Kaya,
When you’re a child, big people expect you to answer one of life’s biggest questions long before you know what an excel spreadsheet is, why people go to work, or that ‘being rich’ is not, technically a profession.
‘So, what do you want to be when you grow up?’ is a question that probably shouldn’t be reasonably asked of a seven-year-old who is still learning how to tie their shoelaces. However fast forward a decade - we definitely feel that 17-year-olds should have a pretty good idea of What Comes Next. |
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Some do, and many don’t. And it’s not that they don’t have access to information about the vast myriad of jobs and careers that are potentially waiting for them; in fact, they are probably over-loaded with knowledge and advice (not to mention uncertainty about the impact of AI on future jobs and workplaces). What might be more useful are insights from IRL* |
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The glimpses of ‘working life’ right through our childhood and teenage years can be pivotal in the decisions we make. I clearly remember receiving my first pay-packet (pictured), from my very first job. My late Dad headed the Australian Medical Association (QLD) at the time, and being a man with a huge work ethic, he would often work on holidays and weekends and take my sister and I into the office with him.
Rather than sit us in a corner with a colouring book, he expected us to do real work – stuffing envelopes or sorting stationery cupboards and earning 50 cents an hour. |
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As a teenager, I wrote newsletters and columns for Dad, who took me with him to various conferences and site visits. He was then General Manager of the QLD Hotels Association, so we had some splendid jaunts. These experiences taught me that I wanted to work with people, be a communicator and travel (they also made me realise I wanted to earn a lot more than 50 cents an hour).
This month, together with Committee for Perth member All Saints’ College, we launched the Year 12 Networking Breakfast, where students chose the industries and topics that mattered most to them, and a range of Committee for Perth members and Old Saints’ alumni were on hand to share their experiences and reflect on their own career journeys. Feedback showed that both the students and mentors greatly enjoyed the experience and the intergenerational exchange of knowledge and ideas was of huge value.
We also took the opportunity to ask students, ‘If you had one opportunity to share your ideas with Perth’s business and community leaders, what is one thing you believe we should do to create a better Perth for future generations?’ The responses were remarkably insightful, and canvassed topics such as sustainability and environmental responsibility, housing affordability and cost of living, AI and innovation, and infrastructure and economic development. We will be utilising this feedback as we build a program of youth involvement in Committee for Perth. Let’s not forget that the young people of today are going to be the leaders whose decisions shape our city towards 2050 and beyond. We look forward to sharing more about this work soon.
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| Until next month! Tania Hudson Chief Executive Officer Committee for Perth |
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PS. As for that $2.50 pay check … I can’t remember exactly how I spent it, but I’m certain that at least the ‘bonus for excellent work’ dollar went on a little bag of cobbers and jersey caramels at the corner store.
*In Real Life – but you knew that. |
The Noongar season of Djilba is the start of the massive flowering explosion that happens in the South West,
beginning with the yellow flowering plants such as the acacias. |
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COMMITTEES FOR CAPITAL CITIES |
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Australians are edgy people. We are a continent of edge-dwellers, with almost 90% living within 50km of the coastline, and two-thirds of Australians living in our capital cities.
Our eight capital cities contribute 70% of Australia’s GDP, and many are facing the same challenges as our nation’s population grows. For this reason, the Committee for Capital Cities, made up of the Committees for Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Greater Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney, is an important research, policy and advocacy vehicle for addressing city opportunities and challenges across the country. |
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The Committee meets annually in Canberra for discussions with federal political and government leaders about the national urban agenda. In August, we put forward a case for Density Done Well, an initiative that sets out a shared vision for thriving, liveable cities.
It outlines three specific, costed policy recommendations: fast-tracked federal funding to accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery; a new City Partnerships model to strengthen collaboration between governments; and dedicated Commonwealth funding for the Committee for Capital Cities to support research and implementation of the national urban agenda. The Committee’s broader advocacy mandate spans housing, transport, innovation, health and liveability, climate, and skills and migration.
The Committee met with a range of Government and Opposition Ministers and staffers, as well as Treasury and the Productivity Commission, to share information and ideas on behalf of our members. A Parliamentary Friends of Cities sundowner in the Speaker’s Courtyard at Parliament House featured presentations from Co-Chairs Senator Richard Dowling and Simon Kennedy MP. Committee for Perth looks forward to sharing updates about the national agenda with our members.
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Our top picks of culture, creativity and community events happening across the Perth region this month, celebrating what makes our city uniquely Perth. |
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Now – 9 September | Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Business Awards – Nominations for the awards are now open and business owners are encouraged to nominate their own businesses. From Cafes and sustainability efforts to accommodation standouts, most businesses will find a suitable category here. Nominate now.
- 4 – 18 September 2026 | Make/shift Festival – Two weeks of talks, workshops and experiences in Walyalup/Fremantle building towards better futures. Full program and tickets at makeshift.site.
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11 September – 11 October | A Sensory Experience – Experience the Wheatbelt in a new way through There Is Nothing You Need to Do in Here, a site-specific contemporary art project by Wongan Hills Arts Co, where you can sit and immerse yourself amongst the sounds of the wheatbelt, right here in the City on Mill St. Register here.
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Francien’s Pick: 18 September – 4 October | Everlasting Kings Park Festival – Spring is here, and that means one thing; the Everlasting Kings Park Festival is back! Celebrating amazing displays of WA wildflowers, the Festival has many free events, guided walks, workshops and more.
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22 September – 2 October | Colours Of Our Country - In 2026, the 21st Colours of our Country Aboriginal Art Exhibition shares the stories and customs of the Pilbara, showcasing a vibrant collection of artworks proudly exhibited by Rio Tinto. 100% of all proceeds go directly to the artists, art centres and their communities. Exhibition details.
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25 – 28 September | The Story of Kooyar – Follow the song of the Kooyar (frog) to Elizabeth Quay this September, where the Derbarl Yerrigan transforms into a stage for ancient stories of nature, renewal and connection to Country. The Story of Kooyar is a free, all-ages event.Learn more.
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What makes a destination memorable? The places we visit play a part, but often it's the people we meet and the stories they share that stay with us long after we've left.
That's the idea behind Destination Perth's People of Perth series, which shines a spotlight on nine locals from across the region and the places they love. From a Scarborough lifeguard and Swan Valley winemaker to a Rottnest Island tourism operator and an Avon Valley balloon pilot, the documentary-style videos offer a personal glimpse into life across Perth and its surrounds.
At a time when cities are competing for visitors, talent and investment, the series is a reminder that a city's greatest ambassadors are often the people who call it home. Through their stories, People of Perth showcases the diversity, character and sense of place that make the Perth region unique. You can view the series here.
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Could WA Become a Clean Energy Superpower? |
A guest column by Charles Kobelke, CEO, Business News
What if Western Australia’s next great economic advantage isn’t simply the resources beneath our feet, but the energy we can produce above them?
In this month’s guest column, Business News CEO Charles Kobelke makes the case for WA becoming one of the world’s great clean energy superpowers by 2050. His proposition goes well beyond exporting electricity: abundant, affordable and reliable energy could allow WA to process more of its own resources, produce green iron, refine critical minerals, manufacture low-emissions fuels and attract entirely new energy-intensive industries.
There are already glimpses of what that model can achieve elsewhere. Iceland generates almost all of its electricity from renewable sources and has turned that abundance into an industrial advantage. Energy-intensive industries consume around three-quarters of the country’s electricity, with Iceland supporting three major aluminium smelters as well as a growing data-centre industry. In effect, Iceland uses abundant renewable electricity to create high-value products and services for export.
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| Next Generation of Innovators |
Edith Cowan University has officially launched Western Australia's first Apple Foundation Program. Only the third of its kind in Australia, this accessible, immersive digital education program will foster critically-needed technical skills, develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges, and harness entrepreneurial collaboration.
Speaking at the launch, the Hon Patrick Gorman MP highlighted the growing demand for digital skills, noting that Australia will need 1.8 million people working in tech-related jobs by 2030.
Supported by the Malka Foundation, the program is helping to build the capabilities needed to support WA's future industries. Participants will develop skills in design thinking, creativity, critical thinking, and tech skills such as coding, prototyping and user-centric design.
It is incredibly exciting to see the next generation of app developers, entrepreneurs and digital innovators working their magic in the purpose-built Apple Foundation Space.
You can register your interest in the 3-week Apple Foundation Programs here. |
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Once-In-A-Generation Rebuild |
Perth's southern industrial corridor is set to see billions of dollars in investment over the coming decade, with AUKUS submarine support facilities, Westport and major transport upgrades transforming Kwinana into a critical hub for defence, freight and industry. In an ABC article, Kwinana Industries Council CEO David Harrison says the region will be "completely unrecognisable" within a few years. As the industrial heart of the state, the challenge will be delivering the infrastructure needed for WA's next phase of growth while keeping one of the state's most important employment, manufacturing and freight corridors moving.
As the voice of industry in the region, Kwinana Industries Council is working to ensure businesses can continue operating efficiently throughout this period of transformation. While the upgrades are widely welcomed, KIC emphasises that careful planning and industry consultation will be essential to keep the wheels of the economy turning during this once-in-a-generation rebuild. Read more about the transformation of Kwinana here. |
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Perth Selected to Join Global Youth Climate Action Initiative |
Young Perth residents with ideas for a more sustainable city now have the opportunity to turn them into reality, with the City of Perth selected to participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ global Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF).
Perth is one of 300 cities worldwide taking part in the initiative, which supports young people aged 15 to 24 to design and deliver practical climate projects in their communities.
Grants of up to $7,000 are available for youth-led projects within the City of Perth that align with the City's climate priorities, spanning mitigation and reslience, circularity, inclusivity and governance.
Projects must be supported by an eligible non-profit or charitable organisation, while giving young people hands-on experience developing ideas, managing projects and working with stakeholders.
Applications opened on 24 August and close 2 October 2026. Find out more about the program, co-design information sessions and how to apply via the City of Perth YCAF webpage.
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Our CEO, Tania Hudson, is known to talk about her dogs almost as much as championing Perth's ambition.
So, we're leaning in.
We're putting together a 'Pets of Perth Calendar 2027' and want your four or two-legged family members in it. Send us a pic of your beloved family member to feature in this year’s publication. Bonus points for photos that also show off Perth’s best angles!
📸 Submit your photo by 1 November to enquiries@committeeforperth.com.au
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Our member community is passionate about making Perth one of the world’s most liveable cities. Every month, we celebrate members who are helping make that vision a reality. Have news to share? Email us.
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| We're excited to welcome Accenture Australia as a new Silver Member of Committee for Perth.
Accenture is a global professional services company specialising in technology, management consulting and digital reinvention.
As Perth continues to grow and evolve, we're excited to have Accenture's insights, expertise and global perspective contributing to the conversations shaping our city's future. |
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"Accenture is joining the Committee for Perth because we believe in Perth City's potential and want to help shape and reinvent it. As a business with deep local roots and global reach, we want to contribute our people, our insight and our networks to that conversation," says Andy Lu, Consultant. We look forward to working together. |
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Shell – 125 years of powering progress
Shell launched a new brand campaign, 125 years of powering progress in Australia, celebrating 125 years of its journey and contribution to Australia. From bringing Australia’s first bulk fuel cargo to its shores and fuelling early aviation, to major energy projects including the Prelude Floating LNG facility here in WA, the campaign looks back at 125 years of change – and ahead to what comes next |
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| Australia’s AI conversation has a vocabulary problem Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre's CEO Mark Stickells AM oped in InnovationAus.com says that Australia needs a better vocabulary for understanding the digital infrastructure underpinning our economy and future competitiveness.
If an airport isn't an airline, then a data centre isn't AI. |
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Perth Airport: A Story of Capacity, Constraint & Expansion |
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In August, members were lucky enough to have a behind-the-scenes look at one of Western Australia's most important assets during our Member Spotlight Experience event with Perth Airport. From its beginnings at Maylands Aerodrome to today's record passenger numbers, Perth Airport's story has been one of capacity, constraint and expansion.
A huge thank you to Perth Airport Chair Rob Cole, CEO Jason Waters, General Manager Retail Tony Sewell, and Chief Planning & Projects Officer Steve Moreland for sharing their vision for Perth's future.
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Spirit of 'Team WA' at the Inaugural Opposition's Address |
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The spirit of “Team WA” came through strongly at our inaugural Opposition's Address with Basil Zempilas MLA earlier in the month. Competing ideas don’t have to preclude common ground when the ultimate goal is a better outcome for Perth and Western Australia.
Thank you to Basil Zempilas for sharing his perspectives and engaging so openly with our members, to everyone who contributed their questions and ideas, and to QV1 for hosting us and for the wonderful hospitality. |
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THE CHAIR'S 20 WITH LINDA DAWSON Lamont’s Bishops House Tuesday, 8 September / 12.00pm to 2.00pm
Gold & Silver Member-only event / Waitlist
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EXECUTIVE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP FORUM WITH EMILY ROPER PSM HopgoodGanim Lawyers Thursday, 17 September / 5.00pm to 7.00pm Member-only event / Enquire Now
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New Horizons Webinar: Wide Awake WA, Perth's Dawn Economy Opportunity With Dr Anna Edwards Thursday, 1 October 2026 / 10.00am to 11.00am Member-only online event / Register via Teams
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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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BDO
City of Gosnells City of Mandurah City of South Perth
Department of Energy & Economic Diversification |
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| Fortescue Hall & Wilcox MinterEllison
RAC |
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St Ives Villages Stockland Tennis West WA Cricket
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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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