In Principio v14 no3 (2003)

& Cocktail party guests Debra Prendiville, John Court and Helen Court with Notre Dame Chancellor Terry O'Connor. Friends of Notre Dame thanked at function MORE than 100 friends of The University Notre Dame Australia, staff and community members attended a cocktail party in late October to thank them for their support. The function in Foley Hall on 29 October celebrated Notre Dame's growth, successes and future aspirations. It was hosted by the Chancellor, Terry O'Connor QC, and the Vice Chancellor, Dr Peter Tannock. Memorandum of Understanding praised by University and City SENIOR staff at the City of Fremantle and The University of Notre Dame Australia have nothing but praise for their Memo– randum of Understanding as the ground– breaking agreement celebrates its first birthday. The memorandum, signed last November by Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagl iaferri and Notre Dame's Vice Chancellor Dr Peter Tannock, formalises a mutual commit– ment between the City and the University to work in close partnership for a decade. The agreement covers issues such as Notre Dame expansion plans, a commitment to mutual consultation, an annual contri– bution of $50,000 cash and approximately $50,000 in kind from Notre Dame, and a commitment to joint venture projects. Dr Tannock said the memorandum was an excellent basis for cooperation and consultation between Notre Dame and the City. "Both sides have found it a very useful framework to work through issues and plans," Dr Tannock said. "Senior officers of both organisations now meet regularly and have made a lot of progress on matters such as planning of capital works, Notre Dame's financial contribution to the City, and changes to parking arrangements." Dr Tannock said recently the City, Not re Dame and the State Government had worked together to host the Inter– national Sustainability Conference which was a major success. "This was an excellent example of how a closer working relationship can bring great benefits for the community of Fremantle," he said. City of Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagl iaferri said the formal agreement had helped to expand the al ready good working relationship between the Un iversity and t he City. "The Memorandum of Understanding has been a positive step for the City of Fremantle, the West End of Fremantle and our commun ity, and wi ll only continue to be of benefit in the future," he sa id. "By working together, it promotes harmonious development and relation– ships w hich continue to make Fremantle an ideal place where people can live, work or study. " Chelsea Project means business THE Chelsea Project, a business develop– ment program for Fremantle's West End, has demonstrated how major stake– holders of the City of Fremantle, Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and the University of Notre Dame Australia can work in partnership to deliver real benefits to the local community. The initiative supported by Notre Dame has brought several new businesses into the West End - from retail to professional services - which complement the many businesses already operating. The development of an online database for commercial accommodation, the Fremantle Property Bank, has enabled prospective business operators to locate potential sites for their new enterprise. Another key aim of the Chelsea Project is promotion of the West End to Fremantle's shoppers and visitors. The unique heritage precinct receives thousands of visitors each year due to key historical sites such as Western Australia's oldest building, the Round House. The area's cultural feel has attracted a large number of art galleries and associated businesses over the years. A streetscape program to improve pedestrian access and vehicle flow is due to start in April 2004. Other pla nned improvements include heritage inter– pretations of the old tramw ay that used to run through the area, and increased alfresco d ining areas. The Chelsea Project, due to finish in March 2004, is a regional assistance program funded throug h t he Australian Government, t he City of Fremantle and Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, and in– kind support from the University. For more information contact program coordinator Scott Mills on 9433 0637 or email scottm@fremantle.wa.gov.au.