PAULINE CHINNA has been a South Fremantle resident for more than 40 years and previously worked with the Disability Services Commission and the WA Education Department. In this THINKING ALLOWED she says those living in and visiting Freo have a lot to be thankful for.

IN response to  the Thinking Allowed June from June 7 (“An inconvenient truth about Freo”) I feel that all citizens benefit from basic civic literacy and to know that in Australia there are three levels of government. 

These are council (local), state and federal.

Many years ago, when Fremantle markets was opened all day Friday and Saturday mornings there was a strong population shopping inflow from surrounding suburbs on the Saturday morning. 

By the Sunday, and before Notre Dame University, my husband and I were often wandering around a deserted west end of Fremantle enjoying the architecture and the ambience of being in a port city.

I love ports, always have. 

They speak to the possibility of other places and other ways of being. 

They are messy.

When we first moved to South Fremantle we were told that we would never make a dollar and would get knifed. 

Neither scenario has so far eventuated. 

Yes, there have been periods when Fremantle was considered by some as the last place any civilised person would want to visit.

Cleaner

My experience is that in recent years the streets are cleaner and there are plenty of ACROD bays encouraging inclusivity. 

If I now stroll down the west end of Fremantle on a Sunday afternoon there are other people, interesting shops and cafes.

If there are too many convenience stores – some operating as illegal vape suppliers then the forces of the law will operate, as reported under the heading ‘Malls Raid’ in the Herald on June 7, and the laws of supply and demand will soon cause those making a loss to leave.

There may be other global issues involved. 

In recent years global retail has changed because of online shopping. 

Also, there are problems at times with candy and convenience stores – even in places such as London, UK. 

If these issues need further intervention, then concerns can be forwarded to the authorities such as state government and local government persons of interest. 

And perhaps to the landlords who allow these businesses to rent. 

I cannot see what the federal government has to do with the issues raised concerning Fremantle shop occupancies. 

The people who visit Fremantle are not a homogenous group. 

In the recent past, for example, I have been queried by people from a cruise ship wanting to know the way to a specific micro-brewery and a woman from Queensland, also from a cruise ship, buying clothes from my own favourite local designer. 

Vintage

I see young people buying vintage from the various op shops – not everyone wants to contribute to landfill. 

And always, there are people who want a smoke and a cold drink from a convenience store.

The attraction of Fremantle is that, to an extent, all are welcomed and catered for. 

People try to jog along side by side.

I remember talking briefly to a phlebotomist who said that he loved working in Fremantle as it was such a wealth- and class-diverse population and people were generally friendly, polite and accepting of one another.

There seems to be an essence of discontent. 

Why such discontent when here the weather is sublime and the sea breeze soothes while many parts of the world are experiencing flood, fire and war? 

Fremantle is a great place to be. 

Generally, it seems to be well managed. 

Thanks to all those who work hard to make it so.