Former Fremantle mayor and current candidate Jenny Archibald has called for “transparency” about political affiliations,...
16/10/2025

Former Fremantle mayor and current candidate Jenny Archibald has called for “transparency” about political affiliations, though she’s not a fan of a mandated register.

It followed a question at the mayoral debate where she felt some candidates dodged a clear answer.

“I find that if you’re in a public forum where people are trying to make a decision about who they might vote for, and candidates get a question like that, why can’t we just have a simple, straight answer back?” Cr Archibald questioned.

“That can’t be too hard, and when they don’t, I think that’s why people get frustrated.

Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said declarations of political affiliation weren’t a necessity, as anyone elected was bound by the Local Government Act to vote “according to our own views” and “in the best interests” of the residents they served.

“That’s the strength of local government; it’s entirely why local government is different,” Ms Fitzhardinge said.

“We don’t operate like a parliament, it’s not an ‘us and them’, we operate collectively.

“I don’t think people should have to walk around with a label on them that says they’re a member of the Fremantle Society, or the MUA, or Voices for Fremantle, or the Labor Party.

“That is what our act says, listening to the debate, making up their mind in that moment based on what they hear in the room, that is how local council operates, and that’s why it’s great.”

Read full story at https://tinyurl.com/yeyvne28.

The “resilience, tradition, and triumph” of Italian women who made the long trek to Australia across the 20th century is...
15/10/2025

The “resilience, tradition, and triumph” of Italian women who made the long trek to Australia across the 20th century is the focus of the WA Maritime Museum’s latest exhibition.

'From Nonna with Love: Stories of Tradition and Triumph' exhibits the personal stories of Italian women who migrated to WA between 1900 and the 1970s, building “homes, businesses, and communities” in the face of discrimination, language barriers, and even wartime internment.

Curated by Nella Fitzgerald, the exhibition explores themes of family, community, culture, work, food, legacy, and resilience through the women’s stories and objects from their journey, from the trunks dragged off ships to vintage wine bottles used in traditional Italian cooking.

The exhibition itself “evolved” from Ms Fitzgerald’s Nonna Project, but was also borne from a deeply personal connection to the curator’s own family.

“The inspiration came from my mother, Angela Vallenari, [because] her stories of life in Calabria during WWII, migrating to Australia, and helping build a new community deeply moved me,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“She also shared stories of my grandmother, how she lived through the war and even bootlegged in the US to support her family.

“Inspired by the stories of my mother and grandmother, I felt a deep need to honour women like them, who quietly shaped their families and communities while juggling motherhood, multiple jobs, and family businesses, often without speaking much or any English.

“I feel that sharing their stories helps us recognise the legacy they’ve created, not only for their families, but also their contributions to WA’s cultural landscape.”

Read full story at www.fremantleherald.com

A new community-driven push to tackle WA’s dwindling tree canopy has sprouted in Willagee, with the launch of the Gee-Tr...
14/10/2025

A new community-driven push to tackle WA’s dwindling tree canopy has sprouted in Willagee, with the launch of the Gee-Trees initiative.

The project is the brainchild of Melville City Council candidate and former Gee Dads coordinator Drayton Morley, who wants to get locals—especially kids—thinking about the environment and taking practical steps to protect it.

“Let’s raise the consciousness of the importance of what canopy is within this community and get the children to think about that and value it,” Mr Morley said.

According to the WA Local Government Association, Perth has the lowest tree canopy coverage of any Australian capital, at just 16 per cent, and that figure is still falling.

The City of Melville’s 2024 Urban Forest Strategy Review shows the city’s canopy has slipped from 13.9 per cent in 2016 to just 12.5 per cent today.

Mr Morley says the trend is alarming.

“I’ve always worried so very much about the legacy of our generation,” he said.

“They’re the ones that will inherit this place."

Read full story at https://tinyurl.com/6xt3b7cd.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s “home” will be leaving Fremantle for a million-dollar, “purpose-built” venue at Claremont S...
13/10/2025

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s “home” will be leaving Fremantle for a million-dollar, “purpose-built” venue at Claremont Showground after 44 years in the port city.

The move means the state’s flagship puppetry company will swap its historic High Street theatre for the redeveloped Ellie Eaton Theatre in Claremont — deep in what locals call the “Golden Triangle”.

While Spare Parts says it will “maintain its strong presence in Fremantle” with its children’s program, Puppet Playtime, and “creative learning and artist training initiatives”, it’s clear the beating heart of the company will shift out of Freo.

Spare Parts chair David Mofflin says the new venue is a “pivotal” development for the puppet company after its decades-long stint in Fremantle.

“It’s not just a building, it’s ultimately about creating a place we can all call home,” Mr Mofflin said.

“[It’s] a place where we can create bolder and more ambitious work, support the careers of local artists and expand the impact of puppetry as an artform across WA and beyond.”

The Chook asked Fremantle MLA and state arts minister Simone McGurk whether she bore any responsibility for allowing the beloved theatre to slip from her own electorate.

Ms McGurk didn’t address that question, instead stressing that Spare Parts would retain a footprint in Fremantle.

“I’ve worked closely with Spare Parts and they are excited about the refurbishment of the Ellie Eaton Theatre and what this can offer to their audience,” Ms McGurk said.

“This funding will help improve those facilities so West Australians can continue to enjoy their world-class puppetry performances.

I’ve always had a good working relationship with Spare Parts and my support for them is as strong as ever.”

Read full story at https://tinyurl.com/4w2f988y.

The new season of Sunday Music at Fremantle Arts Centre is one of the most exciting and eclectic yet.The line-up feature...
25/09/2025

The new season of Sunday Music at Fremantle Arts Centre is one of the most exciting and eclectic yet.

The line-up features a host of local and international acts including Mozambique singer/guitarist Mahamudo Selimane, Californian alt-folk outfit Swimming Bell, Pond frontman Nicholas Allbrook, and hypnotic synth band Little Guilt.

It all kicks off in style with a performance from 82-year-old Kankawa Nagarra, AKA Olive Knight – a powerhouse of Aussie blues, country and gospel.

The aboriginal elder hails from the Wangkatjungka community in the Kimberley.

Performing with Nagarra is ICONYX, a young emerging singer/songwriter from the East Kimberley who is blind.

Her powerful and passionate vocals has already earned her three WAM Awards nominations.

ICONYX’s music is deeply influenced by her family roots of Kukatja, Pintupi mob, and she has a connection to the late Gurrumul and Archie Roach.

The opening gig includes a ceramics market on the top lawn, with more than 45 artisans displaying their wares as part of Wedge: The Australian Ceramics Triennale.

Reflecting the international scope of Sunday Music, LA alt-folkers Swimming Bell will hit the stage on October 19.

Featuring breezy, laid-back tunes, Swimming Bell is the brainchild of Katie Schottland, a Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter.

Read full story at https://tinyurl.com/mrxtk44u.

Whale researchers say the rise of ‘Insta pilots’ buzzing WA’s coastline is driving them to distraction — and possibly th...
24/09/2025

Whale researchers say the rise of ‘Insta pilots’ buzzing WA’s coastline is driving them to distraction — and possibly the whales too.

Low-flying recreational drones are increasingly disrupting whale studies, with scientists warning the buzzing machines could be stressing animals in ways we don’t yet fully understand.

“Humpbacks are everywhere this year…down in the south-west region as well as up Exmouth or anywhere between, they’re everywhere,” researcher Katy Fannei said.

“Southern right whales are also appearing in high numbers…despite their endangered status.”

But when recreational pilots ignore the 60-metre limit, researchers are forced to down tools.

Wildlife cinematographer Blair Ranford said he’d seen “five to eight drones at a time above a whale… as low as two or three metres”.

“Once there’s a drone in such close proximity, we have to abort the research flight,” he said.

“It’s basically all the people just chasing the Instagram.

Authorities are stepping up education campaigns, but enforcement remains tricky.

Researchers are calling for stronger rules and more no-fly zones to keep whales safe.

Read the full story — including the risks drones pose to mothers and calves — in our exclusive ONLINE EXTRA at fremantleherald.com.

Australian philanthropist and outspoken animal rights campaigner Philip Wollen has been named Fremantle-based Stop Live ...
23/09/2025

Australian philanthropist and outspoken animal rights campaigner Philip Wollen has been named Fremantle-based Stop Live Exports’ first-ever patron.

Mr Wollen, a former Citibank vice-president and 2007 Victorian Australian of the Year, has spent decades funding animal, child and environmental projects in more than 50 countries.

“The suffering inherent in the live export is needless and avoidable,” Mr Wollen said.

“Stop Live Exports has shown courage, integrity and persistence for many years and I’m honoured to support their work, so that together we can consign this abominable trade to history.”

He didn’t mince words: “Let’s make no mistake about it, live animal export is not an industry, it’s an atrocity and it needs to end immediately.”

Stop Live Exports president and former WA politician Lisa Baker said his backing would help ramp up the group’s campaign.

“Philip’s decision to stand with us is a powerful endorsement of our mission,” she said.

“His support will help us expand our investigations, increase our advocacy and grow our compassionate national movement to ultimately end the suffering of animals embroiled in the horrors of the live export trade.”

Read full story at https://tinyurl.com/2njeuu7v.

South Terrace's newest Irish pub Mons O’Shea has barely opened its doors and already it’s in need of a few Hail Marys — ...
22/09/2025

South Terrace's newest Irish pub Mons O’Shea has barely opened its doors and already it’s in need of a few Hail Marys — with the family of the late priest it’s named after crying foul.

Monsignor O’Shea, who was born in Ireland in 1925 and passed away in 2012, was director of Fremantle’s Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre, and founded the Holy Trinity Church on Rottnest in 1975.

Monsignor O’Shea’s niece Mairéad McCarthy says his family was “shocked” to learn that the pub, which opened just last month, was named after the “beloved” priest who famously did not consume alcohol.

“In the promotional literature produced by the owner of the public house, my uncle is caricatured as a jolly beer-drinking priest who cycled about Fremantle,” Ms McCarthy said.

“He was in reality a teetotaller and did not cycle about Fremantle.

“His family in Ireland are distressed to learn of this development, which is wholly inappropriate.”

The Chook trawled through the Mons O’Shea’s social media only to find one such ‘caricature’, but it appears the lack of consultation before naming the pub has caused distress.

“[We are] deeply offended at the use of his name, a misrepresentation of what he was, and the good work that he did… it in no way reflects well or honourably on the work that he did for seafarers,” she said.

“I know that my uncle would be very disappointed to be represented in this cheap, opportunistic fashion… it ridicules the man, and he was not someone deserving of ridicule.

Mons O’Shea owner Simon Carthy says he made a “genuine effort” to contact any of Monsignor O’Shea’s family before he decided to brand the venue, but to no avail.

“We explored genealogical records through ancestry.com and researched local archives online, but unfortunately, these searches did not yield any leads… at the time, it appeared that there were no known living family members.”

Read full story at https://tinyurl.com/4fz2wmk8.

The Munchies Skate Park will be no more with the City of Fremantle’s lease with the Public Transport Authority coming to...
20/09/2025

The Munchies Skate Park will be no more with the City of Fremantle’s lease with the Public Transport Authority coming to an end next week.

The council says the PTA “intends to increase the number of parking bays” alongside Beach Street to “better serve” public transport users.

“The PTA’s decision to take back the carpark will impact the skate park… as part of the lease terms, all of these fixtures must be removed, to restore the site to its original condition prior to occupation,” a statement from the City said.

“While the City welcomes the PTA’s efforts to help commuters with the closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, [which is] something the City has been advocating for, it is disappointed that it will have flow-on effects for the community.

“Goodwill services providers will continue to operate from their current location for the foreseeable future.”

A Fremantle soup kitchen has been operating on the car park for several years.

The Munchies skatepark was built in 1999 and has long been “an important community asset” and a “hub for grassroots skateboarding”, according to WA Skating Association secretary Rowan White.

“While we understand the demand for more park and ride facilities, particularly with the impending closure of the old traffic bridge, the few parking bays provided by the space occupied by the skatepark would have a negligible impact on congestion during the Fremantle Traffic Bridge’s closure,” Dr White said.

Read full story at https://tinyurl.com/2jmk2za3.

Fremantle mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge says she is “waiting to see” whether she’ll attend a mayoral candidate debate follow...
19/09/2025

Fremantle mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge says she is “waiting to see” whether she’ll attend a mayoral candidate debate following settling of a defamation case with the Fremantle Society this week.

In May, mayor Fitzhardinge posted a video in which she “called out” Society president John Dowson for an email addressed to her about the consultation process about the City of Fremantle’s bicentenary commemoration in 2029, saying she was calling out “racism”.

In the email, Mr Dowson referenced an item at a council meeting in May concerning Manjaree Arthur Head and called it “divisive and disgraceful” and “shockingly biased” because a council working group’s only community member was Indigenous.

At the time, Mr Dowson said his email was “grossly misrepresented” in Ms Fitzhardinge’s video.

In a statement to the Herald, the Fremantle Society says it’s “pleased to advise” the claim “has now settled”.

“The Fremantle Society and its president John Dowson claim that the video improperly accused them of being racist in relation to an email in which the Fremantle Society was seeking the Fremantle Council to take a balanced approach to the 2029 Bicentenary, one that brings people together instead of dividing them,” the statement read.

“The Fremantle Society and its President are very satisfied with the outcome.”

Ms Fitzhardinge posted her own statement on her social media on Friday last week, including an apology and acknowledgement that her claims were incorrect.

“I noted in my post that including Aboriginal people in the conversation about the 200th anniversary of colonisation, should not prompt concern, and that contrary to that, Aboriginal people should be front and centre in thinking about the 200th anniversary,” Ms Fitzhardinge said.

Read full story at https://tinyurl.com/zuwyhbjx.

Freo's homelessness will be top of mind for long-time High Street business owner Melanie Clark, who recently announced h...
18/09/2025

Freo's homelessness will be top of mind for long-time High Street business owner Melanie Clark, who recently announced her candidacy for council.

Ms Clark, who owns and runs homeware store Remedy on High Street, soft-launched her campaign for the vacant North Ward seat left by Doug Thompson.

She believes Freo’s “major” homelessness issue could be tackled by encouraging medium density, affordable housing in the CBD and including NGOs like Rotary International in potential solutions.

“I’d like to look at the possibility of the Rotary Club’s program for kids coming out of foster or home care, because they are one of the prime groups for being homeless,” Ms Clark said.

“If we can get government- or privately-owned land to start housing people and create community wrap-around, it means you’ve got less people sleeping on the street, the kids can get educated and live a decent life, and potentially own their own tiny home.

“Fremantle punches way above its weight when it comes to assisting the most vulnerable people in our community, but there is no reason why we can’t do these things – especially if it’s not costing us any money – to help that happen in our city.”

Ms Clark says she comes “from a corporate background” in human resources but has owned Remedy for 23 years, saying she knows “what affects the business community” in Freo in over two decades of operation.

Read full story at https://tinyurl.com/yeypyccw.

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