It’s a wrap – StreetWise 2021 in review
THE year in Freo began as it ended – with a leak.
From ‘tent city’ the State Government forcibly closed on January 23 to a faulty fire pump that delayed the opening of the new $45 million Walyalup Civic Centre (They had one job).
StreetWise Media launched 2021 with its Christmas-New Year issue #16, featuring the South Fremantle Festival of Lights, opening of rooftop hospitality at The National, South Freo Continental’s famous spit roasts, Portorosa’s pasta favourites and a smorgasbord of stories including Fremantle’s first ‘time ball’, Aboriginal ‘astronomy’, Pilbara rock art, Ningaloo, shipwrecks, sharks, MAD artists, even bonking dinosaurs.
In a year dominated by COVID19 jabs, mandates and mutants, Fremantle’s independent print and online publication brought readers unique stories and images of the people, places and events in the port city. In February, StreetWise Media held its annual Freo StreetWise Charity Car Cruise. Delayed until March 14 because of ‘last-minute’ COVID19 lockdowns in February, hundreds of classic and vintage car owners converged on the port to raise money for the Cancer Council at www.streetwisemedia.com.au/2021-freo-charity-car-cruise. 
For the first time, Perth’s biggest ‘bog lap’ was extended to South Fremantle where F1 champion Daniel Riccardo’s father Joe popped in to South Freo Continental with his 1970 McLaren F5000. Thanks to Joe Demarte and the Noto family for their continued support. The 2022 charity cruise will be bigger and better.
StreetWise has since its launch in 2015 published stories of the lives and sacrifices of ‘diggers’ who served in all wars and peace-keeping missions since the Boer War at the turn of the last century.
In the lead-up to Anzac Day, StreetWise visited Menzies where its war memorial commemorates WW1 and WW2 soldiers who enlisted as young farmers, labourers, camel drivers and horsemen, some of whom are honoured at the Fremantle Fallen Sailors & Soldiers Memorial at Monument Hill and www.streetwisemedia.com.au/wa-towns-honour-anzac-diggers. The Menzies memorial includes a bust of one of the few indigenous members of WA’s 2/28th Battalion in WW2, ‘Rat of Tobruk’ James ‘Jim’ Brennan OAM.
Issue #17 of Freo StreetWise celebrated food, film, history, business, a pinch of local politics and a new ‘Creature Features’ section dedicated to readers in COVID19 lockdown.
In June, StreetWise reported the State Government had ‘overlooked’ a 2012 application to permanently list the historic horse bridle trail from South Beach to Cockburn Road (via Hollis Park). The listing of the bridle path would have linked Fremantle to the 2007-registered heritage-listed South Beach Horse Exercise Area from South Beach groyne to the old powerhouse in Cockburn where StreetWise in 2016 erected a memorial honouring WA trainers and riders who have used the coastal strip since the first horse race in WA was held here in 1833. Details www.streetwisemedia.com.au/state-overlooks-missing-link-in-shared-horse-heritage and www.streetwisemedia.com.au/state-tramples-horse-heritage-link.
Local hero Lee Sappho
In July, StreetWise brought readers the disturbing report of a drink spiking incident in which a semi-naked woman was drugged and assaulted and left on the corner of Marine Terrace and Collie Street. StreetWise spoke to the victim, a COVID nurse, and her rescuer local artist Lee Sappho (opposite) who raised concerns over the number of liquor venues in ‘Booze City’ at https://bit.ly/3rjjnWZ. In September, three more women reported having been drugged. Police are investigating.
In September, StreetWise kicked a goal for Fremantle City Football Club when it reached out to this independent publication over a move to allow Perth Glory Football Club to occupy part of the existing City administration building at Fremantle Oval – and Ken Allen Field in Beaconsfield, which is where the Club called offside at www.streetwisemedia.com.au/footy-heritage-ditched-for-a-few-pieces-of-glory and www.streetwisemedia.com.au/were-going-there-no-matter-what-perth-glory-owner-tony-sage.
In October, StreetWise issue #18 previewed the opening of Fremantle’s new Old Courthouse, the history of early 20th century ‘streetwalkers’ and ancient dinosaur prints photographed during a visit to Broome.
The same month, Bob’s Shore Store contacted StreetWise about a ‘sorry saga’ in which a simple parking fine and attempt to address problems in Fremantle reflect a deeper malaise affecting businesses struggling with COVID restrictions. The infringement was dropped after StreetWise published Bob’s criticisms of the City at www.streetwisemedia.com.au/kick-in-the-shins-for-freo-shoe-icon.
Election October 16. Former mayor Brad Pettitt, elected to parliament in March, is replaced by Hannah Fitzhardinge, consolidating Labor’s control and influence in local government. The slightly new council ends the year with a $50 million council building, library and playground at Walyalup Koort (formerly Kings Square). Acting CEO Glen Dougall would not say what the damage cost.
In November, in the lead-up to Remembrance Day, StreetWise revisited the HMAS Sydney tragedy and identification after 80 years of the ‘Unknown Sailor’ buried on Christmas Island in February 1942 after the flagship of the Australian navy was sunk by the German raider HSK Kormoran off Carnarvon at www.streetwisemedia.com.au/unknown-sydney-sailor-named-after-80-years and www.streetwisemedia.com.au/freos-war-at-home.
In early December, StreetWise joined Ngaarda Media in Roebourne to report on a series of reports including TV icon Ernie Dingo’s campaign to boost COVID19 vaccination rates in Indigenous communities in WA at www.ngaardamedia.com.au/news/ernie-dingo-kicks-off-his-roebourne-tour-at-the-50c-hall.
Thanks to sponsors and supporters SCOOP Property, Bullocks Freightmasters International, The National Hotel, Portorosa Fremantle, FreeDB Car Stereo, The Hair and Barber Room, Warren’s Menswear, South Freo Continental and Homestyle Salads.
Merry Christmas. Bring on 2022.
