The City of Fremantle has officially launched its 2026 ChangeMakers program, with Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver welcoming nine emerging leaders at an opening workshop this week. Over the next four months, these young community members will take part in a structured mentorship designed to build their understanding of local government while contributing to meaningful City initiatives.
The City is proud to introduce the 2026 ChangeMakers: Chelsea Seale, Courtney Hitchcock, Ellie Symons, Isobel Wake, Matthew Gee, Melissa Lee, Santiago Bernedo, Saskia Willinge, and Symone Ishak.
Running from March to June 2026, the program includes weekly workshops, mentoring sessions, and site visits that offer participants a behind-the-scenes look at how local government operates. Throughout the program, ChangeMakers will collaborate with City teams, external partners, and community organisations, gaining firsthand experience in civic engagement, policy development, and community decision-making.
Aligned with the City's Strategic Community Plan and Youth Strategy, ChangeMakers ensures young people are actively included, represented, and empowered in shaping Fremantle's future. The program strengthens youth voice in council processes and provides a platform for emerging leaders to influence real outcomes.
The City looks forward to the ideas, energy, and contributions this year's group will bring as they embark on their ChangeMakers journey.
Quotes from the 2026 ChangeMakers:
"Freo is sitting on a crate out the front of Little Loaf with a bacon egg bap in hand. It feels like a town, even though it is very much a city. You become a regular somewhere without trying. You see the same faces at the beach, at the shops, on your morning walk. There is a real civic energy and shared understanding that this is the place to be, and it is worth protecting." Chelsea Seale
"I particularly love how the community culture of Fremantle is focussed around inclusivity and connection. The people of Fremantle understand that we are all part of a collective consciousness, and that issues beyond the scope of just their city are just as important as any other. As an avid reader of the Fremantle Herald, I am constantly reminded of how there are local community members making their voices heard about issues they may be personally passionate about, but that also have a major influence on improving WA across Meso-, Exo-, and Macro-systemic levels." Courtney Hitchcock
"Fremantle is home, it is where I feel most comfortable. I moved here from the eastern states with my partner three years ago and I have found a welcoming community that prides itself on grassroots community action, acceptance of all people and highlighting its strong history as a working class community. It does not shy away from its dark past and makes space to amplify the stories and voices of First Nations people. Fremantle to me is a celebration of all the things worth protecting, promoting and developing in a city, from its arts, history, restaurants, events and community engagement." Matthew Gee
