Walyalup’s new Reconciliation Action Plan

Fremantle Council has adopted a new Walyalup Reconciliation Action Plan (WRAP) that includes for the first time, a section on truth-telling.

WRAP 2024-2027 also focuses on relationships, respect, opportunities and governance and contains 17 actions and 95 deliverable outcomes to be achieved over the next three years.

This is the City’s second Stretch WRAP, which is the highest level that a local government can reach. It aims to stretch the organisation beyond business as usual, through high impact commitments with defined measurable targets and goals.

This WRAP builds on more than two decades of the City’s reconciliation initiatives for strengthening relationships with the Aboriginal community.

Actions in this WRAP range from awareness-raising measures such as using Nyoongar names in City-owned buildings to practical steps like developing Aboriginal tourism initiatives and increasing Aboriginal employment.

The new WRAP was developed in consultation with the City of Fremantle’s WRAP Working Group.

WRAP Working Group Chair Brendan Moore said the new truth-telling pillar was an important addition.

“The new truth-telling pillar will be achieved through holding activities and events in Fremantle and giving the community an opportunity to learn about the history of the Walyalup region.

“Exposing the whole truth of our past will facilitate learning, healing and change. It’s about recognising First Nations connections to country and the contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made to Australia’s culture, development and society.

The City is currently working with the Centre for Stories on a Backyard Truth-Telling series in which people are encouraged to share their stories.

Next year, the City will host a truth-telling film festival at the Fremantle Arts Centre.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the City was building on a strong foundation from the previous WRAP.

“The City of Fremantle is so grateful for the strong relationships that have allowed us to continue to grow as an organisation and as a community on our reconciliation journey.

“As a City we know that listening is one of the most important attributes to building effective relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Listening informs our decisions to challenge the status quo.

“The wisdom and guidance we can gain from listening to the first people of this place is essential, as we walk together towards a better future for all,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

WRAP 2024-2027 will now be forwarded to Reconciliation Australia for final endorsement.

Above image: Place Names Walyalup Map