About Committee for Perth
Committee for Perth is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that challenges and advocates for change on behalf of our members to make Perth consistently one of the most liveable cities in the world.
We aim to positively influence debate and policy to advance and celebrate Perth as a global region of choice to live, work, invest, study and visit. Our focus is on making Perth the best city it can be – not just now, but in future decades.
We’re an independent and apolitical voice for Perth – our allegiances are to our region and to our members.
We have more than 130 member organisations from over 42 different industry sectors throughout the Perth region, stretching from Yanchep in the north, to Mandurah in the south, to Kalamunda in the east.
Our members are genuinely passionate about the future of Perth and join Committee for Perth for an admirable reason: to ensure Perth is the best city it can be for their employees, customers, families and the wider community.
Our vision is that Perth is a global region of choice to live, work, invest, study and visit.
We challenge and advocate for change on behalf of our members to make Perth consistently one of the most liveable cities in the world.
Our story
Committee for Perth was launched in 2007 to advocate and challenge for the liveability and advancement of the Western Australian capital.
It was established by a group of leading Perth business executives, concerned Perth didn’t have an organisation entirely dedicated to seeing the Perth region – which now stretches from Two Rocks to beyond Mandurah – become the best place in the world to live, work, invest, study and visit.
The concept for the not-for-profit organisation was inspired by Committee for Melbourne, which at the time had successfully advocated to improve the vibrancy and liveability of the Victorian capital. The group enlisted influential Perth-based businesses, including Rio Tinto, BHP, Wesfarmers and Herbert Smith Freehills, to support the formation of this new member-based, apolitical organisation, harnessing their skills and expertise in business for the region’s benefit. They are still members, along with many other Perth based organisations and their contribution is integral for the ongoing support of Committee for Perth’s work today.
Over nearly two decades, our membership has grown to more than 130 organisations, spanning 40+ sectors. Motivated by a genuine passion for Perth, our members have dedicated time and resources to collaborate with us to advocate and challenge for our region – contributing to research and government submission, hosting events and sharing their expertise.
Since 2007, Perth has undergone an economic, cultural and social transformation, leading to the Economist Intelligence Unit Index listing Perth as the 12th most liveable city in the world in 2023.
Now led by Paula Rogers, Committee for Perth is an influential and trusted apolitical voice for Perth. Looking ahead to 2050, we are advocating on behalf of our members for a bold, ambitious plan to guide Perth through the challenges and opportunities over the next 25 years, to make the Perth region the best place in the world to live, work, invest, study and visit.
What does Committee for Perth do?
We are a small team, overseen by a board of high-level corporate executives, which connects people who are passionate about Perth. We facilitate events to inform, inspire and motivate our community to make Perth one of the world’s most liveable cities.
We also drive initiatives, policies, projects and activities to foster positive developments for Perth, using evidence to influence debate and policy. We have produced more than 150 pieces of research which have inspired change, including:
- A Cultural Compact for Western Australia: the 10-year challenge – which called for the establishment of a world-leading Indigenous cultural centre
- Filling the Pool: a landmark report on gender equality in WA
- Towards a Bright Future: a vision for Perth as a region of 3.5 million people – which preceded the WA Government’s Perth and Peel @ 3.5 million strategy
- Perth 2050: A visionary report which provides an outlook for the future of Perth
Why do we need Committee for Perth?
We are the only organisation that is 100 per cent focused on making a positive difference to the future of the Perth region. Many organisations – like the City of Perth and the WA Government – have a stake in Perth’s future but it’s not their sole and only purpose to ensure the Perth global region is successful.
We also have the luxury of having no time limits on our goals and aspirations, unlike governments which operate within short electoral cycles.
Committee for Perth is also part of a national network of Committees for Capital Cities, including the Committee for Adelaide, Committee for Brisbane, Committee for Melbourne and Committee for Sydney. Together, they are a united voice to advocate on behalf of capital cities to the Federal Government.
Our Board
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Tony Joyner
Chair
Tony Joyner
Chair
Tony Joyner is an experienced director and commercial lawyer, known for helming WA’s leading law firm, Herbert Smith Freehills for a decade, and his board and Chair roles in several of WA’s leading organisations. He has particular experience in corporate risk and governance, technology and disruption, and infrastructure. In his legal capacity, he has had roles as head of office in Perth, and global roles as board member, chair of risk and audit, head of the technology team, and leader of the firm’s digital transformation initiative. Tony is Chair of the Lions Eye Institute and the WA Justice Association. He is past Chair of Scitech, and past board member of the WA Chamber of Commerce. Tony was appointed to the Board in July 2021 for a three-year plus term and appointed as Chair in November 2021. Tony’s first term expired in November 2024 and he was re-appointed for a further three year term. His second term expires in November 2027.
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Jon Smeulders
Deputy Chair
Georgiou
Jon Smeulders
Deputy Chair
Georgiou
Jon joined member-Company Georgiou in early 2011 and has over 30 years of commercial real estate experience. His industry roles in Perth include almost a decade with international agency Knight Frank working in commercial property and facility management, before joining Multiplex where he led the Company’s property and facility management business as WA general manager. A move into the property development operations of Multiplex saw him integrally involved with landmark Perth projects like The Old Swan Brewery, Raffles Waterfront, and the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre. As executive director of Georgiou Developments, Jon is responsible for growing the Company’s property development portfolio and maintaining a pipeline of quality projects across a variety of property sectors. He is currently an independent member of Presbyterian Ladies’ College school council, is immediate past board chairman of STRUT Dance Inc and is a former state councillor of Creative Partnerships Australia.
Jon was first elected to the Board in 2016 for a three-year term having been a member of the Reshaping Working Group since 2014. He was re-elected to the Board in 2019 and in 2022 for a three-year term which expires at the 2025 AGM. Jon is currently the Deputy Chair and Chair of the Audit and Risk Sub-Committee.
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Dr Andrew Crane
Director
The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc)
Dr Andrew Crane
Director
The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc)
Andrew Crane has over thirty years’ experience in agriculture, food processing and international trade and related infrastructure. He has held executive positions in Strategy & Business Development, Marketing, Trading, Manufacturing, and most recently as CEO of Australia’s third largest private company, the CBH Group. Andrew is currently non-executive Director on the Boards of RAC Holdings Ltd, RAC Finance Ltd, ASX listed Rice Growers Ltd (SunRice), and Macquarie Asset Management Boards of Viridis Ag Pty Ltd, SI Investment Holdings Pty Ltd and Cubbie Ag Services Pty Ltd. He was former non-executive Director of Interflour Pte Ltd and former Chairman of the Business Council of Co Operatives and Mutuals. He has attended senior management programs at Henley Management College, Kellogg Business School North Western University, Harvard Business School and the International Directors Programme INSEAD. Dr Crane holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, a PhD in Agriculture and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Directors.
Andrew was first elected to the Board in 2020 and was re-elected in 2023 for a second three-year term.
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Pauline Gazzard
Director
Westpac
Pauline Gazzard
Director
Westpac
Pauline Gazzard has enjoyed a varied career in Finance and Business. She grew up in Northern Ireland, and worked for Northern Bank, a subsidiary of NAB, for 16 years, specialising in Business Banking. Pauline then moved to the private sector as an Operations Director for a Maintenance and Contracting Group, followed by a General Manager role in a Hotel. Pauline moved to Perth in 2013, and returned to a banking role in NAB, before moving to Westpac in 2017. Her current position is Regional General Manager, Regional and Agribusiness in Western Australia, and has a team of 30, located from Broome to Esperance! She is passionate about helping businesses and her team achieve their goals, and works closely with them to deliver best results. She also holds a position on the Westpac WA Community Board. Pauline has a BA Honours Degree in Management and Business Studies, and Banking Certificate, Institute of Bankers in Ireland. In recent times she has completed additional Leadership Training through Australian Graduate School of Management, and graduated from CEDA Copland Leadership Program in 2019.
Pauline was appointed to the Board in 2023 for a three-year term.
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Paul Graham
Director
The Perth Mint
Paul Graham
Director
The Perth Mint
Paul has 30 years’ experience as a Company Director, Executive and international business leader across Banking and Financial Services, Government at State and Federal Levels, housing, property and the mining industry.
Having worked in Asia for over 10 years, Paul has a unique insight on how to effectively engage and successfully partner with the region. In his current role as CEO Gold Corporation, Paul is privileged to lead an iconic Western Australian institution with 125 years heritage. The Perth Mint plays a leading role in promoting our world leading gold industry and ranks as one of Western Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Paul is a strong advocate for Perth and through his role as Director at Committee for Perth looks to promote and enable change that improves the cultural diversity, economic prosperity, liveability, sustainability and world class amenity of Perth.
Paul was first elected to the Board in 2019 for a three-year term. He was re-elected in 2022 for a 2nd term which expires in 2025.
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Meath Hammond
Director
BHP
Meath Hammond
Director
BHP
Meath joined BHP in 2011 and is currently Head of Corporate Affairs, Western Australia, managing reputation risk for BHP’s Australian Iron Ore and Nickel West assets. Meath’s team – including Government Relations, Communities, Communications and Indigenous Affairs – provides subject matter expertise to BHP across a range of business critical activities including social value, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, stakeholder engagement (including Government and communities), crisis and issues management and strategic internal and external communication. Prior to the appointment in July 2016, Meath was based in Houston Texas where he held a number of positions including Head of Corporate Affairs for North American Shale and Minerals. Before joining BHP, Meath spent more than 10 years at Woodside Petroleum (headquartered in Perth) in Commercial and Corporate Affairs leadership roles, where he gained extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. He provided strategic advice on matters ranging from Indigenous employment and procurement, heritage and culture, to stakeholder engagement and Government approvals. Meath has significant operational experience in Western Australia’s resources sector and working closely with communities and Governments (Federal, State and local) on industry challenges and opportunities. Before joining the resources sector, Meath worked for the Western Australia Government’s Department of Minerals and Petroleum. Meath is a Board Member of Celebrate WA and Port Hedland Industry Council. He was the inaugural Chairman of the Pilbara Australian Technical College and a previous Director of the David Wirrpanda Foundation.
Meath was elected to the Board in November 2019 for a three-year term. At the AGM in November 2022 he was re-elected for a 2nd term which expires in 2025.
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Matt Judkins
Director
Deloitte
Matt Judkins
Director
Deloitte
Matt has been an advisor to governments and business for 24 years, providing strategic, commercial and economic policy advice to shape the world we live in.
As the leader of Deloitte’s Australian Energy & Climate Advisory business, he advises clients on the energy and climate transition, he is primarily focused on supporting Australia’s transition to a net-zero world, ensuring Australia takes advantage of the enormous social and economic benefits that will result.
Matt has an MBA from London Business School and mechanical engineering and commerce degrees from Sydney University. He has also been a consultant at McKinsey & Company and Arthur Andersen.
Matt was elected as a Director of Committee for Perth in November 2023 for a three-year term.
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Professor Clare Pollock
Director
ECU
Professor Clare Pollock
Director
ECU
In July 2024, Professor Clare Pollock joined ECU as the new Vice-Chancellor and President. She is a deeply experienced university leader who served as Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Western Sydney University, and she has previously held executive roles at Flinders University and multiple leadership positions at Curtin University.
Professor Pollock graduated from Oxford University and the University of London with a PhD in Psychology. Her research career has focussed on applying psychology to improve safety especially in people’s use of technology. Widely recognised in the higher education sector for her high impact, vision and clarity of purpose, Professor Pollock has proven capability to identify opportunities and catalyse action to deliver success.
Notably, she has been pivotal in strengthening Western Sydney University’s role as a place-maker for its region, delivering positive economic and social benefits to the community. This included the successful delivery of the 18-storey Bankstown City Campus in 2023.Professor Pollock was appointed as a Director to the Committee for Perth board for a three-year term in November 2024.
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Maya vanden Driesen
Director
Wesfarmers
Maya vanden Driesen
Director
Wesfarmers
Maya was appointed Group General Counsel of Wesfarmers Limited in January 2015. She joined Wesfarmers in 1993 in the position of Legal Counsel – Litigation, and was appointed to the Senior Legal Counsel role for the Corporate Solicitors Office (Perth) in 2009. In 2010, Maya was appointed General Manager Legal – Litigation overseeing the management and conduct of all litigation and dispute matters across the Wesfarmers Group.
Prior to joining Wesfarmers, Maya practised law at Parker & Parker and Downings Legal in areas including general commercial, industrial, regulatory and insurance litigation.
Maya holds Bachelor of Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Laws degrees from The University of Western Australia and was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in 1990. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member and former secretary of the Australian Corporate Lawyers Association (WA Chapter) and a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.
Maya sits on the Executive Committee for the “GC 100” representing the general counsel of Australia’s top 100 listed companies within the Association of Corporate Counsel Australia (ACC), is on the joint Law Society and Women Lawyers Committee for the Law Society of Western Australia and is a Director of the Bell Shakespeare Company. Maya is a member of the UWA Law School Advisory Board.
Maya was first elected to the Board in 2016 for a three-year term and was re-elected to the Board in 2019 for a further three-year term. In 2022, Maya was selected to fill an Elected Director casual vacancy. Maya was re-elected at the 2023 AGM for a two-year term.
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Charlotte Cameron
Company Secretary
Herbert Smith Freehills
Charlotte Cameron
Company Secretary
Herbert Smith Freehills
Charlotte is a solicitor who joined Committee for Perth as Company Secretary in May 2017. She is a Senior Associate in the corporate team at Herbert Smith Freehills in Perth. At Herbert Smith Freehills, Charlotte specialises in equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance.
Our Team
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Paula Rogers
Chief Executive Officer
Paula Rogers
Chief Executive Officer
Paula is a widely respected leader in the WA business community, who brings to Committee for Perth decades of experience in business development, membership engagement, stakeholder management and economic strategy from across the globe, with prior market dealings in the UK and Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Australasia. Known for her collaborative and strategically driven leadership, she is passionate about helping WA flourish and grow. Paula and her young family migrated to Perth in 2002 and the city and State have become close to her heart and pivotal to her career. Her career in WA has included publishing, event CEO, marketing and communications for aged care and a global law firm and State Director of a national economic development membership organisation. Since 2019, Paula has held various board director roles, and consulted to government, the public sector, universities, and a number of clients in the private sector on communication, marketing, events and stakeholder management.
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Francien Boom
Social & Brand Marketing Specialist
Francien Boom
Social & Brand Marketing Specialist
Francien is the Social & Brand Marketing Specialist at Committee for Perth, responsible for managing the organisation’s social media presence and brand identity. With a background in in-house marketing and graphic design spanning diverse industries such as sports, construction, and wine, Francien brings a wealth of technical expertise, visual storytelling skills, and a passion for executing comprehensive marketing strategies.
Having traveled extensively, Francien finds herself continually drawn back to Perth for its vibrant lifestyle, stunning coastline and dependable sunshine. In her downtime you can find her on the hockey field, catching a wave, learning Spanish, or enjoying a Chardonnay along South Terrace in South Fremantle.
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Kelly Campbell
Executive Support Officer
Kelly Campbell
Executive Support Officer
Kelly is responsible for undertaking all board and governance processes including managing board meetings, Annual General Meeting, and the financial audit and annual report. She is also responsible for the day-to-day financial and office management including supporting Paula as the CEO. Kelly has a strong background as an Executive Assistant and in administration, having recently worked in the Higher Education, Aviation and Local Government industries. Originally hailing from Queenstown, New Zealand, Kelly loves Perth not only for its vitality and spectacular scenery, but also for the various sporting teams she can support.
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Elizabeth J Floyd
Membership Engagement
Elizabeth J Floyd
Membership Engagement
Having recently returned to her home city of Perth after many years overseas, Elizabeth joins Committee for Perth as a consultant dedicated to the key function of Membership Engagement. She is delighted with the city’s notable changes: “a more grown-up city; an uplift in vibrancy; a wider mix of cultures; so much more to see and do – cultural experiences galore”. She shares Committee for Perth’s passion for the region and brings a wealth of diverse experiences to the role.
Having lived and worked in four countries, Elizabeth has served on boards, chaired think tanks, created and grew her own international events-sector businesses, and a London Arts & Culture Companion service. Her experience spans working with entrepreneurs and major business leaders, royalty, politicians, students, academics, as well as the homeless, refugees and activists.
In addition to the arts, business and current affairs, Elizabeth is passionate about more trees, and reducing food, water, and clothing waste.
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Dr Richard Walley OAM
Cultural Advisor
Dr Richard Walley OAM
Cultural Advisor
Dr Richard Walley OAM, is a Noongar man, one of Australia’s leading Aboriginal performers, musicians and writers, who has been a tireless worker for the Indigenous cause. The promotion of culture through the arts being one of his passions, from 2000 Richard has served as Chair of the Australia Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board. He is currently Director of Aboriginal Productions and Promotions. He works with Committee for Perth to undertake research and consultation with the local Indigenous communities.
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Kelly Woodall
Events & Member Experience Coordinator
Kelly Woodall
Events & Member Experience Coordinator
Kelly is the event producer for the Committee for Perth, responsible for delivering up to 30 events annually.
With over 15 years of experience in planning and executing high-impact corporate events—including gala evenings, sector briefings, and guest speaker engagements—she combines a meticulous, detail-oriented approach with a strategic mindset to create meaningful, impactful experiences.
Kelly is committed to providing members with valuable networking opportunities and the latest industry insights.
Having called Perth home since 2003, she enjoys the city’s thriving hospitality scene, world-class education, and the unmatched beauty of its sunshine, clean air, and endless blue skies.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation and the celebration of the Perth region’s Indigenous cultures are foundational values of Committee for Perth. Our commitment to reconciliation principles – through research, advocacy and relationship building – has been guided by our cultural advisor Richard Walley OAM.
For example, we have advocated for an Indigenous cultural centre since 2008, when our “A Cultural Compact for Western Australia: the 10 Year Challenge” research report called for a World Centre for Indigenous Culture to be developed on a central site on the Swan River.
We published our first Reconciliation Action Plan in December 2010. Committee for Perth belongs to the Reconciliation Australia community, with 2450 organisations, and a proud member of Reconciliation WA.