This is Fremantle Aspire Awards

THIS IS FREMANTLE is proud to announce the opening of the 2026 Aspire Awards in partnership with Business Events Perth. The Aspire Award supports Western Australian professionals, researchers and academics to attend leading international conferences aligned to their field of expertise. 

For more than 25 years, the Aspire Awards have enabled Western Australian experts to share knowledge, build international connections and engage with global leaders in their industries. In doing so, the program helps elevate the profile of WA research and capability while strengthening pathways for future conferences and partnerships to be secured in the State.

Beyond the immediate benefits for recipients, the awards foster global engagement and networking, contributing to the exchange of knowledge that can lead to future collaboration, research advancement and business opportunities for Fremantle.

By supporting attendance at international business events, the Aspire Awards help strengthen Fremantle and Western Australia's global relationships and industry connections. These engagements can support the attraction of future conferences, encourage trade and investment opportunities, and reinforce Fremantle's position as a globally connected destination for business events and knowledge exchange.

Alongside Business Events Perth, This is Fremantle is proud to support an award program that fosters collaboration, advocacy and business opportunities for Fremantle and its local industries.

Successful recipients of the Aspire Awards Grant receive a travel grant of up to $6,000 to assist with the cost of attending an international business event or conference, including flights, accommodation and registration fees (terms and conditions apply).

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR?

Successful applicants are engaged ambassadors for the State, demonstrate excellence in their field internationally, and are actively involved in professional and industry networks. They are engaged with professional organisations and international conferences with potential for Western Australia.

WHO CAN APPLY? 

Eligibility for the THIS IS FREMANTLE Aspire Award are:
    • individuals living or working within the City of Fremantle
    • individuals based in Western Australia
    • individuals who have not received a Business Events Perth Aspire Award within the past seven (7) years
Employees of the City of Fremantle and their immediate family are not eligible to apply for this award.

As part of the program, recipients may be asked to:
    • Meet with a Business Events Perth team member before and/or after the conference
    • Share insights from their experience
    • Speak or present at a Business Events Pert hosted or partner event, where appropriate 

The Aspire Awards are designed not only to support individual professional development, but also to help showcase Fremantle and Western Australia’s expertise on the global stage and create pathways for future conferences to be hosted in the State.
 

APPLICATIONS OPEN 13 JULY 2026.  Learn more: THIS IS FREMANTLE Aspire Award

Applications will close 24 August 2026.  Recipients have up to three (3) years from the date of award to attend an eligible conference. 

Learn more:  2026 Winner Michael Piu, St. Pat's Community Support Centre