Let’s shape Fremantle’s future, together.
Show your support in style!
These limited-edition campaign tees feature a playful design by beloved Fremantle artist Maggie Johnson.
Cute, comfy and full of Freo spirit—perfect for rallies, coffee runs, or just repping the cause!
Collection from Remedy (95 High Street, Freo)
OR get in touch if you need postage
Have we met?
Hello, I’m Melanie — North Ward resident, owner of Remedy in the West End, community organiser, and long-time lover of Fremantle/Walyalup’s wonderful ways.
I’m the fifth generation of my family to call Freo home, and Joe and I have raised our now-grown twins here in our much-loved ‘village’.
For the past 23 years, we’ve run Remedy — a local store that champions Australian makers and designers, sustainability, and quality products. Owning a business in the heart of Freo has shown me how good urban design, greenery, and community spirit outside the front door can shape what happens inside.
Before that, I worked as a general manager for a national company, wrangling strategy, teams, big budgets, and boards. Those skills now help me tackle even the trickiest local challenges — with just as much passion, and perhaps even more post-it notes.
I believe in action over talk, collaboration over conflict, and that the true heart of a city lives in its people.
Community
BY COMMUNITY, FOR COMMUNITY
I am an Independent candidate. I have never been a member of any political party. With no political career ambition or alliance I am able to act in the best interests for our community - every time.
Fremantle thrives on its diversity - a vibrant mix of voices, ideas, and experiences.
We have generations of lived experience; people with astounding knowledge and/or incredible qualifications to tap into within our community.
Continually providing opportunities for our most disabled or disadvantaged to participate and thrive.
Sustainability
In EVERY Way
- Environmentally
- Financially
- Socially
True sustainability - it’s about keeping Fremantle thriving in every aspect - environmentally, financially and socially.
That means protecting and increasing our natural places while assuring access to them;
Providing the environment for resilient local businesses by creating the conditions to 'give it a try' and ensure the longevity of our culturally and industry important ones;
I’m here to listen, to talk through possibilities, and to turn good ideas into real solutions that work for all of us.
Inclusion
A Connected Community
Protecting Our Diversity
All ages.
All abilities.
All backgrounds.
The diversity of our village is what brings the character and vibrancy of our community. Ensuring our lower income and arts/creative households can continue to be here is incredibly important.
Maintaining the ability for people to be here no matter their stage of life or financial situation - we need options for everyone to live and participate in a positive way.
Being able to traverse the city on foot, on wheels or on free State-funded transport - safely.
A WEEKLY RITUAL
On Tuesday nights you’ll find me handing out bread with other volunteers down near Captain Munchies - chatting, connecting, and occasionally enjoying an impromptu serenade.
This is a weekly ritual shared usually with my friend Sue, my son, Gabe over the past four years.
WATER SHENANIGANS
When the Water Corporation arrived (mid-recession!) to dig up High Street, I rallied the local business neighbours. Together, we negotiated timing, communication and business assistance - getting us through months of roadworks without losing a single business (try doing that without a strong cup of tea).
A JUST CAUSE
During the 2020 lockdowns, I started Just Cause, a social enterprise in partnership with the Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence, raising awareness about domestic violence for its prevention. Thanks to a bunch of legends like Stella Donnelly, Caleb Serong and Kav Temperley, along with a mountain of community support, we reached thousands of people across the country with messages about healthy relationships and sold a lot of great t-shirts too.
WE DID IT! 🌱 $100K TO RE-WILD A PROMINENT PATCH OF FREO!
When William Street (alongside the Town Hall) was dug up to plant Jacarandas some of us saw a prime opportunity and started talking — why not re-imagine and re-wild it with Australian natives? We applied for a grant… and got it: $100,000!
🎉 🎉🎉
Since then we’ve been working with the City of Fremantle on the vision, design, challenges and planning to bring this concept to life.
This project will DE-PAVE, provide urban COOLING, enhance BIODIVERSITY, support pollinators AND give our COMMUNITY and visitors a place for respite or to eat their nom noms from nearby BUSINESSES.
Next year we’ll be calling out to see who’d like to help us plant out the 500 (yes, count them) plants!!
A massive thanks to Andrew @sustainablegardendesign for his plant wisdom.
Together, we’re re-wilding Freo — one pocket at a time.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO US?
Almost half of foster/out of home care young adults have to leave the hosts home when they turn 18. Statistics show that between 20 - 30% of those young people will then become homeless, many chronically. Statistically, this group of people are one of the most likely to end up homeless on our streets and this could change that.
Imagine being able to break the cycle by providing a stable, dedicated home with wrap around community assistance to provide life skills like cooking or driving. It's possible - and at NO COST to our community.
Rotary Tiny Homes has a funded program that helps provide young adults transitioning from foster/out of home care to independence with a secure home and wrap around support allowing them to level up.
I've been working with a small group of community members - led by Fremantle Citizen of the Year, Ros D'Souza. We've invited politicians and Council to visit the site and hear the case to bring this to Fremantle. Completely doable and there's an existing program successfully working in Melbourne to prove the case called Village21.
AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS BIENNALE
The Australian Ceramics Biennale will be hosted in Freo this October, bringing hundreds of guests to town. I've organised a West End Walk featuring a dozen businesses and over 20 ceramicists, including a map by local artist Sally Bower to bring them through our streets and businesses as they pass through from one event to the next.
Make A Donation
Help Fuel My Grassroots Campaign!
Your donation helps cover letterbox drops; posters and all the costs that come with running a campaign.
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