I’ve lived in Fremantle and its surrounding suburbs all my adult life. It has had an enduring and positive impact on my life.    

When I moved into its sphere of influence in the late seventies, Fremantle was a run down working-class city with a much shabbier feel than today.  Most houses were old and tired, and refurbishments were not really a thing.   

Fremantle at the time still had a strong southern European influence which would see many of the old guard taking a passeggiata to Papa Luigi’s for an espresso and a chiacchierata with friends.  The abundance of cheap accommodation also meant a high population of students and alternatives.  Even though it could never be described as touristy, Fremantle felt like my sort of place.  

In 1983 Australia won the Americas Cup.  From 1984 , and leading up to the defence of the America’s Cup in 1987, we witnessed a major gentrification of Fremantle.  The old Europeans started to move out and the yuppies, nouveau riche, and Orange People moved in.  The mid-eighties were heady days indeed as Fremantle development rapidly into a tourist hotspot, gearing itself to hosting the America’s Cup defence. 

Then on the 4th February 1987, American challenger Stars & Stripes 87 beat the Australian defender Kookaburra III in the final race of the Americas cup series, and it was over. 

Fremantle stepped back and down, and slowly recalibrated to a more sustainable existence driving a more moderate progression leading to where it sits today.  While the port remains its heart and soul, Fremantle is now equally known as a tourist destination with a varied and vibrant food culture.  What started with Papa Luigi’s back in the day, has transformed South Terrace into the famous ‘Cappuccino Strip’, with its cosmopolitan mix of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. 

The slated move of the container operations from Fremantle Port to Kwinana will likely see some of the city’s historical soul move south with it.  If, and when it happens, Fremantle will have the opportunity to redefine and reimagine itself as a vibrant 21st Century Cultural and commercial hub. Fremantle will find its new soul.

Though I haven’t lived in the heart of Fremantle for many years, and I can’t cycle into the markets to get my supply of fresh fruit and vegetables like I use to, it continues to cast an enduring influence over me.  These days, I regularly take an early morning drive into Fremantle, to catch the “good” light for my photos.  Then, perhaps sit at Gino’s with a warm drink and watch the city wake.  It does feel very comfortable and calming, regardless of whether I come away with a worthwhile image.