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2026 Ron and Dianne Davidson History Research Scholarship

The Fremantle History Society is delighted to announce that, thanks to the very generous support of Fremantle Ports, we are once again, able to offer the Ron and Dianne Davidson Research Scholarship.

The scholarship, named after two founding members of the society, was established to encourage new, high quality research which will contribute to the understanding of the history and heritage of Fremantle and encourage new audiences to this endeavour.

This year, thanks to the support of the Fremantle Ports Community Investment programme, the Fremantle History Society is offering a $3000 scholarship for an original research project.

Application and selection process

Applications are called from the community as well as entry level, mid-career and experienced heritage and history researchers. The successful applicant is expected to produce a work of academic quality based on factual research. They are encouraged to pursue a topic or perspective not covered in existing literature. Their research findings are to be presented both orally at the Fremantle Studies Day in late October/early November 2027 and in a written paper, the latter to be rigorously reviewed and edited by the Society editorial team, then published in the Fremantle Studies Journal.

Applications should include a research proposal (250 words), brief CV and sample of writing and be submitted to the Society secretary at: secretary.fhs@gmail.com  no later than COB Monday 5th October 2026.

Applications are assessed by a panel of history and heritage experts against the following criteria:

• Is the research new or take a new perspective on past research/findings?

• How well does the proposal connect to Fremantle?

• Demonstrated ability to complete the work to a high standard within the time frame.

• Innovative or creative approach to the chosen topic/theme.

• Confirmation the proposed study has not been published elsewhere or submitted for another publication.

It is anticipated that applicants will be informed of the outcome on or before Friday 23 October and the Scholarship recipient announced at the Society’s annual Studies Day on Sunday 1 November 2026.

For further information, please contact Jude Robison, President FHS at: juderobison49@gmail.com  

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2026 Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 28th July
Mardoo Room, Fremantle Library downstairs, Walyalup Civic Centre
151 High Street, Fremantle, from 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm

Registration and refreshments from 4.30pm.
AGM starts 4.45pm. Book launch after the AGM, around 5.25pm – 6.00pm.

Dr. James Paratore has spent three years researching and compiling the history of Sicilian fishing families and their contribution to Fremantle and the development of the Western Australian fishing industry.

The resulting publication: ‘Salt in their veins: From Capo d’Orlando to Fremantle’ tells the story of these families through their lived experiences, the hardships, their resilience, and the deep bonds forged between people and the sea.

The Fremantle History Society is delighted to have the opportunity to launch James’ book at this year’s Annual General Meeting.
Fremantle History Society members and members of the public are invited. Places may be booked beforehand through:
https://events.humanitix.com/fremantle-history-society-annual-general-meeting-2026

Contributions to supper, as always, most welcome.

Copies of the book will be available for sale on the night – $25.00 includes GST.
Payment by card or cash accepted.