TIME TO CLEAN UP THE MORNING MESS

 

Business owners in the Fremantle CBD have been complaining for many years about homeless people sleeping in their shop entrances. It is not so much that they don’t want the poor bastards to find some shelter, but that many of the rough sleepers leave their rubbish behind. Bousfield in High Street had signs on the windows asking not to urinate and defecate in their shop entrance, and I have heard many reports from shop owners finding crap on their doorsteps when they want to open for business.

These problems are not unique to Fremantle, as the same issues arise in Perth, Midland, etc, but that means nothing to our Freo business owners who are keen for our council and state government to come up with solutions.

Business owners assume it is local council’s responsibility to clean up the mess, but that is arguable, because the mess is left on private property. However as far as I know the City of Fremantle will send a cleaner if business owners request it.

Homelessness is a huge problem for our society. More than 5,000 people sleep rough in Western Australia every night. Perth Lord Mayor wannabe Basil Zempilas has declared that if elected he would forcefully remove homeless people from Perth, but that would be unlawful. As senior WA police have pointed out many times, it is not illegal to be homeless. Question is though if sleeping on private property/doorways is trespassing and hence unlawful.

I absolutely sympathise with affected business owners, as it is disgusting to have to clean up the stinking mess many homeless people leave behind, but I also feel extremely sorry for those who have to sleep rough when it is wet and cold.

There is not enough social housing and we are not making inroads, with more and more people sleeping on the street and the waiting list for social housing growing yearly.

When walking through the West End of Fremantle most mornings I am annoyed how messy it looks with rubbish all over the place and in the doorways of businesses, so Fremantle Council should consider a cleaning strategy, because even as late at 10am on a Sunday there is still rubbish everywhere along High Street. We can’t just put this in the too hard basket and business owners deserve support! The City of Fremantle can make a start by extending the early morning cleaning of the Cappuccino Strip to High Street.

Roel Loopers

THE FREMANTLE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19

 

Business in Freo-Through the lockdown and beyond was the theme of the monthly Fremantle Network meeting at The Local in South Fremantle last evening. The network had been unable to meet for several months due to Covid-19, so good to see around 50 people turning up for it and Steve Grant of the Fremantle Herald for the first time being the moderator.

Piers Verstegen of the Conservation Council said we are lucky to live in one of the most isolated parts of the world and that the WA government’s approach to Covid recovery was different from that of the federal government. It is important to have community-lead projects where we get involved and have input. We need to have a rethink where jobs come from, because that is not the resources industry, with huge opportunities for the renewable, conservation, cultural and care industries.

The pandemic had changed the role of governments and there needs to be a way we can control the economy, and as voting patterns show people are feeling really dis-empowered. “How do we collectively shape where the economy goes? There needs to be a change of attitude.”

It was especially important to consider the impact Covid had on the employment of women, because they worked in a higher percentage in severely affected industries such as hospitality and tourism.

Dave Furness, who owns the Carriage cafe on the Esplanade with his partner Rochelle, and who is also the managing director of  resources engineering company WENCO in O’Connor, said the outlook for 2020 had been great until Covid-19 turned the world upside down. It had been a priority for him to extensively communicate with the 80+ staff, consider cash flow, prepare for the future and consider that there could be another spike in WA in the future, if we are forced to re-open the state’s borders. “At the moment it is a great place and things are in control, but we are still vulnerable, Furness said. “WA is keeping the Australian economy going!”

Councillor Frank Mofflin, who is leading Fremantle Council’s Covid Recovery Group, said he was very optimistic where Fremantle currently is and where we will be in 12-18 months from now. Freo is so well positioned after Covid, but when will that be? The challenges we face now and post Covid are not unique to Fremantle, and many businesses had adapted very well with more on-line trade, take away food, home deliveries of goods, etc.

Great management by the state government and a truckload of luck has put WA in a good position and that is helping us build confidence in our community. We need to market Fremantle as the place that dealt with the virus challenges in the best possible way!

Mofflin said that over 80 per cent of investment in Fremantle has come from the private sector, and that showed they had confidence in Fremantle’s future.

Councillor Rachel Pemberton stood in for Michelle Mackenzie of Shelter Australia, whose mother had died recently, and said that it had been an amazing effort by the WA government and all governments really to cope with the impact of Covid-19. The lockdown was also an inspiring time, where we had time to slow down and think about what is important and about our families. The pandemic is still a risk and it had been disappointing to hear that vulnerable people had been refuses residential leases, because the federal government had ruled that no one could be evicted before November. Many landlords were not happy with that restriction, so preferred not to sign new leases. That meant we noticed many more people living on the street in Fremantle.

The beginning of Freo’s transition and renewal had been delayed because of the pandemic and there was a need for more crisis support and social housing, with a start made with the state’s Common Ground project in Perth. People who never needed any help were suddenly forced to seek support.

The government’s Jobseeker money had made a huge difference and given many people self respect and pride, because they were able to go shopping for new clothes and other necessities they previously could not afford. Pemberton said we can grow the economy without killing the planet. “We need to put people first in our economy?”

There was unfortunately not much time left for the Q&A, but it was sobering to hear Piers Verstegen tell that there are 5,000 people on the waiting list for social housing in WA, but that we are going backwards, rather than making inroads here.

The Fremantle Network are really good community forums and I wonder if it would be possible to live stream them, so that people who don’t feel comfortable going out at night could watch it from the safety of their home.

Roel Loopers

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC AND PEOPLE

 

 

Mark LaHogue’s smiling face is well known around Fremantle. The owner of The Record Finder shop is seen walking to his shop with large vinyl records under his arm every morning of the week.

Mark’s father started the shop in New Zealand in 1966 and when he decided to quit Mark took over. He has been trading now in Freo since 1985 and his sister is also working there. Now that’s a family business!

The Record Finder has many thousands of vinyls, but also sells CDs, DVDs, books, posters and record players. It is a great place for a slow browse and to soak up the ambience.

Mark says he does not do it for the money, but for his love of music and people. “Music connects people and makes them happy and it is a great escape from all the negativity in the world. I have three generations of the same families coming to my shop, so music connects families as well. I am trying to make people happy!”

Mark has some old test pressings of the Beatles and Animals, bought in from an engineer who used to work at the Apple recording studios in London.

Mark was open every day during the Covid-19 lock down and says that more people are visiting the shop and Fremantle because they can’t travel overseas and are now exploring their own state.

The Record Finder is at 43 High Street in Fremantle’s historic West End and open every day of the week.

http://www.therecordfinder.com  and is on Facebook

Go for a browse. Have a chat with Mark and support a really nice guy and his small business!

Roel Loopers

This is a free business support service of not for profit Freo’s View!

BUSINESS IN FREO THROUGH LOCKDOWN AND BEYOND

 

The Fremantle Network and Politics in the Pub gather for the first time after the Covid-19 lock down on Tuesday, July 28 at 6.30 at The Local in South Fremantle

The COVID-19 lockdown had major impacts on business in the port city. Taps at well-loved and brand-new pubs ran dry, and restaurants took to providing takeaway through the window. Retail slowed to a crawl, as we went from treasure hunting at op-shops and boutique stores to working from home in pyjama pants. Jobs and events took a hit, while new and creative ways of getting-by revitalised communities. There are stories to be told and insights to be had here.

The Fremantle Network and Politics in the Pub are excited to present our first post-lockdown event: Business in Freo: through the lockdown and beyond. Come for a drink and a bite in company at the Local Hotel. Share your lockdown experiences and join the discussion over what’s next for work and life in Freo. We start at 7pm and encourage you to arrive earlier for friendly conversation.

Speakers are Michelle Mackenzie, CEO of Shelter Australia, Piers Verstegen, Executive Director of the Conservation Council of WA, Dave Furness, of the Carriage Cafe and Group General Manager of Wenco, and Councillor Frank Mofflin, Head of the Fremantle Covid Recovery Group.

Roel Loopers

FREE HELP TO KICKSTART FREO SMALL BUSINESSES

 

The offer of FREE PR, copy writing and photography support to help kick start small Fremantle businesses has been embraced by quite a few traders and that is keeping Ingrid, Saffi and I busy, but we have not communicated well what it is about, so here it is:

THREE PROFESSIONAL CREATIVES HELP KICKSTART LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES

We are three Fremantle creatives who love Freo and have come together to provide a one-off service to local traders who have been affected by the Corona Virus restrictions and shutdowns.

If your small business is opening, re-opening or struggling to stay open, we’d like to give you a boost to let people know where you are and what you do.

SO WHO ARE WE?
Saffi Ali: Professional Photographer
http://www.facebook.com/saff.ali.7
0420 786 321

Ingrid Waltham: Advertising copywriter, online content writer and journalist. thewritingeditor@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingEditor/?modal=admin_todo_tour
http://www.thewritingeditor.com.au

Roel Loopers: Professional photographer and Freo’s well-known and well-respected blogger. 
roelloopers48@gmail.com
http://www.freoview.wordpress.com

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?
Any one or more of the following:
A complimentary photographic session (business premises and surrounds)
Tailored written content that you can use in advertising, social media or your website
Advice on ways to promote your business
Inclusion in Roel’s widespread blog, Freoview
Promotion of your business throughout our own networks and connections

This is a one-off service to small, local businesses in Fremantle and East Fremantle and is not intended to be part of an ongoing campaign, however we can provide further professional marketing services at negotiated rates if required.
This complimentary offer is available until 30 June 2020.

Call or email any one of us if we can help you!

Roel Loopers

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT BITCHES BREW

 

 

What a great attitude and community spirit! I bumped into Ruth and Nigel of Freo’s BITCHES BREW framers, printers and art space and wondered why they still keep their shop open.

They were adamant that they have an obligation to the community and businesses around them, and although there was very little trade for them they wanted to have the shop open to support the local cafes and few shops that are still trading.

If the Covid-19 crisis is the perfect period to redecorate your home, go and get photo prints done, pictures framed or buy works from local artists at Bitches Brew. They are gorgeous people!

The shop is near the corner of Pakenham Street and opposite Cafe 55 and Lee’s newsagency.

Roel Loopers

CONSIDERATE PROPERTY OWNERS AHEAD OF THE GAME

 

It is good to read in the POST community paper that landlords in the western suburbs are a lot more considerate than the owner of the property leased to the Fremantle Chart&Map Shop in Collie Street, who were evicted.

The POST reports that FJM Properties, which owns dozens of properties in Claremont, Subiaco and West Leederville will not charge any rent to tenants who have closed their shops, and once they re-open there won’t be any back rent to be paid either.

That is the kind of community spirit we are also asking Fremantle property owners to engage in. Bars, restaurants, and pubs were all forced to close, because of the Covid-19 restrictions, and cafes are only allowed to sell take-away.

People have been asked to stay at home and only leave for essential food shopping, so many retailers also had to close because there are no shoppers around.

Property owners need to ask themselves if it is better to have vacant shops once the coronavirus is contained, or if they’d rather have good tenants in there who will be paying rent again. It seems a no-brainer to me.

Roel Loopers

STATE GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATES CHART&MAP SHOP EVICTION

 

 

All is not lost for the owners of Fremantle Chart&Map Shop in Collie Street, who were evicted by their inconsiderate and selfish landlord.

I hear that the WA Minister for Small Business Paul Papalia has asked the Commissioner for Small Business to investigate this matter.

The Prime Minister announced a moratorium on evictions of tenants only a few days ago, so one has to see if the eviction is against those new regulations.

What is very disappointing here is that the property owner shows a serious lack of corporate responsibility and community spirit. It’s just not the Freo way to not support those who need a helping hand.

How can it possibly be better to get to the other end of the Covid-19 crisis with a vacant shop, instead of still having a tenant there who has been there for 25 years? The narrow-mindedness of the landlord’s decision is mind blowing.

Support the Chart&Map Shop! Contact your state and federal politicians!!

Roel Loopers

FREMANTLE CHART&MAP SHOP EVICTED

 

 

The first Fremantle business tragedy has been revealed with the owner of the Chart&Map Shop in Collie Street, which has been trading there for 25 years, announcing they have been evicted by the property owner. This is his story:

Hey everyone, amidst the turmoil of life in 2020 and countless unhappy stories, I have one of my own. We have been evicted.

This crisis has been tough on the map shop and we just haven’t been able to make the rent. After 25 years, this stupid virus and the unwillingness of some to negotiate have brought about the end of an era. And, honestly, it’s breaking my heart.

Near on two thirds of my life have been in this building. From the early days watching dad lean against the counter talking boat with the saltiest of dogs (I wish he was still here, he always knew what to do), through the times after mum and dad retired when we were still small and my sister and I would fill our days racing some crappy crossword or attempting to memorize all the capital cities (my favourite is still Ouagadougou), to the heady days before the likes of Amazon stomped on everything and into the struggles of modern retail. All of it has been in this place.

I promise it’s not the end for us yet, but it is the end of us in this building. I’m not sure what the next move is, I’m still figuring that out, but as of the end April our 30 days will be up and we will no longer be at 14 Collie Street. Just like that. So long you big beautiful blue bastard.

This is incredibly sad and so unfair on the business owners. I hope that another property owner will offer them a shop at an affordable rent, so that they can keep on trading. Life is a bastard sometimes!

It is my understanding though that the Prime Minister said there was a six months moratorium on evictions from rental properties, both business and private, so fight it!

Roel Loopers

 

DISAPPOINTING SUPPORT FOR FREO BUSINESSES.

 

I am very disappointed that Fremantle Council is only offering a deferral of rent payment during these incredibly difficult times, and only for businesses who have closed or partially closed.

Up to six months deferral of rent payment on City-owned properties from the time of full or partial closure of the business.

I am well aware that the City of Fremantle is financially struggling, and now that there is hardly any income from parking fees and fines the Freo coffers will look much worse soon, but we need to back our business community, because once the Covid-19 crisis is over we want to see Freo back as soon as possible to its old vibrancy.

To just defer rental payment won’t be enough for many businesses, and they will not re-open when all this is over. It is not good enough, Freo Council! Scrap the rents for at least six months, instead of the token gesture of deferring payment!

Roel Loopers