Thank you to everyone who took time to complete the Perth 2050 survey last month. We had more than
1,400 responses – so thrilled about this! All that information is now being collated by report author and
accredited futurist, Dr Ben Hamer, who has also been conducting interviews and workshops with Perth school students and our members, as well as leaders across government, business and the community sector. I can’t wait to share the outcomes with you next month.

We are also proud to be collaborating with RSM on the third report in its Leading Cities Series, following its reports examining Melbourne and Brisbane. It is an indication of Perth’s influence on both the national and global stage that the WA capital has been selected for this series. Perth is considered Australia’s gateway to the Indian Ocean and, as I like to tell anyone who will listen, sits beneath 60% of the world’s population. It’s an exciting time to live, work, study, visit and invest here as we embrace economic diversification to build on the benefits of our natural resources.

It’s fantastic to see our local arts and culture sector receiving some much needed and welcome investment, with the $55 million rejuvenation of the Perth Cultural Centre precinct, $150 million redevelopment of the majestic Perth Concert Hall, and grants to support creative projects, First Nations stories, and local arts groups. I must also wish Happy Birthday to His Majesty’s Theatre, which is celebrating 120 years in 2024! Supporting and nurturing the arts and cultural assets of our region are essential to liveability and I look forward to seeing further investment in this important sector.

Coming up, the EverNow festival returns to Kings Park from 3-7 October, with three unique light shows,
including the return of the celebrated Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak. Head to Fremantle’s Maritime
Museum to see Empress Josephine’s Garden exhibition, an immersive adventure into the little-known story about the cosmopolitan garden of the wife of Napoleon. See Peppermint Grove’s most spectacular gardens in full bloom during the PLC Open Garden Day on Friday 18 October. Enjoy Subiaco’s street art with No More Blank Walls from October 17-27. And October is WA Bike Month where we’re encouraged to leave the car at home and opt for active transport for shorter trips. Not too confident on two wheels? RAC is offering free Bike Basics workshops.

And in closing, after more than two years with Committee for Perth, Brittany Alder, is leaving to take on a new role and we wish her all the very best. It means we now have an exciting opportunity for an events superstar to join our extraordinary team!

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

P.S. I am writing this to you from Europe where I’m visiting my Dad for his 90th birthday and also touring
Spain. I will be back in mid-October and look forward to sharing some of my learnings from the cities I’ve
visited here. I’m grateful to my wonderful team who have made it possible for me to have this time away.