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CEO Update | Wave of Investment
Protecting Northbridge | Sidelined Workers |
Squash Masters | ECU City to Ignite Perth CBD |
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"Perth stands on the cusp of a golden moment. The choices we make today will define the city our children and grandchildren inherit tomorrow", says Ludo Campbell-Reid, Global Urban Design & City Strategy Expert and keynote speaker for our 2050 Summit.
We are just 21 days away from the 2050 Summit –
a full day of inspiration, bold ideas and collaboration. Stay tuned: we will be sharing key outcomes and insights with you in the next newsletter. |
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At its heart, the Summit champions our ongoing advocacy for a long-term plan for Greater Perth. This is our moment to set future generations up for the best possible outcomes – ensuring Perth remains one of the world’s most liveable cities. There are only a few tickets left, so if you have not booked, the clock is ticking.
It was exciting to read the ‘Living in Australia’ report, published by .id, which ranked Perth third for liveability in Australia. Key attributes we love, like Perth’s access to nature and sense of safety, were proudly celebrated. Catch our Chair, Tony Joyner, speaking about the survey on Channel 9.
ECU have unveiled the new City Campus' LED façade and immersive digital foyer screen – this will be a must-visit experience for everyone in the CBD. We are counting the days until the doors open to students, staff, and the wider community. This is an extraordinary time for Perth. This month, the City of Perth will elect a new Lord Mayor. We wish all the candidates the very best in the lead up to the election, as well as those running in local government elections, especially our local government members.
On 30 October, Committees for Capital Cities will host a special Canberra event at Parliament House. We are delighted to invite members to incorporate this event into their upcoming trip to Canberra, or book a visit to attend with me. Our capital cities, home to over two-thirds of the population and responsible for nearly 70% of the nation's GDP, are the engines of innovation, growth, and community. Together with Committees for Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Greater Hobart, I invite you to an in-depth exploration of how cities can pave the way for a vibrant and sustainable future, catalysing a turnaround in our economic complexity and ensuring prosperity for all. Please reserve your place here.
As always, there is so much to be proud of, and even more to look forward to, as we work toward the best possible future for Perth. Best wishes, Paula Rogers
Chief Executive Officer Committee for Perth |
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Artwork by Dr Richard Walley OAM |
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From 22 September–onwards, Scitech's Central Gallery: The brand new Here, There and Everywhere gallery features three zones exploring how science and technology solves challenges in our everyday lives, the WA community and the world at large.
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20 September–16 November, The Lester Prize: Now in its 18th year, The Lester Prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious portraiture awards — an annual celebration of artists and their communities, giving them the recognition they deserve. The 2025 season will feature the work of forty outstanding finalists, selected from a record 1,124 entries—the largest number since the prize began.
26 September–26 October, Bloom Festival: Bloom is set to transform Joondalup’s Central Park into an illuminated wonderland.
4 October, Bledisloe Cup: Witness the Wallabies take on their great rivals from across the ditch for the Bledisloe Cup in Perth on Saturday 4th October 2025. -
7–9 October, Robotics, Autonomy, AI and Cyber Conference and Exhibition: Bringing together leading minds, thought leaders and industry experts from around the globe for opportunities in robotics, autonomy, AI and cyber. As a Community Partner at IPRAAC 2025, you can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount off tickets. Simply use the code CFP10 at checkout.
- 10–18 October, Emerging Artist Award Exhibition: City of South Perth's Community Hall provides a great opportunity to see new works by talented emerging artists.
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11–12 October, Groundswell: Presented by the City of Stirling, WA’s biggest free youth multi-sports, lifestyle, music and wellness event returns to Scarborough.
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12–18 October, Anti Poverty Week: A national initiative that brings people together to raise awareness and take action to end poverty and hardship in Australia. Share, and amplify our collective voices.
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15–16 October, Adventure Reels Film Tour – The brand-new, Aussie owned, high adrenaline extreme sports film festival is hitting the State Theatre Perth.
18 October–2 November, Perth International Jazz Festival: Bringing inspiring Jazz music to WA from all around the world. -
18–26 October, Mundaring Hills Open Studios: 81 artists across 30 studios and 4 venues open to visitors to showcase paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork and more.
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19 October, Summer of Cricket: Catch Australia take on India in the first match of a highly anticipated white ball series at the ODI at Optus Stadium.
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30 October, Walk for Reconciliation: Join Reconciliation WA for the Walk for Reconciliation at Galup (Lake Monger), a place of deep cultural and historical significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people.
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2 November: TEDxPerth returns with its flagship event on Sunday, 2 November 2025 at the iconic His Majesty’s Theatre. Secure your tickets here as it is likely to sell out.
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Protecting Northbridge’s Live Music |
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Northbridge’s beating heart has always been its live music scene and you will have seen in many Australian cities, thriving nightlife has been silenced by noise complaints and development pressures.
We are excited to see Perth taking a different path by safeguarding Northbridge’s nightlife precinct with new sound measures designed to balance live music and community. It’s a move welcomed by West Australian Music (WAM), the state’s peak body for contemporary music, who say it will boost confidence for new venues and investors — without the fear of noise complaints. The changes ensure Northbridge’s live music scene remains a vital part of our arts, nightlife, community and overall liveability, something many cities in Australia have been struggling with in recent years.
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190,000 Potential Workers on WA’s Sidelines |
Skills shortages continue to challenge Western Australia, with 40% of occupations facing shortages, according to the latest Jobs and Skills Australia report, analysed by Business News. But current ABS data suggests that 190,000 potential workers already live in WA — people who want to work but are sidelined by barriers such as lack of experience, family responsibilities or limited flexibility from employers.
The research highlights that WA’s labour challenge isn’t simply about missing qualifications. Only 6% of surveyed jobseekers said skills or education were the issue. Instead, gaps could be bridged by entry-level training programs, industry-led upskilling, flexible hours, job-share arrangements and more inclusive recruitment practices.
For employers, this is both a challenge and an opportunity: by tapping into the state’s “hidden workforce” — underemployed part-timers, parents, carers and people with disabilities — businesses could ease shortages while building a more diverse and resilient workforce. Read more on Business News (subscription required).
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| Wave of Investment Brings Surf Park to Life |
In September 2023, Committee for Perth hosted Future Ready Forum: The rise of strategic centres with the City of Cockburn as an important gateway of growth and opportunity with projects, including WA’s first surf park. It's wonderful to see the ideas presented at this event come to fruition with Aventuur’s Perth Surf Park project securing significant investment from RAC WA and Wyllie, enabling construction to start later this year (2025) with an expected opening in late 2027. This $120 million development in Central Cockburn will feature a 2.2-hectare Wavegarden Cove, designed to offer guaranteed, customisable perfect waves for all abilities in a safe environment, year-round.
Beyond the waves, the Surf Park will introduce a wellness centre, restaurants, shops, and accommodation, positioning it as a landmark tourism and leisure destination. For Perth, already celebrated globally for its pristine coastline and ocean culture, the addition of a world-class surf park represents a unique expansion of the city’s leisure options.
Read More or Watch. |
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Perth to Host 1,000 Athletes for Squash Masters |
In September 2026, Perth will welcome over 1,000 masters athletes and supporters for the World Squash Masters Championship — one of the largest squash events ever held in Australia. Backed by World Squash, the WA Government, the City of Stirling and Squash Australia, the tournament will feature a glass show court at Karrinyup Shopping Centre alongside matches at Squashworld Mirrabooka and the Belmont Squash Centre.
The event cements Perth’s reputation as a world-class sporting city while boosting tourism and community engagement. |
| ECU City to Ignite Perth’s Global Identity
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Perth’s newest landmark is set to light up the world stage. Edith Cowan University has unveiled the striking media architecture of its $853 million City Campus, opening in semester 1, 2026. With more than 2,800 custom LED fixtures and one of Australia’s largest indoor digital screens, ECU City will transform the CBD into a hub of art, technology, and culture. From showcasing student creativity to attracting global attention, it’s a bold step in positioning Perth as a city of imagination, innovation, and possibility. We’re counting down the days until it opens!
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| An update from Rebecca Brown PSM Wednesday, 8 October 2025 | 12.00pm to 2.00pm
WAITLIST // Gold and Silver Member-only event |
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| MOVERS & SHAKERS SUNDOWNER |
Held at Crown Crystal Club Tuesday, 21 October 2025 ENQUIRE // By invite only |
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2050 SUMMIT: CHAMPIONING A PLAN FOR PERTH | Committee for Perth's full day, landmark forum Wednesday, 22 October 2025 | 9.00am to 5.00pm
BUY TICKETS // Public event |
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EXECUTIVE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP FORUM |
A conversation with Hon. Simone McGurk MLA
Wednesday, 29 October 2025 | 5.00pm to 7.00pm WAITLIST // Member-only event |
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| An update from Hon Meredith Hammat MLA Wednesday, 5 November 2025 | 12.00pm to 2.00pm
ENQUIRE // Gold and Silver Member-only event |
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| The Festival Effect: Why Culture is Perth's Boldest Investment with Anna Reece Thursday, 13 November 2025 | 12.00pm to 2.00pm
WAITLIST // Member-only event |
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| Held at Lamont’s Bishops House Wednesday, 3 December 2025 | 4.30pm to 7.00pm
ENQUIRE // Member-only event |
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With thanks to all our members for their ongoing contribution to promoting innovation and creativity to deliver a brighter future for Perth. View all of our members. |
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Committee for Perth conducts its work on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. We recognise their peoples' ongoing connection to land, culture and community and in doing so, pay our respects to Elders past and present. |
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