FEDELE CAMARDA is a Fremantle councillor. In this week’s THINKING ALLOWED he talks about Sister City relationships being all the more important given the fraught political climate around the world.

IN October 1992, on the final leg of a backpacking adventure with a couple of mates, we decided to visit Capo d’Orlando. 

One of those mates, Justin Micale, was from a well-known Fremantle family like me, and had grandparents who had migrated to Fremantle many years before.

We were in Santorini at the time, so we thought we would be mad to miss this opportunity to visit Capo d’Orlando.

Fortunately, our other friend, who was of Croatian descent, was also keen. 

We phoned to let our friends know we were coming and jumped on the train. 

The next thing you know we were standing in front of the famous Sanctuary of Maria Santissima on the hill overlooking the town. 

It was a site that we knew about, having seen it in photos back home, and knowing its connection to Fremantle’s Blessing of the Fleet.

The decision to visit Capo Dorlando was one we would never regret. 

From the minute we were greeted at the train station, we received a level of hospitality that was second to none. 

They couldn’t do enough for us. 

We were shown the sights and invited to meet family and friends, many of whom wanted to talk about friends and relatives in Fremantle. 

What struck me most was how familiar the place seemed despite my never having been there before. 

I realised how much of a positive impact the people of Capo d’Orlando as well as other immigrants had made on the Fremantle that we have come to know. 

The names on the shops, on the monuments, the food, gardens and even the weather…. all so familiar! 

Anyone from Fremantle, no matter what your background, would feel that connection.

In July 2023 I was lucky enough to visit again with my wife Georgina on a family holiday. 

By now I was aware that Capo d’Orlando was a Sister City to Fremantle, so out of courtesy we informed mayor Franco Ingrilli and his wife Anita Paparone that we would be visiting. 

Once again, we were overwhelmed by the hospitality that we received and again people talked about their friends and relatives and their visits to Freo. 

They also recalled visits by previous representatives of the City of Fremantle with great enthusiasm, displaying photos and memorabilia in the Town Hall. 

It was on this occasion that I realised how much value and respect that our Sister Cities have for their relationship to Fremantle.

The relationship is a reciprocal one. 

In October last year a delegation from Capo d’Or Lando visited Fremantle to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Madonna di Capo d’Orlando. 

The group was led by Anita Paparone, representing the mayor, and included bishop Giombanco Guglielemo as well as an Italian TV crew. 

• Continued next week.