Click to view this email in a browser

 

PERTH UPDATE

AUGUST 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

CEO Update | Shaping North Joondalup
Perth CBD transforms | World-first childbirth innovation

| Curtin's Sustainability Challenge
| SailGP soon to arrive

 

 

It is well and truly feeling like winter in Perth!  I hope you are keeping warm and remembering that there are still lots of things happening in Perth to keep you entertained and inspired.  Do not hibernate!  As always, we have outlined some suggestions for you in this month’s Perth Update.

I was fortunate to get away from the office and escape to Indonesia with a group of friends.  The trip was a powerful reminder of just how close we are to this amazing place, home to over 280 million people populating the 17,500+ islands, making it one of the world’s largest archipelagos.  It only takes 3.5 – 4 hours to arrive and experience a totally different climate, culture and place.  It always amuses me when many Perthites tell me that we are the most isolated city in the world. As this video shows that whilst we are in the top 10, we are not number 1. 

Play 

If we review our perspective and remind ourselves that we exist under 60% of the world’s population, we are in fact the lucky place!  Perth sits within the same time zone +/ – 2 hours from major economies in Asia like Indonesia, China, Japan, and India.  Are we maximising those opportunities?  What languages are we speaking?  I left the holiday inspired to start learning Bahasa so that I can say more than just ‘Terima kasih’ in future.  So many people leave Perth for Europe in our winter and this holiday demonstrated that this beautiful part of the world is on our doorstep and is so much more than just Bali.  I encourage our members and readers to think about the opportunities on our doorstep in terms of proximity and ease, not isolation.

 

The Perth 2050 Summit is launching very, very soon. I am so excited about what is ahead - our morning session will be packed with inspiration, ideation and education from a Perth-powered host of talent. In the afternoon, we will come together to work on the best plans for Perth as we advance to Perth 2050. The countdown is on and tickets for the summit will be available to members and the public early next week! 

 

The summit will open with Dr Richard Walley welcoming us and providing reflections on our united future. The keynote address will be provided by Minister Amber Jade Sanderson, focusing on the skills and trades required for our decarbonised future in Perth.  There are only 400 tickets available, and we expect it to sell out - as we have been talking about this event for quite some time😊.

 

I am hoping that some of you will have noticed our outdoor branding on the Dexus building on the corner of Milligan Street and St Georges Terrace and also near the Alluvion building.  Have a look at the reel and we would love you to share your own version too and tag our socials.

 

So as always lots to think about and plan for.  If you have any ideas or thoughts for me – please share. Until next time, stay warm and healthy, and keep Championing for a Greater Perth.

 

Best wishes,

 

Paula Rogers

Chief Executive Officer

Committee for Perth

 

Artwork by Dr Richard Walley OAM

RENEWING MEMBERS

Black Swan State Theatre Co

Business News  

Dexus  

 

 

 

Hall & Prior

Hesperia 

Infrastructure WA 

Perth Airport 

 

 

Perth Mint 

RAC 

WA Cricket 

WA Museum 

 

PERTH HAPPENINGS

  • August - The City of Joondalup’s Joondalup Community Funding supports local groups with grants of up to $10,000 (and beyond) for projects that enrich the community. Applications open each August and February.
  • August - Every Saturday this month, Perth’s only undercover Winter Night Markets returns to Canning Vale.
  • August - Plateful Perth is back, dishing up four weeks of exclusive dining events, tasty bites, and gourmet getaways across the city’s best restaurants, bars and hotels.
  • August - 28 September - Pride and pints collide in Plied and Prejudice, a wildly funny, boozy twist on Jane Austen’s classic.
  • 1 August - 3 August - Foster and family carers can enjoy free entry to Perth Zoo and WA museums during Carers Week from 28 July to 3 August, as a small thank you for their incredible contribution.
  • 2 August - 8 September - Step into JUMP CUTS at Fremantle Arts Centre, an immersive, collaborative exhibition by Irish artists Kate O’Shea and Aideen O’Donovan exploring land, memory and imagined futures through powerful spatial storytelling.
  • 4 August - 12 October - Gain strategic insights into the Indo-Pacific with this online micro-credential offered by the Perth USAsia Centre. Enrolments open now.
  • 7 - 9 August - Be inspired by fearless female adventurers at the Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour with heart-racing action from women pushing their limits across the globe!
  • 8-10 August – The world of Cirque du Soleil’s CORTEO continues to amaze with their breathtaking, thrill-seeking performances. Now playing at RAC Arena.
  • 18 July - 23 August - Get ready for a high-energy slam dunk of a day as the NBL1 West Grand Finals at RAC Arena.
  • 30 August - Join Variety WA for the Step into Spring Ball, an elegant evening of colour, glamour and generosity, all in support of WA’s sick kids. Tickets on sale now.

GET IN EARLY

  • West Tech Fest December 8 - December 12: Festival Passes go on sale at 9am on Tuesday 5 August for West Tech Fest 2025, Australia's longest running technology and innovation festival.
  • Perth Boatshow 19 September – 21 September: Tickets on sale now.
  • Perth International Jazz Festival 18 October – 2 November: Pre-registration now open.
  • Indo-Pacific Space & Earth Conference (IPRAAC) 7 October - 9 October.  Tickets available now.  

 

 

WHAT'S NEW

 

LIVE

SHAPING THE NORTH: JOONDALUP 2050 CALLS FOR BOLD VISION

As one of WA’s fastest growing regions, the City of Joondalup is eagerly stepping into the future with its upcoming Joondalup 2050 – Investing in the Vision Business Forum on 14 August. With more than half a million people living within 20 minutes of the city centre and a booming population, Joondalup is positioning itself as a hotspot for innovation, education, health, cyber security and next-gen technology. 

 

The Committee for Perth is proud to support our member’s long-term vision for growth, resilience and a future-ready Perth. We encourage our network to be part of this exciting conversation that will shape the future of Perth’s thriving ‘northern corridor’. Reserve your seat here. 

 

PERTH CBD TRANSFORMATION ACCELERATES WITH LANDMARK BUDGET

 

Perth is on the cusp of a renaissance, with the City of Perth’s new $313 million budget for 2025–26 unlocking transformative changes across the CBD. With plans to welcome an additional 55,000 residents by 2036 and 90,000 by 2050, the City is investing now to build the foundations for tomorrow.

 

Key highlights include $3.5 million in upgrades to public spaces such as James Street, Russell Square, and Claisebrook Cove; $5.5 million in community safety improvements like better lighting and CCTV; and an $11 million, year-round events program designed to energise city life. 

 

These investments are more than bricks and mortar - they are helping to shape a city centre that reflects the spirit of its people, and Perth’s long-held innovation and enterprise. 

 

WORK

WORLD-FIRST CHILDBIRTH BREAKTHROUGH BORN IN PERTH

Celebrating a Perth-based medtech company VitalTrace has developed DelivAssure™, the world’s first device to provide real-time insights into foetal distress during labour. A breakthrough that could dramatically reduce unnecessary C-sections and improve the safety of births during labour. 

 

Recognised by the FDA as a “Breakthrough Device” and described by clinicians as an “absolute revolution,” DelivAssure™ is more than a medical milestone. It is also a win for WA’s innovation economy.

 

Supported by the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, this homegrown success story is boosting local research, advanced manufacturing, and skilled job creation, all of which is helping to put Perth on the global map for health innovation. 

 

 

STUDY

STUDENTS STEP UP WITH BIG IDEAS FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE PERTH

 

Curtin University’s annual Sustainability Challenge: Swan Volt team - Iszak Milentis, Navjot Kaur, Alexandra Le, Alexander Cope (L-R)

Curtin University’s annual Sustainability Challenge is back, giving students the chance to tackle some of Perth’s biggest environmental issues head on. With guidance from industry mentors, students formed teams to brainstorm solutions that support a cleaner, greener future. These ideas range from cutting emissions to protecting nature and rethinking how we live. 

 

One standout idea came from Swan Volt, looked looking to the river for inspiration. Their concept is a floating solar and battery network along the Swan River that could power events and nearby communities, while also showcasing how clean energy can work in harmony with the environment. Check out their video here. 

 

Another amazing team, Assembled Living, has designed a practical and affordable modular housing model, tailored to Perth’s climate and future growth. Featuring solar panels, solar passive design and First Nations co-design, the pre-fabricated flat packs homes are built for flexibility and environmental performance. The aim is to make it more affordable and speedier to build in Western Australia. View the team’s presentation here.  It is wonderful to see the ambitions of our future leaders to change our world in Perth.

 

Curtin University’s annual Sustainability Challenge: 

Assembled Living team: Lleyton Brown, Shea Retallack, Amy van Niekerk, Karen Boudville (Committee for Perth), Alina Antony, Harly Rimando. Not pictured is Altjin (Anya) Davaadorj (L to R)

 

VISIT

SAILGP SET TO MAKE A SPLASH IN FREMANTLE

It is official - One of the world’s most prestigious global sailing events, SailGP is coming to Perth on 17 and 18 January 2026, and preparations are already making waves for this world-class sailing event. Often dubbed the "Formula One of the seas", it will transform Fremantle’s coastline into a live-action stadium.

 

So why are we talking about it now? With less than six months to go, planning is ramping up and excitement is building. Exclusive fan experiences and premium viewing options have been released ahead of next month’s pre-sale for the first-ever Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG.

 

Perth’s own Kinley Fowler will represent Team Australia and, for the first time and he will be racing at home. Beyond the on-water drama, SailGP is expected to provide a major boost to local tourism and hospitality. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend where all eyes will be on Fremantle as Perth showcases its stunning coastline and world-class capabilities. How lucky are we to have this for the next 3 years in Perth.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

URBAN INSIGHTS: BUILDING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES

With Cormac Russell, internationally renowned author and community thinker

Wednesday, 20  August 2025 | 7.15am to 11:00am

ENQUIRE // Member-only event

EXECUTIVE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP FORUM 

With Jessica Shaw, WA Program Director for Superpower Institute & Director of Tactica Advisory

Wednesday, 28  August 2025 | 5:00pm to 7:00pm

ENQUIRE // Member-only event

URBAN INSIGHTS: THE WESTERN TRADE COAST TOUR

Led by David Harrison, CEO of Kwinana Industries Council and Warwick Carter, Director of the Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance

Friday, 5  September 2025 | 11:00am to 5:00pm

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.

GOLD MEMBERS

 

{YOURCOMPANY.NAME}

{YOURCOMPANY.ADDRESS}

LinkedInInstagramYouTubeWeb Site

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.

 

Copyright © {COPYRIGHT.YEAR} Committee for Perth. All rights reserved. 

You are receiving this email because you are on the Committee for Perth's member and stakeholder database.

 

Unsubscribe from this email | Unsubscribe from all emails