Kaya, “You will come of age with our young nation, we’ll bleed and fight for you, we’ll make it right for you”.
I’m a musical theatre aficionado, and I had the soundtrack of Hamilton blaring as I sat down to write this column. In an uncanny twist, ‘Dear Theodosia’ came on. “If we lay a strong enough foundation, we’ll pass it on to you, we’ll give the world to you. And you’ll blow us all away.” |
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We are all familiar with the notion that every generation should be better than the last. Will this one be? The jury is out. ‘Being better’ by traditional standards means living more securely and safely, earning more, owning property. Are these still the markers to guide us? What does intergenerational progress require? Research from organisations such as Mission Australia and the Office for Youth show us that we are living at a time when younger generations are greatly worried about housing and homelessness, cost of living, financial insecurity, climate change and the environment.
The challenges are largely structural, and not due to personal failure. In Sydney, alarm bells have been ringing ever since the NSW Productivity Commission released a report in 2024 that warned the city would become ‘a city with no grandchildren’ if the housing crisis was not addressed and young families continued to leave.
That’s why we need to work together to build a greater Perth, one that will see our children, and their children, thrive and prosper. Governments have a role to play in building an aspirational future for young people, and their role has been prominently and robustly debated since the delivery of the Federal Budget last month (and we have included some of our members’ Budget commentary in this issue). However, all of us need to play a part; how can we reconcile the intrinsic knowledge that as a society we’re richer, but our young people feel poorer?
I feel fortunate in that I worked to the old bargain – study hard, work hard, save hard, and I’d be guaranteed a successful future. Today’s young people don’t have that assurance. This has turned me into a maternal bore, reminiscing to my kids about ‘the good old days’. The years when we actually went to university lectures (for free) and checked books out of the library. When we misspent our youth knowing there was little likelihood of anyone capturing our antics for online posterity. When we had to be resourceful when travelling… if you arranged to meet a friend on the Spanish Steps in Rome at 10am on a given day, you had to be there because there was no way to contact them.
But there’s a flipside, and I know my glasses are rose-coloured. Back then, interest rates were high and volatile, loved ones died of illnesses that wouldn’t kill them today, immature technology let us down. As a young journalist I had to file stories from a dodgy public phone booth, dictating to copy-takers on a crackly line with often surprising results in the next day’s paper. (Once, ‘clever ball work from the Broncos…’ became
‘Trevor Ballwork from the Broncos…’, leaving fans wondering who the new five-eighth was). Much of society hadn’t evolved enough to accept that it was impossible for mothers to be full-time paid workers and full-time unpaid domestic workers. Childcare was tricky to access. So, were they the ‘good old days’? Not necessarily, and they are largely irrelevant anyway; what matters now is that we plan for the ‘good new days’. I do know this: humans have solved some extraordinary challenges through technology and automation, medical progress and global communications, and yet for many right now, ordinary adulthood is harder.
As leaders today, we have a responsibility to plan for a better tomorrow, 'to lay a strong enough foundation' for prosperity. There’s an enduring proverb: ‘A society grows great when old men (and women) plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.’ That’s what Committee for Perth’s efforts are all about. Last month I was delighted to accept the role of CEO of Committee for Perth on an ongoing basis. This certainty provides the platform for our Perth 2050 Ambition work, and I look forward to being in touch soon about how you can get involved.
'Someday, someday. Yeah, you’ll blow us all away.' Until next month! Tania PS: I’m going to be doing my bit to help Australia’s homelessness challenge, by taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on 18 June. Every dollar counts, and all donations are gratefully received. |
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| Until next month! Tania Hudson Chief Executive Officer Committee for Perth |
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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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9 May – 2 August – Pasar Malam / Night Market – Contemporary Printmaking from Indonesia and Australia – an immersive exhibition of screen printed works exploring the transgressive, shadowy spaces that exist in our communities. Each artwork has been created by Krack studio in collaboration with leading Indonesian and Australian artists.
From 18 May – Young Voices For Change – A free community exhibition at Midland Gate shopping centre that brings children’s voices into the heart of conversation about poverty in Western Australia. The exhibition is centered around real postcards written by children to decision-makers in government. Each one is a reminder of what young people notice, what they care about, and what they want to see change in WA. Learn More
- 26 May – 6 June ARRIVAL Festival – a flagship Western Australian winter music festival held in the heart of Fremantle across four venues – The Naval Store, Wyola Club, Buffalo Club & the Derbal Yerrigan.
4 June – Adapt Me / Future Climate Future Home – The Global Winner Neil Cownie will present his winning entry in the AUDRC UWA 'Adapt Me' international urban design competition to design for the anticipated climate conditions forecast in 75 years from now.
- 5 June – 26 July – Lightscape King's Park – Step into a Winter wonderland as Lightscape returns to Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
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11 June & 18 June – Hidden Treasures - Fremantle's Winter music series transforms suburban bowling clubs into multi-room music experiences.
15 June – 05 July – The Almighty Sometimes by Kendall Feaver, presented by the Black Swan State Theatre Company – Who decides where care stops and control begins? A play about a mother and daughter locked in a battle over the most impossible question: how much risk is too much when it comes to the people you love?
17 June – 15 Years of the Centre for Social Impact at UWA – Join The University Of Western Australia for an evening of conversation, connection, and forward‑focused insights as they reflect on the past 15 years and explore the future of social impact – what’s emerging, what’s shifting, and what comes next.
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Now open Volunteer for the Lester Prize - The volunteer program will provide individuals the opportunity to work in roles behind the scenes on different stages of the exhibition, including gallery opening night, evening functions, workshops and events. This is the third year of the Lester Prize exhibition at the WA Museum Boola Bardip.
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Perth’s Rental Market Increasingly Out Of Reach |
New figures from Anglicare WA’s Rental Affordability Snapshot show just how quickly affordability is deteriorating across Western Australia.
Key findings include: - WA’s median rent has now reached $747 per week
- Median rents are up 10 per cent from last year
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Rents have risen 74 per cent since 2021
- A household now needs to earn almost $130,000 per year for median rent to be considered affordable
- There were no affordable rentals for people on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance or the Disability Support Pension
- There were also no affordable rentals for a single parent with two children on income support
While Perth continues to attract strong population growth and investment, the latest figures suggest housing affordability is one of the state’s biggest economic and social pressures — and one that is moving well beyond traditionally vulnerable groups.
The housing affordability challenge is something Anglicare WA has been highlighting for years. Earlier this month, Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson was recognised with the Community Award at the Western Australian of the Year Awards, acknowledging his longstanding contribution to social services, housing advocacy and initiatives including Home Stretch WA and the WA Rent Relief Program.
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Federal Budget '26: What Our Members Say |
With the Federal Budget now handed down, attention is turning to what they mean for businesses, industries and communities across Australia – including here in Western Australia. Committee for Perth members have been quick to unpack the implications, offering perspectives on everything from tax policy and productivity to investment, competitiveness and long-term economic growth.
Several members have published detailed analysis exploring the opportunities and challenges arising from the budget that help you draw your own conclusions:
Deloitte focuses on the Government's productivity and savings measures, including their potential long-term impact on economic performance
PwC explores the tax implications and key policy settings in its Federal Budget briefing and webcast.
BDO provides a comprehensive breakdown of the budget measures and their potential impact on Australian businesses.
KPMG examines what the budget means for business, industry and the broader economy. While perspectives vary, common themes emerging across the analyses include productivity, business investment, economic resilience and Australia's competitiveness in a changing global environment. |
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What Might Perth Look Like In 75 Years? |
That's the question Perth architect Neil Cownie set out to explore in his winning entry for the Australian Urban Design Research Centre (AUDRC) and University of Western Australia "Future Climate Future Home – Adapt Me" international design competition.
Named 'Juice' after the Tim Winton novel, the Karrakatta Urban Village masterplan reimagines an area around Karrakatta Station as a highly walkable neighbourhood designed to respond to projected future climate conditions. The proposal combines housing, wetlands, tree canopy, water recycling, local businesses and high-frequency public transport into a connected urban ecosystem. 'My intention was to provide an aspirational alternative example of how we can provide for new housing in Perth and regional areas,' says Neil.
The competition challenged designers from around the world to consider how cities could adapt to conditions forecast for 2099. Cownie's proposal draws on both contemporary urban design principles and historic climate-responsive architecture, including shaded courtyards, natural ventilation and water-sensitive design.
Whether or not Perth develops in this way, the masterplan offers an interesting conversation starter about how housing, transport, water and green infrastructure can work together. The proposal also highlights the scale of investment and long-term planning that may be required to deliver climate-responsive urban infrastructure. Read article
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WA's Tobacco Crackdown Delivers Immediate Results |
Just days after Western Australia's tough new illicit tobacco laws came into effect, six stores across Perth and regional WA have been ordered to close.
The new legislation gives authorities the power to temporarily shut businesses found selling illegal tobacco and vaping products. Since the laws commenced on 13 May, WA Health and WA Police have seized more than 141,000 illegal cigarettes, 5.2 kilograms of loose tobacco and over 600 vapes. Businesses caught breaching the laws can be closed for up to 90 days, while serious offenders face penalties of up to $4.2 million and 15 years' imprisonment.
The reforms are aimed at disrupting organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade and protecting legitimate retailers. Read More |
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A New Vision For Cottesloe Foreshore |
One of Perth's most iconic destinations is set for a refresh, with the Town of Cottesloe progressing
plans for a revitalised foreshore precinct.
The $30 million project aims to improve beach access, expand recreational space and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Proposed upgrades include wider footpaths, new public spaces, additional shade and landscaping, safer crossings, grass terraces and improved accessibility. The first stage is expected to proceed following a $10 million commitment from the Australian Government and a $5 million contribution from the Town of Cottesloe.
While detailed design work is complete and initial funding has been secured, the project will likely be delivered in stages, with further funding required before the full masterplan can be realised. Parking and traffic management remain key considerations as planning progresses.
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Energy Transition As A Major Opportunity For WA |
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Western Australia has the potential to become a global leader in energy transition, according to the Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA at Business News' 'The Future of Energy' briefing. The Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation highlighted the importance of delivering reliable, affordable energy while creating jobs, describing gas as a transition fuel rather than a long-term destination. Discussions throughout the event reinforced the scale of the opportunity ahead, with panellists, including Committee for Perth member INPEX, emphasising the need for policy certainty and long-term investment confidence to support the transition. The event highlighted the critical role that government, industry and the community will all play in shaping WA's energy future.
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Future Ready Forum With Katherine Bennell-Pegg |
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You don’t often leave a lunchtime event feeling optimistic about the future of Western Australia, STEM education, medical research and the moon all at once, but that was the case at Committee for Perth’s Future Ready Forum with Katherine Bennell-Pegg.
Australia’s first astronaut under the Australian flag highlighted how many of the capabilities being developed in WA — from remote operations and robotics to AI, automation and advanced communications — are directly relevant to the future of space exploration. The discussion also explored how the space sector can inspire more young people into STEM pathways, while reinforcing a powerful message: WA is not standing on the sidelines of the global space economy. We are already helping shape it.
Thank you to Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Auspire – Australia Day Council WA and Shell Australia for an inspiring conversation about the opportunities ahead.
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All In At The Reconciliation Breakfast |
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Committee for Perth was proud to join more than a thousand Western Australians at the annual Reconciliation WA Breakfast at Optus Stadium, held as part of National Reconciliation Week. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and the role we all play in building stronger relationships, respect and understanding.
Guests heard inspiring addresses from Dr Richard Walley OAM, Committee for Perth's Cultural Advisor, Premier Roger Cook and WA Governor Chris Dawson, while keynote speaker Narelda Jacobs encouraged attendees to be "all in for reconciliation, all the time".
Congratulations also to Reconciliation WA CEO Jody Nunn, a valued Committee for Perth board member, and her team for delivering another impactful National Reconciliation Week program. The breakfast event brought together leaders from government, business and the community sector, fostering meaningful dialogue, collaboration and commitment to reconciliation.
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Leadership Lessons From Catherine Stoddart |
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Last month Committee for Perth members heard from Dr Catherine Stoddart at the Executive Women’s Leadership Forum, where she shared her remarkable career journey with candour, warmth and humour. From her beginnings as a nurse trainee to leadership roles overseas, Catherine reflected on the experiences that shaped her path and the lessons learnt along the way. Her advice to leaders was both practical and inspiring: create opportunities for others to grow, stay curious and adaptable, and remember that leadership is as much about lifting others up as it is about personal achievement.
A sincere thank you to HopgoodGanim Lawyers for their continued support and to Hawaiian for generously providing the evening’s door prize.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT EXPERIENCE: ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE WA Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Australia Tuesday, 16 June / 7.00am to 9.30am
Member-only event / Enquire |
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT EXPERIENCE: PAWSEY SUPERCOMPUTING CENTRE Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre Wednesday, 8 July / 7.00am to 9.30am
Member-only event / Register your interest
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THE CHAIR'S 20 WITH HON JOHN CAREY MLA
Squire Patton Boggs Thursday, 4 June / 12.00pm to 2.00pm
Member-only event / Full - Enquire to be waitlisted
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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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Business Meets Cricket at the WACA
Looking to expand your network beyond the boardroom? WA Cricket's Business XI program brings together professionals and business leaders through a shared passion for cricket, creating opportunities to connect, learn and build relationships in a unique setting. The program combines networking events, business insights and exclusive cricket experiences, giving members access to industry leaders, sporting personalities and the broader WA Cricket community throughout the year.
To learn more about membership benefits and upcoming opportunities, explore the Business XI program through WA Cricket. View Brochure
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Good Sammy creates 100+ new jobs across WA
Good Sammy has announced more than 100 new employment opportunities for people with disability, created through the continued growth of its social enterprises. The new roles will be available across more than 30 metropolitan and regional locations, spanning retail, logistics, recycling and maintenance.
The announcement follows further recognition for the organisation, which recently received a National Disability Award for Excellence in Supporting Employment Outcomes. The award acknowledges Good Sammy's long-standing commitment to creating meaningful employment opportunities and supporting people with disability to build skills, confidence and career pathways. Good Sammy's expansion highlights the important role social enterprises can play in creating employment opportunities that benefit both individuals and communities.
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Waterwise Recognition for City of Gosnells
Committee for Perth member the City of Gosnells has been recognised with a 2025 Platinum Waterwise Council Award, highlighting its leadership in sustainable water management. The award recognises the City's efforts to reduce water use through initiatives such as its Smart Smart Drainage Program which prevents flooding, working with neighbouring councils to restore the Canning, Southern and Wungong rivers and transforming the Mary Carroll wetlands into a ‘living classroom’.
As Perth continues to face declining rainfall, initiatives like these highlight the important role local governments can play in strengthening water security and creating more resilient communities. |
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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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Australian Institute of Management WA
Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA |
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| Hays Specialist Recruitment
Hassell Interfuze Lester Group |
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| Perron Investments Pty Ltd
Shell Australia Pty Ltd SJOG Health Care |
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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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