Skye is Driving Change in Fremantle
Year 9 student Skye has taken it upon herself to campaign for the reinstatement of the Fremantle CAT bus service, and in doing so, she is proving that young people can be powerful agents of change.
A Cause Close to Home
As a South Fremantle local, Skye often used the CAT bus to travel into central Fremantle with her parents during school holidays. The free, hop-on hop-off service was more than just convenient transport – it helped people connect.
“I was very disappointed when I heard that the council had decided to cut the funding for this facility,” Skye said. “Even though I first started this campaign because it affected me personally, I’ve realised that there’s far more to it than that. Many people in the community relied heavily on the service to get around.”
She could see the broader benefits that weren’t being recognised: the CAT bus offered a safe, inclusive, and environmentally friendly transport option that reduced loneliness for seniors, helped tourists explore the area easily, and supported local businesses.
Turning Passion into Action
Skye’s campaign began with a handwritten letter to Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti. When she didn’t receive a response, she created a petition, collecting more than 500 signatures and hand-delivering it to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk. From there, her campaign gained momentum.
She went door-to-door after school gathering support, spoke with local business owners, councillors and community leaders, and attracted media attention with interviews in the Fremantle Herald, ABC Radio and Perth Now.
Her list of supporters is impressive. Skye has spoken with Fremantle Dockers Captain Alex Pearce, Fremantle Greens MLC Dr Brad Pettitt, and several Fremantle councillors, as well as local businesses. She also plans to meet with the University of Notre Dame. Skye has also worked with our Principal Jennifer Oaten, to raise awareness within the College community.
“The most challenging part has been conveying the perspective of locals to political representatives,” Skye said. “Whilst many people agree that the Freo CAT was beneficial on so many levels, some political representatives disagree.”
A Voice for Young People
Skye believes that young people should never underestimate their power to make a difference.
“I believe it is very important for young people to take action in their community if they are passionate about a cause because we are often overlooked as ‘not a representative priority’. It’s important to remind people that we have the right to an opinion and should have the same representative opportunities as everyone else.”
For students who want to take action but are not sure where to start, her advice is simple: “Grab a pen and some paper and begin writing a letter to someone who has the power to make a change. If that doesn’t work, start a petition or try to arrange a meeting with someone to encourage action.”
Looking Ahead
Skye shows no signs of slowing down. She plans to present at an upcoming Fremantle Council meeting, draft a new petition aiming to exceed 500 signatures, and meet with the University of Notre Dame to discuss potential funding for the service.
“Yes, this experience has inspired me to continue working on community and social causes in the future,” she said. “I’ve realised how important it is to stand up for what you believe in, and I’ve really enjoyed the overall experience of campaigning.”
Inspiring Change
Skye’s journey shows that age is no barrier to making an impact. By standing up for her community, she is not only advocating for a much-loved service but also showing other young people what is possible when you turn passion into action.
- CommunityLeadership, EmpoweringYouth, Featured, FremantleCatBus, SantaMariaCollegeStudents, SocialChangeFremantle, StudentActivism, YouthAdvocacy
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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