The contributions of remarkable women who have influenced Western Australia’s history are set to be acknowledged by a new walk trail at Fremantle Cemetery.
The Fremantle Cemetery Historical Women’s Walk Trail will be designed to honour the lives and achievements of some of the notable women who are interred at the cemetery.
Nominations are now open for community members, historians, families, and organisations to put forward women they believe should be acknowledged on the trail.
The project will be managed by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board (MCB) and follows the success of the Walking with Western Australian Women Walk Trail at Karrakatta Cemetery.
“There are many amazing women who contributed to key aspects of WA history, and this nomination process will help to uncover and tell those stories,” said Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley.
“This trail is a wonderful way to honour those women and ensure their contributions are acknowledged and remembered.
“Opening nominations on International Women’s Day is particularly meaningful, and I encourage members of the community to submit a nomination.”
All nominations will be assessed against criteria including historical significance, demonstrated contribution to the State, and alignment with the trail’s interpretive themes.
Where appropriate, MCB will consult with descendant families and cultural groups to ensure biographies are accurate, sensitive, and respectful, the Minister said.
“Western Australia has fascinating and inspirational women who have shaped who we are as a State,” said Women Minister and Fremantle MLA, Simone McGurk.
“The Women’s Walk Trail at Fremantle Cemetery is an opportunity for these remarkable women to be acknowledged, celebrated and remembered.
“Nominations are now open for people to put forward women they believe should be recognised on the trail.”
The trail will be developed throughout 2026, with interpretive materials to be finalised following the assessment of nominations and community consultation.
“This new project continues MCB’s commitment to recognising and celebrating women’s stories, including those that may have been historically overlooked,” said MCB chief executive officer, Kathlene Oliver.
“This trail is an opportunity to acknowledge the many Western Australian women whose lives and legacies deserve greater recognition.
“We encourage community members to share their knowledge, family histories, and local stories to help create a trail that is historically robust, inclusive, and culturally respectful.”
An online nomination form is available on the MCB website: www.mcb.wa.gov.au.
