The smoke had barely cleared from the shock announcement the city was going to cancel the Australia Day fireworks when rumblings emerged of a business led revival of the Australia Day event.

The great news is your Fremantle Business Improvement District has been working in the background to support an alternative, family friendly, Australia Day event which will culminate with a Fireworks display.

Whilst there was lots of anger in the media, what was really important was to make something happen.  Any day of 50,000 visitors come to the city for an event is a good day and there are positive effects for all businesses and the community.

“You may have seen some articles in the paper or heard commentary on the radio, but we are pleased to announce that we have approval from the City to run an event and fireworks with the BID as facilitator and co-ordinator.” commented BID Chairperson Danielle Cattalini.

Henry Liascos of Cicerello’s and a BID Board member, together with the Fishing Boat Harbour Traders Group have been able to move quickly to develop plans for the alternative event.

“They were after all behind the initial ‘Cracker Nights’ when fireworks were first brought to Fremantle on Australia Day about 10 years ago.  Henry and other businesses have expressed to BID how important this event is not just for the one day and economic benefits for business but as an opportunity for the community come together, celebrate, provide inclusion and promote Fremantle It is a day, which over the years has seen tens of thousands of happy families enjoying this day in in Fremantle” says Danielle.

“There is lots to still organise and we look forward to keeping all of our members updated, we hope many businesses will be able to contribute in some way to making this event happen.  We are much stronger and effective when we work together.”

Look out for the Fremantle BID annual general meeting which is coming up very soon.  “All members should attend to hear an organisation update from your directors, but this is also a great opportunity to network with other CBD based businesses” commented Danielle.  The Fremantle BID AGM will be held on Tuesday 12th of October at the BID member business the Federal Hotel.