Council funding allocation to Fremantle Football Club AFLW and AFL teams, 24.7.26

The City's response to Ten News and 9News about a Council funding allocation to Fremantle Football Club AFLW and AFL teams, 24.7.26

9News -
Question: How many years has this 50k been put aside for dockers afl celebrations?
Answer: This will be the second year the City of Cockburn has set aside funds to enable our community to celebrate with the Cockburn-based Fremantle Football Club if its AFL team makes it into the AFL Grand Final.
 
In September 2025, the Council approved a $50,000 allocation to be sourced from the City’s surplus budget for this purpose. As the funding was conditional on the team reaching the Grand Final, the funding was not required.
 
The City and FFC entered a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2023 to collaborate in areas of mutual interest, including community sport, community development, sustainability and advocacy.
 
Facilitating our community to join in a local Grand Final celebration is just one example of shared initiatives that enhance community participation and deliver positive outcomes for both organisations.
 
As one of only 18 local governments across Australia that are home to an Australian Football League and Australian Football League Women’s Club, our City is proud to be the home of the Dockers.

Ten News -
Question: Was the community consulted on the spend?
Answer: No.
 
Question: Was the recent rate rise considered in this decision?
Answer: The decision on the annual budget and rate level was made at a Special Council Meeting on 30 June 2026.
The decision on the Fremantle Football Club funding allocation was made at the Council meeting 14 July 2026.
The total allocation of $100,000 for AFL and AFLW activation is to be met from funds reallocated as part of Council’s adopted 2026-27 events funding approach.
This will not impact the approved budget allocations for the Council determined Calendar of Events.
 
Question: What form will the events take? Is it one event with multiple activations or events held over multiple days?
Answer: This is being discussed in consultation with Fremantle Football Club now that Council has endorsed a budget allocation.