Sam launches "FreoReport" website

Sam has launched a new website - FreoReport.net - to let residents know about what's going on at Fremantle Council.

From the site, residents can also subscribe to Sam's email list which will cover reports from the council and other issues affecting the people of Fremantle.

"Of course the council itself publishes minutes but I will be aiming to give people a bit of more of a sense of who said what and also about the kind of action people can take to make a difference on the important issues before council."

This website will no longer be updated and new info will go on FreoReport.net.

Thanks to all who supported my campaign

[On the right is a paid advertisement in the Fremantle Herald. Below is the text of a letter I've submitted to the Herald.]

I’d like to extend a big thanks to everyone who supported my council election campaign. I believe council can and should be trying to get greater community participation in decision making, involve in community life people who are often excluded, take a lead on protecting the environment and stick up for workers rights. If I can make even a small contribution in this regard it will have been worthwhile.

I’d also like to acknowledge the other candidates for Hilton Ward. We’re all pretty passionate about our ideas on how to improve our community, but there was no mud-slinging or dirty stuff. Outgoing councillor Alice King as well as fellow candidates Bob Smith, Dave Hume and Frank Acocella were all quick to wish me well and I thank them for it.

Furthermore there were some areas where we were in strong agreement; such as the desperate need for proper public toilets that meet modern accessibility requirements at the Hilton shops, and improving public transport use through a Fremantle Free Transit Zone and an eastern CAT service reaching into suburbs such as Beaconsfield, Hilton and Samson. I hope we can make some progress on these two issues soon.

Thanks again,

Sam Wainwright
(Councillor, Hilton Ward)

Sam sworn in to council

Sam Wainwright being sworn in as a Fremantle City Councillor
19 October 2009


Sam's (temporary) council name plate


Fremantle Council


Sam with campaign manager Justine Kamprad

Victory for Sam by 100 votes

Sam Wainwright won 438 votes (33.44%) - over 100 more votes than Sam's nearest competitor and enough to put him over the line for the Hilton Ward of Fremantle Council.

Official election results are here.

At a victory celebration last night, Sam told supporters that this victory was for the whole Socialist Alliance and the diverse supporters of his campaign. He was proud that this campaign had been successful while being fully open about his socialist, environmentalist and unionist convictions.

Sam is the first Socialist Alliance member to be elected to a local government position in Australia.

First round of letterboxing - whole ward covered

We had a great time over the weekend (Aug 1-2) during which we letterboxed the whole of Hilton Ward (see map to left).

There were a number of people helping including: wharf workers, community workers, anti-nuclear & climate action campaigners, local school teachers, students and other O'Connor & Hilton residents.

It was a great efffort. THANKS to all involved!!! See you all soon.

We support Sam for Fremantle Council

"Sam is an excellent candidate for Fremantle Council. He’s been involved in working class struggles for nearly twenty years. The MUA gives him full support and wishes him well because we know he can do the job." Chris Cain Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia

"Sam would be a great asset to the council. He will be dedicaded to the idea of including everyones views and creating a platform to help people get involved in their community." Justine Kamprad Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (Womens and Apprentice Welfare Officer) Chamberlain Street Resident

"Sam will get things done. He is a campaigner, not someone who just raises issues but someone who does something about them." Geoff Walton Fremantle Port Authority worker Returned serviceman Anti-nuclear campaigner

"I have known Sam Wainwright for well over ten years, and have campaigned with him on many issues. I find him very dedicated and committed to any cause that he is involved in. I have no doubt that if elected; he will be totally committed and a great asset to not only the constituents of the Hilton Ward, but to the greater Fremantle Council. I wish him all the best for his campaign, and I encourage everyone to consider voting for Sam, and supporting him your representative on the Fremantle Council." David Fox Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (WA State Vice President) boiler maker and environmentalist

"I support Sam because he passionately believes in trying to positively involve everyone in community life." Sanna Andrew Joslin St resident Community mental health worker Aboriginal Rights Coalition activist

[Organisations listed for identification purposes only.]