City of Fremantle wins Local Government Professionals Award

The City of Fremantle has won an award for one of its community development initiatives at the Local Government Professionals Awards.

The City’s ‘Sing, Swing and Mingle’ concert program took out the Partnerships and Collaboration Award at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday night.

Community Development Officer Kay Raymond, who conceived the intergenerational initiative, said she was humbled by the award.

“This program brought so much joy to so many people, regardless of age, capacities or circumstances.

“The young people shared their warmth and infectious energy with the older people, immediately breaking down any barriers associated with ageism.

“It really did prove that you’re never too old to have fun and never too young to grow respect for others,” Ms Raymond said.

The ‘Sing, Swing and Mingle’ program consisted of three free concerts, held in November 2023 and March and June 2024, at the Fremantle Town Hall.

It brought together students from John Curtin College of the Arts and Fremantle College with senior members of the community for live music, dancing and conversation.

Each concert was attended by 120 people. They were co-hosted with the Town of East Fremantle and made possible with grant funding from the Department of Communities and volunteers from the Fremantle Lions Club.

The second part of the project involved visits from The Studio School students to participating aged care facilities, to participate in activities and engage in conversation.

The LG Professionals WA Honour Awards aim to acknowledge, award, and celebrate passionate Local Government Officers who demonstrate an outstanding contribution to the Local Government industry.

The Partnerships and Collaboration Award, one of eight award categories, highlights genuine and effective partnerships and collaborations that have delivered benefits for the local government and the community and demonstrated a commitment to working with the community.

Ms Raymond has been at the City of Fremantle for 17 years, working in the Positive Ageing area for more than half that time.

With such reaffirming feedback on the ‘Sing, Swing and Mingle’ program, the City of Fremantle hopes to be able to partner and collaborate on similar concerts in 2025.

Above image: City of Fremantle Community Development Officer Kay Raymond with the award.