Disability Access and Inclusion

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Our commitment

The City of Fremantle is committed to fostering a community that is inclusive, accessible and welcoming for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. We are dedicated to reducing barriers that people with disability, older adults, families, carers, LGBTQIA+SB and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities can face and enhancing participation in community life.

The City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan guides actions to improve access across Council services, facilities, spaces, events and communications. Developed with community consultation and shaped by lived experience, the Plan reflects our long-term strategic priorities for a welcoming Fremantle.

The City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2026-2030

Building on previous achievements and community feedback, the new DAIP for 2026–30 is now being developed.

This next five-year plan will be shaped through co-design with members of the Fremantle community especially people with lived experience of disability, their families, carers and advocates to ensure it builds on strengths the City is already displaying, as well as reflecting current priorities, insights and opportunities for inclusion.

Engagement will include consultation activities, workshops and feedback mechanisms to make sure the next plan continues to advance accessibility, participation and belonging for all.

If you would like to be involved, please contact the team at inclusion@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

Email us

The City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2021 – 2025

The City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2021–25 marked an important step forward in making Fremantle a more accessible and welcoming place for people of all abilities. Developed through extensive engagement with community members, disability advocates and service providers, the DAIP focused on three priority areas:

Building diverse, inclusive and thriving communities
Improving access to places and spaces
Ensuring equitable access to City services

The 2021-25 Plan contains 24 priority actions embedded across the organisation to address barriers and improve participation.

Across Western Australia, in the annual Minister’s DAIP Progress Report, the City of Fremantle had four important initiatives that gained statewide recognition for their accessibility focus from the previous report:

The City of Fremantle’s Swim School Dolphins program implementing Individualised Swim Support Plans
The Fremantle International Street Arts Festival 2025 partnering with Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts Australia (DADAA) to offer audio description and assistive listening for selected shows.
The City of Fremantle’s new website, launched in May 2025, achieving a 91% accessibility score, a 43.7-point improvement on the previous site. The average accessibility score for local government is 80%
Fremantle Prison’s Special Handling Unit upgrades with new accessibility features, including a ramp for improved access, a universal access bathroom with ambulant facilities, and an accessible sink in the kitchenette – enhancing inclusivity and visitor comfort.

The City also supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, a discreet way for people with non-visible disabilities to signal they may need extra support, patience or assistance in public spaces and at events. Sunflower lanyards and badges are available at the Fremantle Leisure Centre and is currently being developed to be available in more locations throughout the City.

These are just a few of the successful accessibility initiatives the City of Fremantle is proud to deliver and will keep leading – using these great examples as a strength based platform to keep delivering inclusive initiatives of the highest possible quality.

Document:

A parking sign indicating accessible parking for people with disabilities, with a wheelchair symbol and an arrow pointing left. Green trees and blue sky are visible in the background.

ACROD Parking locations

Having an ACROD parking permit allows free parking in all City of Fremantle car parks and street parking with double the signposted time limit (except where a time limit is shown on dedicated ACROD bays).

A similar benefit is also available for Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) ex-serviceperson permit holders, though that permit is not valid for use in an ACROD parking bay.

Our universal access map has details of ramps and pathways. For visitors, official disabled parking permits issued worldwide are accepted in Fremantle.

View or download the Accessible Freo Map below

Accessible Freo Map

An older woman in a beach wheelchair is being pushed by an older man on a blue mat leading to the ocean. Other people are on the sandy beach; a “Melville Toyota” banner is visible. The sky is mostly clear and sunny.

Access to Fremantle beaches

The City of Fremantle provides free beach wheelchairs and walkers at selected beaches to support inclusive access to the coastline.

Beach mobility equipment is available year-round during set hours and can be booked in advance through the City of Fremantle.

Online: City of Fremantle SpacetoCo (or choose by location below)
Phone: 1300 693 736

Seasonal accessibility
Beach matting is installed seasonally at Leighton Beach and South Beach to make the sand more navigable for wheelchairs and mobility devices.

Book beach equipment

Beach wheelchairs are available to hire for free from the WA Shipwrecks Museum (generally 7am to 5pm).

Book equipment at Bathers Beach

A Sandcruiser beach wheelchair and beach walker are available for free hire from The Orange Box Café (usually 7am to 3pm, subject to café hours).

The City also installs beach access matting across the sand for wheelchairs, prams and mobility devices during the summer months (typically November to March).

Book equipment at Leighton Beach

Beach wheelchairs and a beach walker are available for free hire from South Beach Cafe, typically 7am to 5pm every day.

The City also installs beach access matting across the sand for wheelchairs, prams and mobility devices during the summer months (typically November to March).

Book equipment at South Beach

A modern hallway with perforated metal screens casting circular shadows on the floor, white columns, and a view of the outdoors through an open gate.

Changing Places facilities in Fremantle

The City of Fremantle is proud to provide Changing Places facilities – accessible, fully equipped bathrooms designed for people with disability who need extra space, support and specialised equipment beyond what a standard accessible toilet offers.

These facilities make it easier for people with significant mobility needs and their carers to participate fully in community life.

Fremantle’s first Changing Places facility is located inside the Walyalup Civic Centre (entry off William Street), and includes the key features that support dignity, safety and independence:

Adult-sized, height-adjustable change table
Ceiling hoist system for assisted transfers
Shower amenity
Automatic doors and spacious layout
Enough clear space for two support carers to assist comfortably

Two dedicated ACROD parking bays are located directly outside the facility for convenience.

Access and keys

The Changing Places facility uses the Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) system, a secure statewide key system that helps ensure these spaces are available for people who truly need them.

Eligible users (including Companion Card holders and others with specific access requirements) can obtain a MLAK from National Disability Services WA or borrow a key from Walyalup Civic Centre reception during open hours.

The City of Fremantle has delivered new changeroom and toilet facilities at South Beach, which include an accessible Changing Places facility designed to support people with high-level care needs to access the beach precinct with dignity and support.

The updated South Beach facilities provide a range of accessible, inclusive amenities, including:

Accessible toilets and changerooms with showers
A Changing Places facility (designed for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets) with extra space and features to support safe, dignified use
Wheelchair storage space, including free hire of beach wheelchairs and beach walkers
Universal access/family rooms and universal accessible facilities
Gendered and gender-neutral spaces
Accessible pathways from car parks and beach access point for people with mobility needs

Access and keys

The Changing Places facility at South Beach is part of the new amenities block and accessible from paths connected to nearby ACROD parking bays, the café, beach wheelchair storage and other facilities.

The Changing Places facility uses the Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) system, a secure statewide key system that helps ensure these spaces are available for people who truly need them.

Eligible users (including Companion Card holders and others with specific access requirements) can obtain a MLAK from National Disability Services WA or borrow a key from the South Beach Café during open hours (usually 6am to 7pm).

A person wearing a bucket hat and tank top kneels on a blue cloth while painting a colorful mural outdoors, with people and tents in the background at a lively art event.

Running accessible and inclusive events

Hosting events that everyone can enjoy benefits our whole community. The City provides advice, checklists and tools to help event organisers:

Plan inclusive access provisions
Use accessible communication formats
Provide support facilities such as quiet or sensory-friendly spaces

For any queries please contact the City of Fremantle Events team

Phone: 08 9432 99 99
Email: events@fremantle.wa.gov.au

Hosting an event Holding events in Fremantle

Website Accessibility

We are committed to making the City’s digital spaces accessible to everyone. Our website strives to meet accessibility standards and is designed to be:

Compatible with assistive technologies
Easy to navigate and read
Responsive to different devices and user preferences

Alternative formats, interpreters and translation services are available on request to support access to Council information.

Request support or a service

To discuss or report on accessibility and inclusion within the City of Fremantle please contact customer service to direct your call to the City’s Access and Inclusion Officer.