This month we hosted Sophie Howe, the world’s first Future Generations Commissioner, to share her insights with our members, including over 30 children and students. She spoke of how Wales, with a population of 3.5 million people, collectively decided to chart an alternate future course which culminated in the enactment of the Wellbeing for Future Generations Act in 2015. I feel inspired as the CEO of Committee for Perth, a multisectoral, member-based and future focused organisation, to work with members and see how we can similarly focus on long-term thinking as a priority.

We are working towards our Perth 2050 event in 2025 alongside other purposeful discussions aimed at
paving an ambitious future trajectory. Sophie will attend the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024 and I look forward to continuing our connection with this significant dialogue.

Earlier this month, our Urban Insights event series showcased the East Perth precinct transformation project to over 90 members and guests. Reflecting on this, I found this quote from urban design leader Leanne Hodyl, which underscores the transformative power of good precinct design saying, “Good precinct design prioritises the experience of the people working and living there, considers the specific qualities of the place and harnesses the opportunity to create a precinct that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

The event, hosted at the WACA, featured a keynote address by Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, along with
former WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews AM and Hesperia Director Kyle Jeavons. This project unlocks the future possibilities for this pocket of Perth and will strengthen East Perth’s connections with both the CBD and Optus Stadium. The WACA is currently surrounded by hoarding and cranes working on the redevelopment, and I look forward to seeing this come to life in 2025.

Speaking of the future, we have hosted our first working group to deliver a submission on the Perth and Peel Urban Greening Strategy planned to be announced at the end of 2024. I am really impressed by the expertise and insights our members have brought to the table and am excited about the submission we will deliver. If you, or a member of your team, would like to get involved please let me know.

There’s lots happening this month with the Perth Comedy Festival on until 21 May and Artwalk Freo on
Saturdays and Sundays until 19 May. This month we also look forward to giving members a virtual sneak
peek at Edith Cowan University’s new state-of-the-art City campus on 23 May with another instalment of our Urban Insights series.

Until next time,
Paula Rogers
Chief Executive Officer
Committee for Perth