The City of Fremantle continues to be committed to becoming more Age-friendly, to prioritise positive ageing opportunities for the Fremantle Community making it a great place for older people to live and visit. The city has continued to be an active member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global network since 2016.

Being an age friendly city has involved a multiple community approach requiring leadership and action by many service providers, organisations, and governments at all levels. Working collaborative has enabled the city to identify gaps and deliver on connecting older people to meet their needs and to live a happier and healthier life.

To prepare for the new Age Friendly City Plan a review of the City’s progress commenced in 2018. A working group with representatives from community members, key organisations, City staff and elected members met throughout the review to guide the process. The current City of Fremantle Age Friendly City Plan 2019-2024  plan was endorsed by Council.

Community engagement has been a priority for the city and having a say contributes to decision-making that is an essential element underpinning the age friendly approach. Older people are a diverse group, and their views, needs and aspirations vary significantly. Consultation and engagement involve accessible communication, flexibility, a range of methods/ mediums, user-friendly formats and utilising positive messages and images of older people.

Key achievements from 2021-22 age friendly outcomes report includes:

• Social participation: Provide activities and courses at various locations:
  • Snapshot: 30 Come and try activities, support for 5 x weekly social groups, Weekly one-on-one Tech Help session, 7 x hot topic presentations equally 4017 attendees’ participation hours across a variety of opportunities.
• Advocate and promote programs and initiatives which target respect and inclusion:
  • There are many ways for residents to say in touch with what’s happening incoming FRE-OH (quarterly magazine), Freo Weekly and Positive ageing (e-newsletters)
  • Commitment to continuous improvements to ensure that buildings, facilities, services events, information and employment opportunities are available to all , including people with disability Access and Inclusion plan
  • 2022 Fremantle community support map: visual representation for relevant services such as medical, food relief, mental health providers
  • Library connect supports vulnerable people, with the core program providing a social worker in the library which is a safe and welcoming environment
  • Each year a senior is presented a Citizenship Award
• Civic participation and employments: Supporting local organisations to recruit and retain volunteers:
  • Volunteer Freo supported 34 agencies in 13 projects
  • One-on-one consultations to 66 community groups
  • Older people share their passion and skills, for example, 1-1 Tech Helpers, Visitors Centre Ambassadors and facilitate yoga, crafts sessions
• Communication and Information: Promote programs and activities for older people in a range of formats:
  • The city-wide ‘What’s On’ guide, features a dedicated over 55s logo highlighting suitable events and activities
  • Partners with My Community Directory to promote over 55s activities and events

Age-friendly practices

• Afternoon Tea Dance 2022 | City of Fremantle
• Converging Stories | City of Fremantle
• Together Again Cafe | City of Fremantle
• Forget-me-not-memory cafe
• Neighbour to Neighbour | City of Fremantle
• Neighbourhood Quick Response Grant | City of Fremantle
• Volunteer Fremantle | Facebook