Date 10 October 2025 Category Media release Topic City and council Fremantle’s longest-serving Councillor, Doug Thompson, has been honoured at the final meeting of the current Council. Fremantle’s longest-serving Councillor, Doug Thompson, has been honoured at the final meeting of the current Council. Cr Thompson was first elected to Fremantle Council in 1988. During his 37 years as a North Ward Councillor, he attended close to 2,000 meetings and served alongside 77 Councillors, six Mayors and seven CEOs. A passionate and pioneering voice in waste management, some of Cr Thompson’s most notable achievements include the introduction of waste services like FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics), recycling and a container deposit scheme. Cr Thompson advocated for his community, contributing extensively to both internal and external committees that have shaped policy and progress in Fremantle and across Western Australia. In August last year he was presented with a WA Local Government Association Life Membership Award. In saying farewell, Cr Thompson thanked his family, fellow Councillors, City staff and residents. “I will miss working for the community, [having the ability] to influence decisions, and the intellectual stimulation and camaraderie that Council provides. “There were many issues that were dealt with over the years that caused a lot of debate. They perhaps don’t seem so important now, but in the wider scheme of things, they were important for our community at the time. Those small issues are the essence of local government. “It’s the actions and decisions at the local level that can have the most influence on our communities and our lives… and on the broader environmental and social issues that face us. “Local government is where, as individuals, we can have the most affect. “I’ve enjoyed my time on Council. I’m sorry to leave it, but it’s about time to go,” Cr Thompson concluded. Councillors reflected on Cr Thompson’s enduring legacy and endearing attributes, with enormous gratitude for his contribution to the strategic direction of the city and faithful service to his community over half a lifetime. Coastal Ward Councillor Andrew Sullivan said “Doug has brought decorum, stability and level-headedness to the Council over a very long time – he’s like the keel of a ship, keeping everything upright. He’s a stickler for getting the process right and keeping us to account.” East Ward Councillor Ben Lawver said “For the community to return you to this Chamber eight times in a row speaks volumes to your involvement with your community and how well you listen to what people need and deliver for them.” Coastal Ward Councillor Adin Lang said “When Doug calls, you know something’s going down. When debate is going sideways or taking too long, you think ‘when is Doug going to step in and whip us back into shape?’.” North Ward Councillor Ingrid van Dorssen said “Thank you for your representation and the work you’ve done for your community in the North Ward. It’s unbelievable and incredibly impressive.” East Ward Councillor Frank Mofflin said “Your commitment to the Western Australian Local Government Association, the standing that you have within that organisation and the network that you have beyond the City of Fremantle is something to behold.” Central Ward Councillor Geoff Graham said “Doug was one of the first green-leaning Councillors. He was spruiking tree canopies back in the 80s and 90s, so that’s nothing new for Fremantle.” Central Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor Jenny Archibald said “The rubbish debate was very much alive in the 1990s, but you persisted, took onboard the community feedback… [and] what is now in place came out of the journey that you took.” Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said “Doug has an exceptional memory but is also able to take the longer view into the future. He’s naturally strategic, places things in their holistic context and thinks big picture. He’s also very practical and knows what does and doesn’t work in reality. He is principled, believes in fair play – and meeting procedures!” While Cr Thompson was remembered as ‘the marathon runner’, Councillor Adin Lang, who is also retiring at the 18 October local government elections, was ‘the sprinter’ for setting a cracking pace during his eight years on Council. In that time, Cr Lang progressed several environmental causes including improvements to the protection of long-necked turtles, owls, tree canopies and most notably native wildlife through a change in the state Cat Act. “Don’t leave any stone unturned and keep the momentum up for Freo, because I expect this Council to be pushing boundaries – it always has and it always should. I’ll be watching and hoping that you can make change for Freo that ripples across the rest of the state or Australia,” Cr Lang implored. Councillors noted that Cr Lang gained community support for issues that he was passionate about and supported the community on issues that they were passionate about. Coastal Ward Councillor Jemima Williamson-Wong said “You’ve shown that being on Council means that you can make an effective and practical difference in your community and achieve outcomes on projects that are really important and long-lasting.”
