On one level Singapore and Fremantle seem very far apart. A high density metropolis of over 5 million that’s at the crossroads of global trade contrasted with our relatively small and isolated port city.
But there’s some important lesson both good and bad that Singapore can share for Fremantle from city greening, density, heritage, affordable housing, tourism, and multi-modal transit investment.
Singapore is without doubt a city of innovation with lessons for Fremantle and beyond.
On Tuesday I will reflect on a study tour I recently undertook to Singapore with other council representatives from the South West Group.
The City of Fremantle has released a new destination marketing video aimed at encouraging more Asian visitors to spend a night or two in Freo.. It is a great little video and thought it was worth sharing.
The video, produced in partnership with regional tourism organisation Destination Perth as part of the Fremantle – Be part of the story campaign, is subtitled in Mandarin Chinese.
It highlights Fremantle’s laid back atmosphere, arts and culture, unique heritage and vibrant café, bar and restaurant scene.
The aim is to entice Asian visitors to stay in one of Fremantle’s many new or refurbished hotels.
Fremantle has always been a popular destination for tourists, but the lack of hotel accommodation has meant Freo has been more of a day trip instead of a place to stay. Over the past few years we’ve seen a number of new hotels open in Freo, and more are on the way, so we’re really looking to increase the number of overnight stays.
This video will be used to target the corporate sector and promote Freo as the perfect destination for business meetings, incentive groups, conferences and events.
And because we’re in the same time zone and not too far away, Fremantle is an ideal option for Asian business travellers.
The video will be featured by the City at the South East Asia Roadshow with Perth Convention Bureau next month, and be shared with Perth Convention Bureau’s corporate and incentive team to use in their work to attract corporate and incentive groups to Fremantle.
It has also been provided to StudyPerth to attract international students to Fremantle and will be posted on Chinese social media through the WA Trade Office in Shanghai.
The City of Fremantle’s Economic Development and Marketing team has been working closely with the Fremantle Accommodation Association since over the past year to increase the number of overnight stays in Fremantle.
With advice from Perth Convention Bureau, Tourism Western Australia and Destination Perth the City developed a marketing plan for the 2017/18 financial year.
Actions included developing a Fremantle destination video in partnership with Destination Perth for promotion to interstate and international markets, promoting Fremantle as a destination for corporate business at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event in Melbourne and the South East Asia Roadshow and a digital campaign in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur promoting as a Fremantle winter vacation destination.
White Gum Valley’s Hazel Orme Community Kindy relies on fundraising to support all the great stuff that teachers and parents do for the kids throughout the year.
Their latest fundraising event is a pair of house and garden workshops with Josh Byrne, well-known local sustainability expert and Gardening Australia presenter.
Winter Workshop: 23rd June
The winter workshop will cover pruning and helping your garden through winter, as well as ways of keeping your home warm and cosy with less energy.
Spring Workshop: 15th September
The Spring workshop will look at planting, fertilizing and irrigation, and how to keep your home cool without relying on the air conditioner.
The venue is Josh’s House – a rare chance to visit one of Australia’s most sustainable homes – and a great suburban garden.
Proceeds from these workshops go 100% to the Kindy, with presenters and organisers all giving their time for free.
It feels like winter so Hidden Treasures must be approaching. Pleasingly the full-line up has just been announced!
Once again, every Thursday in July the Hidden Treasures music festival will breathe life into the historic West End in the middle of winter.
Highlights include Because the Night Belongs to Lovers and the launch of Fremantle Groove, a book by local identities Bill Lawrie and Claire Moodie (ABC 730 journalist) consisting of twenty-nine portraits telling the story of Fremantle’s rich music scene and its long history.
Due to last year’s success the tram returns and will host performances by Cal Kramer, Oosterbanger, Jay Le Kat and Sunbird.
In light of national conversations regarding lack of diversity in music festivals, I’m proud that City of Fremantle produces an inclusive event including over 20 bands with female leads, as well as indigenous acts and multi-generational artists.
Here's a sneak peek of what some of the city's new playgrounds will look like! The works will be finished by July 3… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…3 days ago
