Kaya,
Perth is in the supermodel league of world cities. Genetically blessed, its infallible sunshine and pastel light make it constantly photo-ready, and it has naturally stunning features that require little make-up. Think long legs – 150km long in fact – good bone structure and the ‘it’ factor. Oh, and it’s a high earner that doesn’t get out of bed for less than $2.5 billion. |
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And yet, it’s a superstar city that has never featured in the top five of the various global liveability rankings and indices. Why is that? And do we care?
We should care. Perth’s liveability is critical to our ability to draw and retain talent, attract investment, visitors and students, and ensure residents live the best possible quality of life. Liveability is defined as the qualities and characteristics of a place that support wellbeing and quality of life (Infrastructure WA).
As Greater Perth’s population continues to grow and we pass 3m and head towards 4m over the next few decades, we need to continually appraise all of the strengths that we can build on, as well as the challenges that are getting in the way of being a truly global, sophisticated, eminently liveable city. We need a frame of reference for this work, and that means articulating a shared ambition that embraces our unique global identity, gets us excited and encourages us to aim high.
Have a look at other cities, some more catalogue model than supermodel, yet they have clearly expressed their vision. San Diego’s Life. Changing. approach is helping the translation from a purely defence economy into a bigger story of innovation and lifestyle. Sapporo is determined to be known as a renewable energy supply hub and Asia’s global financial centre. Copenhagen aims to be the world’s first carbon-neutral capital, Helsinki the ‘most functional city in the world’ and Singapore has transformed from a swamp to the city in nature, globally admired.
At Committee for Perth, we will soon be kicking off work around our long-term ambition – building on the many conversations, papers, 2050 Summit and other successful forums that have been held in recent years.
Most supermodels want to be known for more than their looks, or the resources gifted to them by nature. The savvy ones broaden their income and interests to secure long-term resilience. Economic diversification is crucial for Perth’s future success and is a reason that one of Committee for Perth’s member working groups has spent time and energy deep-diving into this topic over the past eight months.
Tourism is already a key economic driver for Greater Perth and will continue to grow in significance as Perth enhances its status as a truly unique global destination. For this month’s CEO video, I spoke to Sonja Mitchell, CEO of Destination Perth, about Perth’s special place in the world.
While you’re thinking about economic diversification, take the time to have a look at other reports produced by our decarbonisation and densification working groups; these papers all contain ideas and recommendations that will help to ensure Perth develops by design, and not default. We will be calling on our members and other key stakeholders to help us in the ambition work and are looking forward to the collaborations and discussions that we know are going to take place along the way. Perth has won the genetic lottery. The question now is: what story do we want the world to remember, beyond the catwalk? |
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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. |
18 April – 19 June – The Lester Prize Youth Awards place emerging artists at the centre of a professional exhibition experience by showing them alongside a nationally recognised portrait prize. You can admire these stunning pieces at WA Museum Boola Bardip.
20 April – 17 May – Perth Comedy Festival will make you laugh out loud in two packed weeks of comedy fun.
2 – 3 May – Bickley Harvest Festival Opening Weekend – Experience the best of Bickley over 20 venues all throughout May, head to the website for the festival map and events planner.
3 – 7 May – Festival of Doing – this 'un-conference' organised by Lotterywest and Town Team Movement is not a talk-fest, it's a do-fest, bringing together community, government and industry professionals to co-create better places across Australia.
8 – 10 May – Subi Blooms x Gather returns on Mother's Day for WA's largest display of floral artistry and multiple events throughout the weekend.
9 – 31 May – The Shepherd's Hut, a powerful reimagination of Tim Winton's novel will be shown at the State Theatre, brought to life by the Black Swan Theatre Company.
13, 20 and 27 May – ECU Lunchtime Concerts – A tasty series of free lunchtime concerts featuring staff, students or visiting guests serving up sumptuous musical treats for hungry ears.
19 May – Food, Farms & the Circular Future: Building Regenerative Systems – Part of CEWA’s Circular Economy Series, this event brings together leading thinkers, practitioners and change makers to share insights, case studies and practical pathways toward a more sustainable food future at Perth City Farm.
25 May – 3 June – National Reconciliation Week – Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward.
Running until 2 July – Many Stories One Desert – a powerful exhibition bringing together artists from Bidyadanga and Martumili, two leading First Nations art centres from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia at FORM Gallery.
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Reconciliation Week — Reigniting The Conversation |
Ahead of National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), we encourage all organisations to go ‘all in’ -- this year’s theme. Connect with Reconciliation WA through their membership, events program and resources, and explore how your organisation can contribute. National Reconciliation Week offers an important moment to reflect on our shared history, and more importantly, on the role we can each play in shaping a more inclusive future. While the week itself runs for just seven days, reconciliation is not a once-a-year exercise.
Recent events, including the disruption of the Welcome to Country on Anzac Day, are a reminder that there is still work to do to build understanding and respect. They also reinforce why continued education, open conversation and genuine engagement matter, helping ensure we move closer together rather than further apart.
As Jody Nunn, CEO of Reconciliation WA, emphasises, “it’s about ongoing action, with National Reconciliation Week serving as a chance to reignite awareness, energy and commitment.” She adds, “reconciliation doesn’t always require a big platform, your own circle of influence is where everyone can make a difference, every single day.” She also points to an important shift: “we’ve done a lot of truth-telling — now it’s time for truth-listening and truth-actioning.”
For individuals, that starts with learning, listening and engaging in conversations. For organisations, it’s about moving from awareness to action, strengthening Reconciliation Action Plans, supporting First Nations businesses, and creating space for meaningful partnerships. In a growing, diverse city like Perth, it’s that everyday commitment that will shape a more connected and inclusive future, one that recognises how fortunate we are to share this place with the world’s oldest living culture, and the responsibility we all have to listen, learn and act. |
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Public Transport Affordability Continues — A Welcome Step, With More To Unlock |
The Government announced that free public transport for students and Sunday fares will continue in Western Australia, extending measures already in place that deliver practical savings and make it easier to move around Perth.
Free and lower fares are a strong move forward, but they’re only one part of the equation. Reporting by ABC News highlights that while cheaper or free fares can boost ridership, they don’t always significantly shift people away from driving on their own. For many, the choice comes down to frequency, reliability, travel time and how easy it is to access the network in the first place. Without these in place, cost savings alone won’t change behaviour at scale.
That’s where land use comes into focus. The Property Council of Australia is consistently advocating for more housing in well-connected locations, particularly around public transport hubs. This approach — often referred to as transit-oriented development (TOD) — helps more people live close to high-quality services, reducing reliance on cars and lowering costs over time.
Whilst affordable public transport is an important step, aligning it with better service, coverage, housing and job opportunities is what can unlock a huge meaningful shift towards connecting Perth. |
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Young Voices Shaping Perth's Future at FRONT |
When young people are invited into the conversation about the future of their city, they show up with clarity, creativity and ambition.
Over twelve days, FORM - Building A State of Creativity transformed an empty shopfront at 140 William Street into FRONT, a vibrant hub of creative expression, connection and community in the heart of Perth. Through workshops, performances and talks, young people were supported to explore new ways of expressing their ideas and perspectives.
Participants stepped into the role of future city-makers, creating a bold, evolving collage of their visions for Perth. From magnetic high-speed trains to nature-led urban environments, their ideas reflected a strong sense of innovation, sustainability and community. Across the program, similar themes emerged: a future shaped by connection, creativity and care, where technology supports both people and the planet. FRONT demonstrates the value of creating accessible, creative spaces for young people to think, test ideas and contribute. When given the opportunity, their ability to imagine and articulate future possibilities is not only impressive — it’s essential. |
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Western Trade Coast Set To Turbocharge Growth |
A major step forward for WA’s industrial future was announced in April, with the State Government declaring the Western Trade Coast as the State’s first State Development Area.
The decision is set to fast-track major projects across one of WA’s most important economic regions, long considered the engine room of its manufacturing, processing and energy sectors.
Designed to streamline approvals, reduce regulatory complexity and better coordinate investment, the designation sends a clear signal that WA is focused on enabling large-scale industrial development and supporting job creation.
Kwinana Industries Council CEO David Harrison welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant step towards unlocking the region’s full potential. With global demand growing for energy transition industries and advanced manufacturing, the move positions the Western Trade Coast to play an even greater role in shaping WA’s economic future. See David's LinkedIn Post
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WA Backs Creative Sector With $40m Investment |
The WA Government has reinforced its commitment to the state’s creative sector, with nearly $40 million allocated in the 2026/27 State Budget, delivered through the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CTIS) to back creative talent and activity across Western Australia. The investment is aimed at strengthening the sustainability of flagship institutions while ensuring WA continues to attract and deliver high-quality cultural experiences.
However, analysis by A New Approach shows that while governments are spending more than ever on arts and culture overall, this investment is not keeping pace with population growth or international peers. For the first time, state and territory funding has also overtaken federal contributions.
Beyond economics, the investment reinforces the role of arts and culture in shaping identity and liveability. A strong cultural offering is increasingly seen as essential to attracting and retaining talent, jobs and global opportunity as well as fostering community connection. At a time when many organisations across the country are facing rising costs and funding pressures, the $40m investment positions WA to maintain momentum and continue building a vibrant, resilient creative sector.
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On Tuesday 12 May, Treasurer of Australia Jim Chalmers will deliver the Federal Budget. Several Committee for Perth members will be sharing their perspectives via live webcasts — a great way to hear early insights and analysis from across the sector.
Federal budget 2026. BDO's expert analysis (BDO)
Tax briefing. Federal budget webcast (PwC)
Live broadcast. Unpacking what the budget means for business, industry and the economy (KMPG)
Productivity and savings package. Report and webinar (Deloitte) |
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Gold Leaders Dinner At The Perth Mint |
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Committee for Perth’s second annual Gold Leaders Dinner brought together senior leaders from across sectors for an evening of connection and conversation at The Perth Mint. Hosted in the Mint’s iconic surrounds, the evening offered a unique setting to step back from day-to-day demands and engage in discussions about the opportunities and challenges shaping Perth. Guests were welcomed in the historic 1899 melting house, where a live gold pour provided a memorable glimpse into one of the city’s most distinctive experiences. The dinner that followed created space for open dialogue across industries, reinforcing the value of bringing diverse perspectives together around a shared ambition for Perth’s future.
With thanks to Gold Corporation and the team at The Perth Mint for hosting, the Gold Leaders Dinner continues to build momentum as a key moment in the Committee’s events calendar.
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ECU City Public Art Launch |
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At Edith Cowan University’s new ECU City Campus, Indigenous stories are being embedded into the very fabric of the building — not as an add-on, but as a defining feature.
Unveiled at a recent launch event, the works have been developed in collaboration with Noongar artists and cultural advisors, weaving language, storytelling and design through materials like stone, steel and glass. The result is a campus that reflects place, history and identity from the ground up. As the campus takes shape in the CBD, it offers a strong example of how major developments can meaningfully incorporate First Nations culture, leaving a legacy that goes beyond architecture. |
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No More Blank Walls Mural Festival |
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The No More Blank Walls Festival returned this April, this time taking place in the City of South Perth transforming everyday streets into an open-air gallery. Across several days, the program brought together local and international artists for large-scale mural installations, alongside artist talks, workshops and community events that invited people into the creative process.
More than just a festival moment, the impact lingers. The newly completed murals now form a lasting public art trail, adding colour, character and a sense of place to the area. If you’re keen to explore, a self-guided trail map is available on the festival’s website — an easy way to experience the works up close and see South Perth from a different perspective. |
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EXECUTIVE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP FORUM WITH DR CATHERINE STODDART PSM HopgoodGanim Lawyers Wednesday, 6 May / 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Member-only event / Enquire |
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| FUTURE READY FORUM WITH KATHERINE BENNELL-PEGG Shell House
Tuesday, 26 May / 12.00pm to 2.00pm
Member-only event / Enquire |
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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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Hawaiian Backs Ride For Youth Milestone
Hawaiian is helping drive impact beyond the built environment, supporting the Ride for Youth — an annual 700km cycling journey from Albany to Perth raising funds and awareness for youth mental health. Since 2003, the ride has brought together students, educators and community leaders, with funds supporting prevention and early intervention programs delivered by Youth Focus in schools across the State.
This year marked a major milestone, with the initiative surpassing $2 million raised — a powerful reflection of the sustained commitment from riders, sponsors and partners. Through its ongoing support, Hawaiian offers a strong example of the role businesses can play in building more connected communities and investing in the wellbeing of the next generation. |
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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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A&Co Recruitment Partners
BP Australia
Department of Creative Industries, Tourism & Sport
Hames Sharley |
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| Lifeline WA
REIWA
Royal Flying Doctor Service
Tattarang Pty Ltd |
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| The University of Notre Dame
Urbis Pty Ltd
WA Return Recycle Renew
Western Australian Museum
Woodside |
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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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