April 2024 Update
CEO Update
As I sit down to think about the April CEO update, I
have been reading and listening to conversations
about short- and long-term thinking. I have been in
this role for over one year now. Our focus, as always,
is on long-term thinking.
Recently, newly appointed Business Council of
Australia President Geoff Culbert argued that
Australia should be more ambitious.
“We used to be a freewheeling, pioneering nation that punched above its weight. A country that was bold and courageous and wasn’t afraid to have a crack,” the Australian Financial Review reported him as saying. He also said: “We need to breakout of this jail of short-term thinking.”
I wholeheartedly agree. To support this ambition, I have been researching Sophie Howe, the first Future
Generations Commissioner for Wales. She was appointed to support the public bodies listed in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and to work towards achieving wellbeing goals. The long-term bold vision that she advocated for seven years in Wales has delivered transformative results. The Act requires public bodies in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions, to work better with people, communities and each other, and to prevent persistent problems such as poverty, health inequalities and climate change.
Imagine Perth leading with that ambition for future generations. Could we? Do we dare? Well, during 2024 Committee for Perth is going to lead with big and challenging conversations to assist pushing our dreams and visions forward.
This month, we look forward to welcoming Sophie to Perth and hearing ideas that we could learn from and share. It promises to be a fascinating event.
Additionally, it’s exciting to see the new brand campaign launch for the City of Perth – Shine Bright in the City of Light campaign launch on 28 March.
As the previous chair of Heritage Perth, I am looking forward to seeing the Boorloo Heritage Festival
happening across the whole month of April with a long celebration of Perth’s heritage. The festival offers a mix of heritage walks, talks, and workshops, as well as a number of family-friendly activities, so there is truly something for everyone to enjoy! I am looking to attend as many events as possible.
Until next time,
Paula Rogers
Chief Executive Officer
Committee for Perth
VISIT
ICONS ON TOUR
Some famous visitors have slipped in to Perth and are staying in Wanneroo for a couple of months. Fifty-three Andy Warhol art works – including some of his Campbell’s Soup prints, as well as a life-sized Elvis – are on show at Wanneroo Regional Gallery until May 4. Don’t miss the opportunity to see these iconic prints, which are on loan from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection.