The City of Fremantle coordinates a number of important commemorative and community events throughout the year.
Check your local newspaper in the weeks prior to each event or the website calendar for detailed information.
Commemorative events
25 April
ANZAC Day
The City of Fremantle Anzac Day events consist of a dawn service, parade, a commemorative exhibition and the Sir Hughie Edwards ANZAC Day Derby at Fremantle Oval.
Transperth offers free public transport for anyone wearing military uniform or medals traveling to ANZAC Day services, parade or the derby.
Dawn service
The Fremantle Dawn Service commences at 5.50 am on ANZAC Day at the Fremantle War Memorial Monument Hill and is coordinated by the City of Fremantle in conjunction with the Fremantle Memorial Wardens.
All are welcome to attend the service and any organisations or individuals who wish to lay a wreath during the ceremony are asked to register their name with the City of Fremantle on 08 9432 9830.
Parade
The ANZAC Day Parade is coordinated by the City of Fremantle and is supported by the Returned Services League (RSL) of Australia WA Branch and Fremantle Police.
Parade step off time is 10.15 am from the Esplanade Park. The parade will travel along South Terrace and along the cappuccino strip where a salute will be taken.
Following the parade there is a short closing ceremony at Esplanade Park, Marine Terrance Fremantle with speeches, a flag raising ceremony and a fly past.
Commemorative exhibition
The ANZAC Day Commemorative Exhibition in Fremantle Town Hall showcases unique items from public and private collections and is open on ANZAC Day between 8.00 am and 3.00 pm. Entry is free to the public.
A free morning tea is served outside the town hall between 9.00 am and 12.00 pm from the Cafe2U mobile van.
Sir Hughie Edwards ANZAC Day Derby
The Sir Hughie Edwards ANZAC Day Derby is an annual commemorative game between South Fremantle and East Fremantle football clubs. The pre game ceremony starts at 4.00 pm with game kickoff at 4.15 pm at Fremantle Oval.
Those wearing military uniform or medals are permitted free entry into the game.
31 May
Foundation Day Pioneers Lunch
The Foundation Day Pioneers Lunch is held annually to commemorate the foundation of our state and acknowledge Fremantle’s pioneers.
It is open to people aged 60 and over who have lived in the City of Fremantle area for 50 years or more.
To apply to attend the lunch or for further information contact events management on 9432 9830 or email events@fremantle.wa.gov.au.
4 September
Battle for Australia Day
On the first Wednesday in September the City commemorates the battle against Japanese troops that occurred in 1942. This event is recognised in Australia’s history as the Battle for Australia.
Service commences11.00 am at Monument Hill Reserve, High Street Fremantle. All welcome.
11 November
Remembrance Day
At 11.00 am on 11 November 1918 the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years continuous warfare. Each year on 11 November, the City commemorates this day and those who fought and fell in battle.
Service commences at 11.00 am (assembly at 10.45 am) at Monument Hill Memorial Reserve, High Street Fremantle.
Community events
26 January
Australia Day
Australia Day Celebrations
The City of Fremantle conducts a special Australia Day citizenship ceremony for new citizens at Esplanade Park each year. Following this ceremony is the announcement of the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards.
Family entertainment starts around 4.30 pm that includes face painting, balloon twisting, free entertainment and a free sausage sizzle.
Indian Ocean Skyshow
The Indian Ocean Skyshow is the largest Australia Day fireworks display ever launched off the Western Australian coastline. Hosted by the Cities of Cockburn and Fremantle the skyshow kicks off at 8.00 pm on Australia Day in Bathers Bay, Fremantle.
Best vantage points include Fishing Boat Harbour, Bathers Beach foreshore, the Round House, Esplanade Park, North Mole, Monument Hill and South Beach.
24 May
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is one of Australia’s most popular fundraising events, and plays a vital role in raising money towards the Cancer Council’s work in research, education, prevention and support.
During May each year, more than a million Australians sip their way through morning teas at work, school, home and in the community.
The City of Fremantle hosts a morning tea event in Fremantle City Library to support this cause. All welcome, gold coin donation.
1 July
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC stands for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee and its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s, which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.
The committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself.
Today, NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of indigenous Australians in various fields.
Each year the City of Fremantle proudly participates in the national celebrations for NAIDOC Week, including an opening event with music and dance performance.
For event details check the website calendar.
5 December
Thank a Volunteer Day
The City of Fremantle through the Fremantle Volunteer Service recruits and places volunteers in organisations and at many City of Fremantle services including the Fremantle Tourist Guides. Thank a Volunteer Day is a national day and an opportunity to say thank you to the many Fremantle volunteers that assist everyday throughout the year, providing essential services in our community.