A series of thought-provoking lectures and interactive walking tours will celebrate Fremantle’s West End’s history as part of the City’s 2016 Fremantle Heritage Festival program at The University of Notre Dame Australia from 27 May to 5 June.
Reflecting Notre Dame’s Festival theme of Stories from our Very Being, a number of free public lectures and tours will be held throughout the program – providing insights to the key figures, community troubles, historical landmarks and mass media influences that shaped Fremantle society throughout its history.
Robert Drewe, one of Australia’s favourite writers, will launch the Festival with his keynote address on 27 May, sharing untold stories of his time as a cadet reporter in Fremantle during the roaring 70s.
In the days that follow, Notre Dame’s popular storytellers will provide free talks on Fremantle’s colourful history, including the early Swan River, Fremantle’s poignant history of war, the dark side of the town’s ‘underworld’, and the inspiring rebellions of the Fenian convicts.
The program concludes with a special lecture by Notre Dame’s Senior Lecturer in Archaeology, Dr Shane Burke. Dr Burke will provide a first-hand insight into fascinating artefacts unearthed from years of excavation in Fremantle’s West End.
“The Fremantle Heritage Festival is a significant community event on Notre Dame’s annual calendar where we delve into the life and times of one of WA’s oldest communities to ensure its stories live on for many generations to come,” Associate Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, Professor Deborah Gare said.
“Our exciting program for 2016 brings the vibrant, human histories of Fremantle to life. We hope this encourages everyone to continue this great art of storytelling, sharing the tales of this vibrant city and the personalities that have contributed its longevity.”
To download a copy of Notre Dame’s Fremantle Heritage Festival event program and to register your attendance, please visit http://www.nd.edu.au/events/heritage2016.