City of Fremantle
Coastal Charm
The ChangeMakers Program supports young people aged 18 to 30 to understand how change happens, develop strategic leadership skills, and actively influence the policies, plans, and projects that shape Fremantle’s future.
If you care deeply about Fremantle and want to turn your passion into action, ChangeMakers gives you the tools, access, and confidence to make a real difference.
ChangeMakers is a City of Fremantle leadership and mentorship program for ten young people each year. Participants learn how local government works and how young people can contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes.
Participants will be given the opportunity to take part in paid consultations with the City on matters they’re passionate about. Your advocacy will lead to direct input on City of Fremantle policies and plans.
Once selected, you will engage in weekly meetings dedicated to exploring diverse approaches for interacting with all three tiers of government. Additionally, you will gain insights into successful strategies and techniques employed in driving constructive social change. These insights will be shared through guest speakers—experts in their respective fields who will draw from their personal experiences and knowledge.
Workshops on advocacy, leadership, and influencing change
Guest speakers sharing real-world experience
Practical learning on engaging with all three tiers of government
Opportunities to provide feedback and ideas directly to the City of Fremantle
Program promotion period: 30 January – 28 February 2026
Applications open: 30 January 2026
Applications close: 28 February 2026
Participant selection and notification: 2 – 6 March 2026
Program delivery period: *13 March – July 2026 (*exact dates to be confirmed)
Mentorship: Five-month mentorship alongside workshops and practical sessions
The ChangeMakers Program is designed to be practical and focused, supporting young people to develop skills while contributing to real City outcomes.
Applications for the 2026 ChangeMakers Program are open from 30 January to 28 February 2026.
To apply, you must:
Be aged 18 to 30
Have a connection to Fremantle
Be willing to actively participate throughout the program
Applicants are asked to submit the following to changemakers@fremantle.wa.gov.au.
A one-page cover letter outlining your interest in social change. This may include examples of initiatives, campaigns or events you have been involved in, or that have inspired you.
A one-page statement describing what Fremantle means to you, your connection to the city, your perspective on its current political or community environment, and your hopes for its future.
A current CV, including one referee.
To make the application process as accessible as possible, applicants are not limited to written submissions. You may choose to submit your responses as:
A video
An audio recording
Another appropriate communication format
Alternative formats should address the same questions outlined above.
The ultimate goal of this initiative is to create a more knowledgeable and interconnected generation of young citizens. By doing so, we prepare tomorrow’s leaders to wield their influence today, fostering positive change within our community.
ChangeMakers exists to build a more informed, confident, and connected generation of young citizens.
By investing in young people today, the City of Fremantle is helping shape the leaders, advocates, and decision-makers of tomorrow, while ensuring youth voices are heard right now.
We are seeking up to 10 young people who:
Are aged 18 to 30 years
Have a meaningful connection to Fremantle (for example, living, working, studying, or being actively involved in the community)
Are interested in leadership, advocacy or community participation
Can commit to attending weekly sessions over the program period
You do not need to live in Fremantle to be considered, and no previous leadership experience is required.
As a ChangeMaker, you will:
Learn how change really happens across local, state, and federal government
Build strategic leadership, advocacy, and communication skills
Gain insight into how City of Fremantle policies, plans, and projects are developed
Have direct input into City decision-making processes
Take part in paid consultation opportunities on issues you care about
Connect with a network of like-minded young people and experienced mentors
The ChangeMakers Program runs over a five-month period and includes an onboarding period followed by weekly sessions.
Participants can expect:
An onboarding week to introduce the program, expectations and key contacts
Weekly workshops focused on leadership, advocacy and engagement
Guest speakers with experience in government, community and social change
Ongoing mentorship throughout the program
