Draft:Hannah Fitzhardinge
Hannah Fitzhardinge | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Fremantle | |
| In office 20 October 2021 – 22 October 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Brad Pettitt |
| Succeeded by | Ben Lawver |
| Commissioner of Tourism Western Australia | |
| Assumed office 4 February 2026 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Hannah Katherine Fitzhardinge December 5, 1980 |
| Spouse | Tim Macknay |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | Curtin University |
| Occupation | Politician; communications executive |
Hannah Katherine Fitzhardinge (born 5 December 1980) is an Australian local government politician and communications executive who served as the Mayor of Fremantle from 2021 to 2025. She was the second woman to hold the position in the city's history. Following her mayoral term, she was appointed as a Commissioner for Tourism Western Australia in February 2026.
Early life and education
[edit]Fitzhardinge grew up in North Fremantle. She attended the Beehive Montessori School and later graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Politics.[1] She also holds a Certificate in Coaching from the International Coaching Council and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Professional career
[edit]Before entering local government, Fitzhardinge worked in corporate public affairs, government approvals and strategic communications, including roles in the resources sector. She has worked as a director, coach and facilitator with a Perth-based leadership development organisation, and has served on boards including the Rottnest Island Authority, the Beehive Montessori School and ARTRAGE.[2]
Political career
[edit]Fremantle City Council
[edit]Fitzhardinge was elected to Fremantle City Council in a by-election for Beaconsfield Ward in 2016, following the resignation of Josh Wilson, and re-elected in the 2017 local government elections.[3]
Mayor of Fremantle
[edit]She was elected Mayor of Fremantle in October 2021, succeeding long-serving mayor Brad Pettitt.[4] Her platform emphasised infrastructure and basic services, economic revitalisation, and inclusive community engagement.[5]
In March 2025, under provisions that apply when the Lord Mayor of Perth vacates the office, Fitzhardinge was appointed Acting Lord Mayor of Perth.[6]
Policies and priorities
[edit]Fitzhardinge has advocated for maintaining and improving local infrastructure such as footpaths and public facilities, revitalising Fremantle’s central business district, supporting small business and the creative sector, and ensuring sustainable infill housing development.[7] She has been critical of Western Australia’s postal voting system for local government elections, describing it as "antiquated" and disenfranchising.[8] As Mayor, she has supported the City’s emissions reduction and waste recovery programs.[9]
Controversies
[edit]In 2025 Fitzhardinge apologised to the Fremantle Society and its president following a social media post made during National Reconciliation Week that was alleged to have defamed the organisation.[10] The matter was also reported by local newspaper the Fremantle Herald, which stated that the Society had threatened legal action.[11]
Personal life
[edit]Fitzhardinge lives in Hilton with her husband Tim and daughter Edie.[12] She describes her leadership approach as approachable and community-focused, calling herself a “coffee shop mayor.”[5]
Electoral history
[edit]| Year | Position | Candidate | Vote count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Councillor, Beaconsfield Ward | Hannah Fitzhardinge | Not available | Not available |
| 2017 | Councillor, Beaconsfield Ward | Hannah Fitzhardinge | Not available | Not available |
| 2021 | Mayor of Fremantle | Hannah Fitzhardinge | Not available | 46.14% |
| 2025 | Acting Lord Mayor of Perth | Hannah Fitzhardinge | Not applicable | Not applicable |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "Hannah Fitzhardinge". City of Fremantle Local History Centre. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ↑ "Speaker Bio: Hannah Fitzhardinge". Facilities Management Association of Australia. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ↑ "Interview with Hannah Fitzhardinge". Fremantle Shipping News. 4 June 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ↑ "Hannah Fitzhardinge Romps Home as Freo's Next Mayor". Fremantle Shipping News. 16 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- 1 2 Cite error: The named reference
FreoCouncilwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ↑ "Hannah Fitzhardinge appointed Acting Lord Mayor of Perth". Council News. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ↑ "Hannah Fitzhardinge". Freotopia. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ↑ Hannah Fitzhardinge (2 September 2021). "Antiquated postal voting system disenfranchises West Aussies". The West Australian. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ↑ "Elected Members". Resource Recovery Group. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ↑ "Fremantle mayor apologises to Fremantle Society and president for comments". PerthNow. 30 May 2025. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ↑ "Legal threat over racism post". Fremantle Herald. 30 May 2025. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ↑ "Vote Hannah Fitzhardinge". Vote Hannah Campaign. 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2025.