Politics in the Pub: The Future of Fremantle's CBD
Schedule
Tue Apr 28 2026 at 07:00 pm to 09:00 pm
UTC+08:00Location
The Local Hotel | Fremantle, WA
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Politics in the Pub: The Future of Business in Freo’s CBDThe Local Hotel, 7 – 9pm, Tuesday, April 28
How is business in central Fremantle currently going? Next to the beautiful sites of South Freo, and the retail and party hotspots up toward Perth, what makes historic Freo stand out?
From the restaurants on the Cappuccino Strip, to the artisanal shops on High Street and in the malls, what is the perspective of our local business owners? What do they envision for our CBD, and how can this be informed by the example of other cities from around the world?
The Fremantle Network invite you to the Local Hotel for Politics at the Pub: The Future of Freo’s CBD.
Featuring
- Sarah Booth
2024 Community Citizen of the Year and Churchill fellow, Sarah is a director of the urban renewal organisation Space Market, Secretary of the Fremantle Culture Council, and Community Development lead with the property groups Human Urban and Fini Group. Following a research trip to European cities as part of her Churchill Fellowship, Sarah recently released the resulting report, “Finding Solutions to Commercial Vacancy and Reimagining Life in Our Cities.”
- Ivan Bzeba
Owner/manager of Bennies Café on the Cappuccino strip, Ivan is President of the Board for the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce (FCC), where he also serves as the representative of the night-time economy and hospitality sector.
- Dhruv Grover
From the family-owned Lucky Elephant in the heart of Fremantle’s High Street Mall, Dhruv Grover has created a space that celebrates culture, creativity, and connection. Alongside running the store, he works as a graphic and product designer through Fremantle Design Solutions, bringing a thoughtful, design-led perspective to how Fremantle’s CBD can evolve while staying true to its character.
- Melanie Clark
Owner of the artisan store Remedy on High Street, Melanie is a proponent of slow shopping for ethically produced jewellery, textiles, incense and artwork – all of which have long come first to mind when people think about shopping in Fremantle. Melanie is a fourth generation Fremantle local, and believes that it is Fremantle’s creative side that makes the city so special. Melanie is also a Fremantle Councillor for North Ward, though this evening she is speaking in her capacity as a business owner.
Our MC for the evening is Chrissie Maus, CEO of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and Chairperson of Destination Perth.
Spread the word. No bookings required. Free event. Arrive early for a seat. Stay late for serendipity.
See you at The Local!
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Where is it happening?
The Local Hotel, 282 South Tce,Fremantle,WA,AustraliaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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