The City of Fremantle is excited to announce Nicole Lockwood as the new Independent Chair of its Destination Development Working Group (DDWG). Ms Lockwood brings a wealth of economic development experience to the role, with extensive tenure on many boards, proven leadership as a Chair, and active involvement with Fremantle stakeholders.
Her involvement in major state-level strategic initiatives also demonstrates her ability to provide advice that supports the goals of the City's Economic Development Strategy.
Director of City Business Matt Hammond said Ms Lockwood's experience will be valuable in helping the Working Group broaden its focus from tourism to a more diverse approach that attracts investment in Fremantle.
"Following recent updates to the DDWG terms of reference and the adoption of the City's new Economic Development Strategy, the working group is broadening its focus to provide guidance on the City's wider economic development priorities. This includes using the 'This is Fremantle' brand to promote Fremantle not only as a visitor destination, but also as a great place to live and invest," Mr Hammond said.
"We welcome Nicole to the City and we look forward to working with her."
Ms Lockwood shared her thoughts on her appointment.
"I am delighted to be appointed to this role at such a critical time for the City of Fremantle. As the new home of West Tech Fest, Fremantle is expanding its reach to be an innovation hub and a centre of economic diversification. I'm looking forward to connecting with the essential partners in Fremantle's economy to build on the strength of the work achieved to date," Ms Lockwood said.
Nicole Lockwood was the strongest of three candidates who applied. The term of the appointment aligns with the timing of the next Local Government Election scheduled for October 2027, at which point all working groups and their membership are required to be reviewed and endorsed by Council.
The City would like to pay tribute to outgoing Independent Chair Linda Wayman, who successfully established the 'This is Fremantle' brand as a tool for growing tourism and visitation to Fremantle.
"We extend our deepest thanks to Linda for providing guidance, advice and advocacy as the Chair of the Destination Development Working Group since its inception in 2018, marking an incredible eight-year tenure," Mr Hammond said.
"During Linda's time as Chair she oversaw the delivery of two strategies, the establishment and successful role out of the 'This is Fremantle' brand, creation of key brand assets such as the Visit Fremantle website, annual holiday planner and other key digital assets, several significant campaigns and the crowning of Fremantle as Australia's Top Tourism town. This was alongside the City winning multiple gold in the WA and National Tourism Awards and subsequently being admitted to the WA Tourism Awards Hall of Fame."
Ms Wayman is currently on the board of Tourism Australia and is a past Tourism Western Australia board member.
"Linda is handing over the baton as the City looks to diversify its focus beyond tourism and continues to promote Fremantle as a place to live, work, invest and visit," Mr Hammond said.
