PERTH UPDATE December 2025 |
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CEO Update | Perth Park, Have Your Say
Australia's Youth Agenda | Transperth Goes Contactless |
Creativity Schools | North Metro TAFE Graduation Exhibition |
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Dear {CONTACT.FIRSTNAME}, This is my last Committee for Perth CEO update.
What a wonderful 1,037 days it has been. When I started, I said this was my dream job, and it truly has been. This role has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling, and now it is time to hand over to the next CEO to lead the way forward. As I write this, I have been reflecting on what I want to say: to appreciate, celebrate, and reflect. So here goes… |
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Firstly, a massive thank you to all our passionate Perth champions – our members. Without your support for our mission, we would not exist. Together, we have worked to position Perth as one of the most liveable regions in the world. Your continued engagement – reading and contributing to our newsletters, attending our events, supporting and sharing our research, and always showing up to help support Team Committee for Perth – has been much appreciated.
Speaking of (our small, but mighty) team – Francien Boom, Kelly Campbell, Kelly Woodall and Nathalie Heppeler – together we have achieved so much. I am beyond proud of what we deliver every day with the best ambitions for Perth’s future. A big thank you also to the Board, led by Chair Tony Joyner. Thank you for working alongside me; I deeply appreciate the trust you’ve placed in the vision we share. I will truly miss this super-special A team.
Together, we have made incredible progress: -
Launch of Urban Scrawl; our member-only newsletter, bringing global ideas and inspiration straight to your inboxes
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Delivery and integration of the 2025-2030 strategic plan, built on four key pillars: a Plan for Perth, member engagement, advocacy for progress and measuring impact
- A rebrand and new website; literally putting Perth at the heart of what we do
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New event series; Urban Insights, Future Ready Forum, Gold Leaders Dinner, and the Premier’s Address
- The landmark Perth 2050 report; in collaboration Scitech and authored by accredited futurist Dr Ben Hamer
- The Leading Cities report, Powering Perth: The path to global recognition; in collaboration with RSM Australia
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Tours to Wadjemup/Rottnest Island and the Western Trade Coast; thank you to Rottnest Island Authority, Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance, and Kwinana Industries Council for making these possible
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And of course, the 2050 Summit: Championing a Plan for Perth; a powerful event projecting 25 years ahead to shape the Perth we want for future generations. I rewatched some sessions recently and remain in awe of what was presented. You can rewatch the 2050 Summit here.
Membership remains strong, and I leave the organisation in a financially secure position. I also had the privilege of working alongside other Committees for Capital Cities. Together, we met with Ministers, advocated for the importance of cities at a Federal level, and this year we launched the Parliamentary Friends of Capital Cities. I will miss Cam, Eamon, Jen, Sam, and Scott, and hope our paths cross again.
When I first spoke about Perth in 2050, many thought it was too far away. Today, I believe we all feel the urgency to plan so Perth can thrive and provide a home to 3.5–4 million people to live, work, invest, study and visit. My focus has been driving a positive, bold and ambitious narrative for Perth, because we deserve it. I shut down talk of “little old country town” and “the most isolated city in the world” and instead championed our place in a region that holds 60% of the world’s population and our future ambitions.
I fell in love with Perth when I arrived with my two boys in 2002 from London, and I am even more in love with it now. But our work is not done. There is much to prepare so that my grandchildren, and their children, can have dynamic, fulfilling and rewarding futures here.
Thank you for all you have done. Keep up the great work, Perth needs you.
Best wishes,
Paula Rogers Chief Executive Officer Committee for Perth |
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Artwork by Dr Richard Walley OAM |
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8 November–6 December: Claremont Oval Markets: Enjoy delicious food & beverages, live music and the opportunity to shop a unique selection of goods from local artisans at Claremont Oval Markets. 8 November–6 December: Cats the Musical: experience the 40th Australian Anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical Cats at the Crown, Perth.
24 November–29 March: Somerville Outdoor Cinemas is back with a lineup of hand-picked, unique films at Perth Festival - Lotterywest Films.
28 November–28 December: Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail - The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail is back in town, lighting up the City for 31 nights with 22 amazing light installations.
4–21 December: Jewish International Film Festival - Showcasing 30 acclaimed new films and documentaries exploring Jewish life, history and culture from around the world at Luna Leederville and Luna on SX.
4 December: Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” planetarium experience is returning to Scitech for limited encore shows. Get your tickets here. -
4 & 8 December: AC/DC are returning to Perth – one of the world’s greatest rock’n’roll bands returns to Australia for the first time in a decade. Tickets are still available for 8 December.
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4 December–29 March: Moonlight Cinema is back in Kings Park showing a variety of blockbusters over four months. Find out about the films.
5– 7 December: Bazaar Christmas Makers Market - A curated market of WA makers, Bazaar Makers Market returns to the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre this Christmas. -
5-20 December: Gold Santa at The Perth Mint - experience the magic of Christmas with Gold Santa making a return appearance for families.
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15–6 December: Western Australian Model UN: WAMUN 2025 (Western Australian Model United Nations) is a dynamic, youth-led conference that brings together passionate high school and university students to simulate the workings of the United Nations. Whether you're a seasoned MUNer or just curious about global affairs, WAMUN 2025 is a place to learn, grow, and connect.
- 17 December–22 February: Titanic, The Human Story is coming to Perth after sold-out runs in Brisbane and its twin exhibition in London, New York, and DC. Find all dates here.
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31 December: Hancock Iron Ore New Year’s Eve - a vibrant program of family-friendly activities and entertainment at Elizabeth Quay and Surrounds.
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Perth Park: Have Your Say on the New Burswood Vision |
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The WA Government's has unveiled plans for the Perth Park precinct in Burswood, releasing artist impressions of the proposed entertainment and sporting precinct and inviting community feedback. The precinct is set to integrate major venues including Optus Stadium and the State Tennis Centre on the Burswood Peninsula, alongside new parklands, event facilities and community spaces. Key features include landscaped parkland open year-round, an urban forest that will more than double the existing site's tree canopy, a multi-use building for sport and events, a 12,000-capacity outdoor amphitheatre, and a track designed for cycling training and motorsport events.
The business case forecasts that Perth Park will drive more than $61 million in annual economic activity, supporting jobs in tourism, sport, arts and events, while also offering visitors a new green, vibrant place to gather and connect.
The concept design is now open for community consultation. Get all the insights on this project and have your say before 7 December. |
Australia’s Youth Agenda asks for Fewer Handouts, More Homes |
Deloitte’s latest Youth Agenda report, Fewer handouts, more homes, highlights the growing challenge young Australians face entering the housing market and puts forward some policy priorities to restore housing outcomes for young Australians of today and tomorrow. With rental and home prices rising far faster than incomes, it now takes nearly 14 years for a young person to save a deposit (up from under 10 years just a decade ago).
The report argues that grants and other demand-side incentives have pushed prices higher without increasing supply. Instead, Deloitte points to solutions such as expanding the construction workforce through skilled migration, streamlining planning, building more social housing and considering fairer tax settings. The average dwelling price relative to average annual cash earnings for 21-34 year-olds |
For Perth, this moment is also an opportunity. With space to grow (denser), strong population appeal and the capacity to attract skilled workers, the city is well placed to deliver more homes and create a fairer housing future for the next generation.
With Perth recently again named the country’s most unaffordable capital for renters, the Youth Agenda’s call for more homes — not short-term handouts — feels especially timely, and highlights the opportunity for coordinated action. |
Housing tenure distribution across OECD countries
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Tap-On: Transperth Goes Contactless |
The next time you board a bus, train or ferry in Perth you will be able to simply tap your credit or debit card, smartwatch or phone, no SmartRider needed! From Monday, 8 December 2025, contactless payments will be fully enabled across the metropolitan and key regional network as part of the SmartRider Upgrade Project.
This upgrade makes Perth the latest Australian capital to embrace contactless payments, joining Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, and Hobart.
For everyday commuters and visitors, this means significantly more flexibility, fewer top-up delays and easier access for occassional riders. On the flipside, Fares for contactless card users will be the same as a cash fare, which is more expensive than a SmartRider.
Read more on 9News or Perth is OK |
| Celebrating Creativity in WA Schools |
Schools across WA have wrapped up a year of Creative Schools, FORM Building a State of Creativity’s program that helps teachers bring more creativity, curiosity and problem-solving into the classroom. Recent showcases highlighted how creative approaches have boosted student engagement, confidence and collaboration.
Building on this success, FORM has teamed up with AISWA to pilot Creativity for Teaching, a condensed professional learning program based on the same evidence-backed Creative Schools framework.
The pilot gives more teachers the chance to explore creative teaching methods and design classroom projects that support diverse learners. FORM continues to champion creativity as a vital skill for young people and a powerful tool for more engaging, flexible learning. |
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North Metro TAFE — Graduate Exhibition 2025 |
North Metro TAFE’s Art & Design graduates will take centre stage as the 2025 Graduate Exhibition opens its doors. This showcase brings together student's work from ten diverse creative disciplines, from illustration and digital media to fine art and design. Held at Gallery Central in Northbridge, the exhibition invites the community to wander through the evolving work of emerging artists and designers, engage with fresh perspectives and celebrate the next generation of Western Australia’s creative professionals. Whether you’re after inspiration, supporting local talent or simply curious about the state of contemporary creativity in the West, this is an opportunity to explore bold ideas and fresh voices in a dynamic gallery-style setting. The exhibition is open to the public from Thursday, 4 December until Thursday, 11 December. |
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| MEMBER END OF YEAR CELEBRATION |
Held at Lamont’s Bishops House Wednesday, 3 December 2025 | 4.30pm to 7.00pm ENQUIRE // Member-only event |
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| With Premier Roger Cook MLA Wednesday, 10 December 2025 | 12.00pm to 2.00pm 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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