News > News > cof_rsl

City of Fremantle re-affirms its support for RSL

THE City of Fremantle has re-affirmed its commitment to the memorandum of understanding it has with the Returned and Services League of Australia (WA), following Wednesday night's council meeting.

A decision was made to allow the Australian American Association to hold its commemoration service for the Battle of the Coral Sea at the main Fremantle War Memorial, located in the centre of Monument Hill.

City of Fremantle CEO Graeme Mackenzie said it was important to acknowledge the war memorial was first and foremost a community facility – but it was felt the RSL and their affiliates were best equipped to deal with protocol issues.

“The city has always prided itself on being inclusive and recognising all community groups, sharing its facilities in a manner that is most appropriate for the event or function in question,” he said.

“The memorandum of understanding with RSL (WA) is designed to foster better communication between the City of Fremantle and the various organisations wishing to use the Fremantle War Memorial.”

Mr Mackenzie described the Fremantle War Memorial as integral part of the City of Fremantle, dedicated to remembering those who had died in past wars – Australians and people from other countries who helped to defend Australia.

“It gives a magnificent, almost 360-degree view of Fremantle, and its gardens are kept in a pristine condition, which is why it’s so consistently used for memorial services,” he said.

“At the end of the day, the fact so many people wish to use the Fremantle War Memorial for commemoration services harks back to what our veterans were fighting for in the first place – the ability to share thoughts and pay respect under a sky of freedom.

“The City of Fremantle is committed to the MoU with RSL (WA) and is happy to continue working with them on matters that are important to so many members of our community.”