PERTH UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2025 |
| |
CEO Update | Canning Learning Cities
West Tech Fest Returns | Science and Tech Council |
Homes for the Futue | Wild About Wildflowers |
|
|
We have 52 days until Committee for Perth 2050 Summit launches at Crown Perth(!) I hope you have the day marked in your diary and plan to join us with your team and/or clients.
There is no more important discussion to attend. Since publishing Towards a Bright Future – Perth @3.5 million in 2012, Committee for Perth has been highlighting the region’s projected population growth and the shared responsibility we all have to plan wisely for the future. |
| |
|
In 2012, Committee for Perth said we were at a crossroad, and in 2025 (13 years on) it really is time to move from this crossroad to action, working together to collaborate, adapt and innovate to achieve long-term regional success. The report promoted our continued ambitions for Perth to be a region with a shared vision and integrated strategic plan to ensure the metropolitan region: - promotes the high value of its people;
- embraces its natural environment;
- is vibrant and innovative;
- participates on the world stage; and
-
is distinctive, with a strong sense of place.
NOW is the time to build Perth’s best future together. The 2050 Summit will tap into the expertise and talents of mostly Perthites – because we know this place better than international and interstate speakers. We have been intentional from the start, because by the end of the Summit we aim to have a framework for our future to present to Government, our members and the community. The work we do at the Summit will shape how liveable, affordable and sustainable the greater Perth region will be for future generations.
The morning sessions of the 2050 Summit will present insights from our young citizens, Ministers, Aboriginal leaders, experts in climate, liveability, housing, technology, workforce development and economic diversification. Be inspired and informed in the morning sessions, then join a dynamic afternoon workshop designed to capture Perth’s boldest and brightest ideas.
This event is priced to sell out – secure your table today and be part of shaping Perth’s future as we head toward 2050. As Dr Ben Hamer said in the Perth 2050 Report, “Without taking decisive steps now, Perth risks missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine itself and reimagine the way people live, work, invest, visit and play in this beautiful part of the world.” Commit today. Be part of Perth’s future! Tickets available here.
We also have elections for new Committee for Perth Board Directors, and I will be in contact about member nominations, which opens tomorrow, 2 September 2025. If you want to know more, please email me at paula.rogers@committeeforperth.com.au. Membership of the board provides senior leaders from member organisations with the opportunity to work with Committee for Perth’s CEO and team to drive the best outcomes for Perth.
Best wishes, Paula Rogers
Chief Executive Officer Committee for Perth |
|
|
Artwork by Dr Richard Walley OAM |
|
|
-
27 August-8 October – Morning Startup is a fortnightly meetup for WA startups, founders and entrepreneurs to help inspire and support entrepreneurship in WA.
-
12-29 September – The annual Everlasting Kings Park Festival celebrates the extraordinary diversity and beauty of Western Australia’s famous wildflowers during September.
-
5-6 September – Join Perth Symphony Orchestra for a powerful and moving celebration of Dr Richard Walley OAM, Noongar artist, musician, statesman, and cultural trailblazer. Dr Richard is also the Cultural advisor to Committee for Perth, and we have a special rate for members – if you use the code RWA15 you get a 15% discounted ticket rate.
-
Closing 10 September – 2025 Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Nominations are now open – nominate businesses in 15 categories. There is also an awards dinner you can attend by booking tickets here Buy tickets – Fremantle Business Awards Gala 2025 – Esplanade Hotel Fremantle
- 17-19 September –
Engineering Ocean Solutions (EOS) is back this September for a three-day ocean innovation festival. It’s the premier annual festival that attracts engineers, innovators, researchers and leaders who are engineering solutions to ocean-related challenges.
- 19-21 September – Discover the latest in boating, fishing, and marine lifestyle at the Perth International Boat Show.
-
27 September-4 October – The Royal Show returns to Perth. Experience WA’s biggest community celebration — the Royal Perth Show returns with animals, entertainment, rides, and showbags for all ages.
-
30 September-4 October – AWESOME Festival returns these school holidays with inspiring arts and adventures for kids at the Perth Cultural Centre.
|
|
|
Canning Extends Its UNESCO Learning City Strategy |
|
|
The City of Canning (population: 100,822) continues to lead the way in lifelong learning, inclusion, and innovation. In 2022, Canning became the first city in WA to join the prestigious UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, a global community committed to education, sustainability, and opportunity for all.
Through its Learning City Strategy 2020–2024, Canning has embedded learning into everyday life, from intercultural programs to youth trade skills, business mentoring, and community initiatives. By connecting globally through UNESCO and locally with over 50 partners and agencies across education, business, government, and community organisations, Canning is demonstrating how a city can become a vibrant hub of lifelong learning. |
|
|
Bold Ideas, Bright Futures: West Tech Fest Returns |
This year’s West Tech Fest is staged across Perth’s metropolitan region from Monday 8 to Friday 12 December, making it Australia’s longest-running technology and innovation festival yet. Imagine spending a day on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) with visionary thinkers exploring innovation’s next frontier? Set amid turquoise shores, West Tech Wadjemup is designed to foster bold conversations around sustainability, circular economy principles, and environmental stewardship.
Further event highlights include West Tech Women and the First Nations House Summit on December 8, spotlighting gender diversity and Indigenous leadership in technology. West Tech Main, the full-day flagship conference at Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre will take place on December 9, featuring startup pitches, innovation showcases, and investor sessions.
Presented by Curtin University, the Government of Western Australia, and the City of Perth, West Tech Fest is a high-energy, multi-venue celebration of entrepreneurial thinking, inclusion, and interdisciplinary collaboration. |
| Boosting WA’s Role In Education, Skills & Research |
Western Australia has taken another step forward in shaping its future workforce and innovation economy with the establishment of a new Science and Technology Council. The council, made up of 13 members, brings together expertise from across research, academia, government, and industry — with representation from the Forrest Research Foundation, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, The University of Western Australia, and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).
Chaired by WA Chief Scientist, Professor Sharath Sriram (who will also speak at our 2050 Summit), the council will oversee the implementation of WA’s 10-Year Science and Technology Plan. Its role is to provide independent advice on emerging opportunities and challenges, promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strengthen links between government, academia, and industry.
This is a major win for WA, ensuring the state has a strong platform to advance science, research, and skills development — and to seize opportunities that will shape the workforce and economy of the future. |
|
|
Homes For The Future: Perth Embraces Build-to-Rent Model |
Perth is breaking new ground in tackling its rental affordability crisis, with 14 new build-to-rent projects now underway that will deliver more than 1,000 affordable and social homes across the metro area. This is a major step toward the State Government’s goal of 24,000 new homes per year and comes as pressure on renters continues to rise.
The new projects are spread across a mix of established and growing suburbs. Popular inner-city locations like East Perth, Subiaco, and Pier Street are expected to attract strong demand, thanks to their proximity to jobs, culture, and transport. Funded through a $443 million package of state and federal support, the developments will be managed by community housing providers and offer a mix of affordable and social rentals (80/20). |
| Wild About Wildflowers - Everlasting Kings Park
Festival Blooms From 12-29 September |
Each year, the Everlasting Kings Park Festival captivates Western Australians with the dazzling diversity and beauty of our spring wildflowers—this time sparkling from 12 to 29 September 2025 inside Kings Park. Entry is free and open daily, making it an accessible celebration of our region’s natural heritage.
More than just a seasonal attraction, the festival is an invitation to wander through lush gardens, discover rare native blooms, and connect with the enduring spirit of Western Australia’s flora and the Traditional Custodians who care for it. Head to the Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority website to see What’s On every day of the festival. We are so excited to see this festival bring Perth alive again in 2025.
|
|
|
|
URBAN INSIGHTS: THE WESTERN TRADE COAST TOUR |
Behind-the-scenes tour of Perth’s industrial powerhouse Friday, 5 September 2025 | 11.00am to 5.00pm
ENQUIRE // Member-only event |
|
|
| An update from Rebecca Brown PSM Wednesday, 8 October 2025 | 12.00pm to 2.00pm WAITLIST // Member-only event |
|
|
| MOVERS & SHAKERS SUNDOWNER |
Held at Crown Crystal Club Tuesday, 21 October 2025 ENQUIRE // By invite only |
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
EXECUTIVE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP FORUM |
A conversation with Hon. Simone McGurk MLA
Wednesday, 29 October 2025 | 5.00pm to 7.00pm ENQUIRE // Member-only event |
|
|
| An update from Hon Meredith Hammat MLA Wednesday, 5 November 2025 | 12.00pm to 2.00pm
ENQUIRE // Gold and Silver Member-only event |
|
|
| Held at Lamont’s Bishops House Wednesday, 3 December 2025 | 4.30pm to 7.00pm
ENQUIRE // Member-only event |
|
|
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. |
|
|
{YOURCOMPANY.NAME}
{YOURCOMPANY.ADDRESS} |
| |
|
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. |
|
|
|