Fremantle Business Awards Honor Local Enterprises

Little Creatures, a popular Fremantle brewery, has been inducted into the port city’s hall of fame during the annual Fremantle Business Awards ceremony. The event celebrated the accomplishments of Fremantle’s varied business landscape, hosting over 200 attendees at the Esplanade Hotel.

The hotel itself was one of nine contenders in the accommodation category, which was ultimately won by the boutique Hougoumont Hotel. The awards night was marked by glamour and excitement, co-hosted once again by Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge and Fremantle Chamber of Commerce CEO Chrissie Maus.

Chrissie Maus emphasized the significance of the awards and the public voting process leading up to it, stating it highlighted the exceptional quality of Fremantle’s eclectic businesses and their dedicated workforce.

Several sectors were recognized during the awards, with Australian Global Exports winning the ocean economy category, North Fremantle Chiropractics taking the wellness and beauty award, and CircusWA triumphing in the creative industries category.

South Fremantle’s bespoke artisanal store Zhuzh was victorious in the retail category, offering a range of Australian creative goods and international designer items. In a rare outcome, the business person of the year award resulted in a tie between Mel Jacobs, operations manager of Little Creatures Brewing, and Tim Buckton, co-owner of Warders Hotel.

Gage Roads Freo earned the title of Fremantle’s best bar, while Emily Taylor Bar & Kitchen and Benny’s Bar and Cafe were named the best cafe/restaurant and best entertainment venue, respectively.

The WA Maritime Museum was recognized as the best tourism attraction, with the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation receiving the award for community organization. Other notable winners included Digital Hitmen for business and professional services, Warders Hotel Group for property development, and EV Charging Systems for sustainable enterprise.