City Of Fremantle to celebrate Australia on January 28 next year

Header image via City Of Fremantle/Facebook.

The City Of Fremantle have announced today that in 2017 people wishing the celebrate Australia can do so at 'One Day In Fremantle', taking over the Freo Esplanade on Saturday 28 January. It'll be a familiy friendly, culturally-inclusive alternative to Australia Day celebrations, and one that will host performances from John Butler, Mama Kin and one of today's Like A Version stars, Dan Sultan.

“I feel very honoured and privileged to be part of One Day in Fremantle. It takes bold steps to move forward as a community and I really commend the City of Fremantle for their vision to create a space and a moment that is culturally sensitive and inclusive. A day in which all Australians can happily celebrate and invest in,” said John Butler.

It's already ruffled plenty of feathers, although to be fair - as it can be easy to focus on the angry, vocal minority - there definitely seems to be a lot more people on the "this is a great idea" side of the fence. And why wouldn't you be? The City Of Fremantle isn't banning anyone from celebrating on the traditional date of January 26, it's just providing an alternative to those who are after something else:

“We are immensely proud to have artists of this calibre join Fremantle to celebrate diversity, inclusion and acceptance for all Australians. Whether it’s enjoying live music or participating in engaging art and cultural activities, this event is for all Australians to unite and celebrate on one day,” said Fremantle Mayor Dr. Brad Pettitt.

It'll also be hosted by singer/songwriter Gina Williams and include a Welcome to Country by Marie Taylor and Dr. Richard Walley OAM. A citizenship ceremony will welcome new Australians from around the world.

There will also be the opportunity to engage in a series of conversations hosted by locals and guests to encourage others to share their ideas and what they love about celebrating Australia, to help shape future events.

It will be held at the Esplanade Reserve in Fremantle on Saturday 28 of January from 2-8pm. For more information, visit the City of Freo WEBSITE.