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CEO Update | Perth Love|
Dementia Forum 2025| AI-Powered Pitch |
Elders Wool Stores revamp | Rising Leaders |
Workforce of the Future| Cosmos on Campus|
125 Years of TAFE Creativity | Fremantle Tops Towns|
Light up with new Perth art installations |
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Good afternoon,
I am writing in the middle of National Reconciliation Week 27th May – 3rd June 2025. A powerful reminder of the history and generosity of Aboriginal people as we plan towards 2050. I hope you have managed to connect and engage with events and discussions. The Committee for Perth team all attended the breakfast at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, Walyalup Fremantle. I am sharing a stunning video that was shared with us today by the City of Fremantle.
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It was wonderful standing tall with Elders, Government, business and community leaders to demonstrate how important reconciliation is for us all.
Premier Cook said he wanted to leave actions rather than words as he announced for the very first time a redress scheme for Aboriginal people in Perth and Western Australia to acknowledge past injustices. ‘In truth we find the foundation for justice and reconciliation’.
With the theme “bridging now to next’ and our Perth 2050 focus, I see real alignment with our ambitions for Perth. Imagine a reconciled future for us all. Reconciliation WA has joined as a member, and we look forward to seeing how this partnership will create new insights and engagement opportunities for the Committee and members. If you have any suggested ideas or things you would like to see – please let me know.
Speaking of change and opportunities, there are a number of transformational projects announced in recent weeks which will be potential game changers for Perth. The Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel has approved the $400m redevelopment of Carillon City in the heart of the Perth CBD. It has been boarded up for a number of years so it is exciting to imagine a new future for this place. The site will become home to 22-storey and 35-storey towers which will include student accommodation with 803 beds, a hotel with 238 rooms, and new retail and hospitality spaces. Fiveight which is part of member organisation Tattarang are leading the proposed development.
As our city continues to grow and evolve, two major projects are now open for public consultation: the future redevelopment of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) and the proposed Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct at Burswood Park.
The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) is inviting feedback on the Draft Improvement Scheme for the PCEC precinct until 7 August 2025. At the same time, the State Government is calling for community input on plans to transform Burswood Park into a lively destination for sport, culture, and community connection.
We encourage everyone to get involved and have their say. These visionary projects will shape the Perth of tomorrow. Your ideas and perspectives are vital in helping us imagine a more liveable, vibrant city in the coming years. Thinking about Perth’s transformation brings to mind this quote: “When you look at a city, it’s like reading the hopes, aspirations and pride of everyone who built it.” – Hugh Newell Jacobson.
In news from Committee for Perth, board director Meath Hammond, has resigned from the board following his recent departure from BHP and appointment to the WA Premier’s office starting 3rd June 2025. We thank Meath for his service and commitment to the organisation and its members since he joined in 2019. We will miss his thoughtful and inciteful contributions.
In wrapping up my CEO Update, Time Out magazine recently ranked the world’s top cities for arts and culture. 18,500 locals were surveyed in cities across the planet about the culture scene in their own hometown. Sydney was ranked the top Australian city and 5th in the world. It highlights the importance arts and culture has on living in a city. Sydney’s diverse tapestry of arts and culture is a huge part of what makes the city so special being so much more than harbours and beaches.
I write this to Perthites for two reasons: One, we need to remind ourselves of the importance of arts and culture for Perth’s citizens and visitors, and two, to attend, watch and book tickets to make the most of what we have and then celebrate it. We might not be Sydney, but contrary to some popular opinions there is actually lots happening in Perth. Have a look below and enjoy! Best wishes, Paula Rogers Chief Executive Officer Committee for Perth |
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Artwork by Dr Richard Walley OAM |
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27 May to 13 July 2025 – At Raine Square, an immersive First Nations program, Maar Koodjal showcases live music, dance, storytelling, art exhibitions, fashion showcases, and interactive workshops - coinciding with National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
23 May - 8 June: Never Have I Ever, a Black Swan Theatre Co production, is Deborah Frances-White debut play that is a savagely funny comedy about contemporary society, power and identity.
26 May – 26 June: Artist. Teacher. 125 years.
Celebrating the 125th anniversary of Perth Technical School’s opening in 1901, marking a milestone in the history of creative education in Western Australia
29 May – 25 July: The Art of Banksy “Without Limits”. The biggest Banksy exhibition has finally come to Perth for the first time with over 95 original artworks.
May 31- September 28: Sam Contis ‘Moving Landscape’ exhibition at AGWA.
28 June 2025 – 22 Feb 2026: WA Museum Boola Bardip will be featuring Terracotta Warriors ‘Legacy of the First Emperor’. This will be the largest museum exhibition ever staged in Western Australia with over 225 artefacts from China, including ten life-sized Terracotta Warriors. Be sure not to miss it! The Lester Prize Youth winner will also be announced with the exhibition running until 20 July.
4 June – 15 June: Taste the Square Start your culinary journey through Yagan Square with a progressive dining experience showcasing the precinct's vibrant food scene. June 21: Melville Midwinter
returns for another night of winter magic under the stars.
Member AIM WA has a new campaign to help with your training budget before 30 June with a Premium Learning Partnership. Premium Learning Partnerships | AIM WA There are savings across more than 115 short courses, with up to 12 months to redeem them. How good is that for upskilling your teams!
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PERTH WINS IN A CLEAN-SWEEP WITH YOUNGER GENERATIONS: KLEENHEAT REPORT |
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WA born and bred company, Kleenheat recently released a "WA is Better Than OK" report revealing that 98% of Gen Z and Millennials would encourage others to move west, drawn by our dry heat, natural beauty, and relaxed lifestyle. The report made frontpage news in the West Australian newspaper over the weekend and quoted Committee for Perth.
Committee for Perth CEO, Paula Rogers further discussed the findings and their implications for the city's future in an interview on ABC Radio Perth. She says, “My heart bursts with pride when I heard about the recently released survey WA is better than OK, which highlights our younger residents are leading the love for Perth and WA”. Notably, 95% of Millennials view Perth as an excellent place to raise a family, and 74% of Gen Z believe we offer a more stable job market than the rest of the country.
These findings align with the Committee's 2024 Perth Perception Survey, where 74% of Gen Z and 65% of Millennials expressed optimism about Perth’s trajectory towards 2050. As we plan for a future, we are excited to harness this energy and innovation to drive positive change and evolution for Greater Perth. |
FREMANTLE WOOL STORES WEAVES A NEW FUTURE |
Exciting news from Fremantle: The iconic Elders Wool Stores redevelopment has been unanimously approved by the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel. This $110 million project, led by H-U (Human Urban), aims to transform the long-vacant heritage-listed building into a vibrant seven-storey mixed-use precinct with boutique apartments, offices and hospitality venues. |
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PERTH'S AI-POWERED PITCH EVENT |
A Night of Innovation // The Fifth Industrial Revolution on the evening of 18 June, WA Museum Boola Bardip will focus on the fusion of human creativity and generative AI. The evening features a keynote from a globally recognised AI leader, a panel discussion on ethical innovation and pitch presentations from three standout WA-founded Gen AI startups. Attendees can also look forward to networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders, as well as engaging discussions on the future of technology and its impact on humanity.
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ADVANCING DEMENTIA HEALTH RESEARCH |
Perth will host the Australian Dementia Research Forum 2025, a flagship event drawing national and international attention to our city’s strengths in medical research, innovation and collaboration. From June 2 – 4, researchers, health professionals, policymakers and carers will gather at this premier forum to shape the future of dementia care. Themed ‘The Future of Dementia Prevention, Research and Care’, the event will spotlight cutting-edge discoveries and challenge societal perceptions around dementia, underscoring Perth’s growing profile as a hub for life sciences and health sector leadership.
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RISING LEADERSHIP PROGRAM KICKS OFF THIS MONTH |
Leadership WA’s Rising Leadership Program June cohort begins on Monday 30 June, welcoming a new group of emerging and mid-career professionals from across WA. Designed to strengthen leadership fundamentals and build meaningful cross-sector connections, the program runs over six months with 12 in-person Experience Days hosted at locations around the Perth metro area. Congratulations to all who were selected. We look forward to seeing the impact you make in your organisations and the broader WA community.
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STRENGTHENING WA’S WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE |
The recently completed Agency Capability Review of Western Australia's Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) highlights its strengths in collaborative workforce planning, staff engagement, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. The review also identifies opportunities to enhance internal governance and decision-making processes to better align with the state's evolving economic needs. This approach helps DTWD prepare the Perth and WA workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.
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CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF CREATIVE EDUCATION |
This year marks the 125th anniversary of Perth Technical School, now North Metropolitan TAFE, a cornerstone of creative education in Western Australia. The exhibition Artist.Teacher.125 years honours the profound impact of North Metropolitan TAFE (formerly Perth Technical School) on Perth’s artistic culture.
As the oldest art, design and media school in Western Australia, NMTAFE, continues to nurture a vibrant community of creatives, and continues a cycle of creativity, excellence, and collaboration. This exhibition, one of many more, offers a unique and compelling collection reflecting the diverse practices and influences of NM TAFE’s artists and educators. |
COSMOS ON CAMPUS INSPIRES FUTURE SPACE SCIENTISTS |
Curtin University’s Bentley campus recently transformed into a celestial hub as approximately 9,000 visitors attended the free Cosmos on Campus event. This immersive experience combined art, science, and imagination, featuring seven-meter-wide replicas of Earth and Mars by UK artist Luke Jerram, illuminated neon trails, live music, and telescope viewings.
Visitors met leading scientists and listened to talks on planetary science and space exploration, igniting the imagination of participants of all ages. One parent noted, “My 12-year-old was blown away by what he saw and heard, and came away talking about the sort of science he would do at Curtin.”
The event underscored Curtin’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of explorers through the creativity and research. Imagining the possibilities each day in Space with the team at Curtin and their BinarX project https://www.curtin.edu.au/engage/stem-outreach/all-programs-and-events/
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FREMANTLE TAKES THE CROWN AS WA’S TOP TOURISM TOWN 2025 |
Speaking of Fremantle, the port city has clinched the title of WA’s Top Tourism Town 2025 celebrating Fremantle's vibrant blend of heritage, culture and coastal charm. The win includes a $20,000 regional TV advertising package from Seven West Media, providing a significant boost to 7NEWS Top Tourism Town at the Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference Dinner held in Fremantle on 28 May. This accolade promotes very Fremantle's distinctive and compelling attractions.
Image below: Fremantle wins Gold in the Top Tourism Town Award category of the 7News Top Tourism Town Awards: Photo credit: WellStrategic |
LIGHT UP YOUR WINTER WITH TWO NEW PERTH INSTALLATIONS |
This winter, experience an out-of-this-world fusion of light and space in Kings Park. From 13 June to 27 July, Lightscape 2025 transforms one of the world's largest and most beautiful inner city parks into an enchanting after-dark wonderland, featuring over 20 breathtaking installations by international and local artists. Wander through radiant tunnels, illuminated flora, and immerse yourself in a captivating soundscape that brings the park to life.
Complementing this spectacle, is the newly unveiled 7-metre-tall Boonji Spaceman sculpture, titled 'Lightning', standing in Stirling Gardens. Gifted by renowned US artist Brendan Murphy, this gleaming blue astronaut pays homage to Perth's 'City of Light' legacy and is set to become a must-see landmark during its 12-month residence. Together, these installations offer a unique opportunity to explore Perth's vibrant art scene and natural beauty under the winter night sky.
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| Wednesday, 4 June 2025 | 4.00pm to 6.00pm
ENQUIRE // Member-only event |
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FUTURE READY FORUM: NORTH METRO TAFE | Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future Wednesday, 25 June 2025 | 12.00pm to 2.00pm
ENQUIRE // Member-only event |
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| NEW HORIZONS WEBINAR WITH BEN LISLE |
The Implications of AI for Perth organisations with Ben Lisle, Managing Director, Hesperia
Thursday, 3 July 2025 | 1.00pm to 2.00pm ENQUIRE // Member-only online 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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