Message from the Lord Mayor

It’s been quite a journey for Liam over the past two years - he was elected to Council in 2020, re-elected in 2021 and now elected as Deputy Lord Mayor. A resident of East Perth and former Councillor in the City of Joondalup, Cr Gobbert now has the distinction of having served as Deputy Mayor on two metropolitan councils. Please join with me in congratulating Councillor Gobbert. I look forward to working particularly closely with him over the next 12 months.

FIND YOUR SCENE

As the weather warms up and we head towards Christmas, “find your scene” in the City of Light is the message from the City of Perth. With a nod to legendary Perth band Hoodoo Gurus, the new advertising campaign celebrates all of the fantastic things to do over spring/summer in our City.
 
You may have heard the ads on radio already and from tonight you will see it on TV. You can watch here:

 

The campaign is designed to get people from all around the metropolitan area excited about coming into the City. Press ads and digital will also roll out soon.
 
I’m confident the simplicity of the message, the vibrant images and the catchy tune will be a winner.

JAMES STREET CLOSURE

The City of Perth is supporting WA Police in a trial closure of James Street in Northbridge on Friday and Saturday nights.
 
The four week trial between Lake and William streets, requested by Police, begins tomorrow night and will run until Saturday November 19. Access to that part of James Street will be restricted between 5pm and 5am.

The trial is designed to help WA Police help keep us safe. I thank our business owners and ratepayers for keeping an open mind and giving it a go.

The City of Perth has received a $100,000 State Government CBD Revitalisation Grant to provide a range of free entertainment including movies at Northbridge Piazza on Saturday nights, circus performers and live music acts on the James Street strip. Part of Melbourne Street will become a dedicated ride share and taxi zone to help people get home safely and we’ll maintain a security presence in this area from 10pm till 4am.

TELETHON BACK IN THE CITY

There was a real buzz around the RAC Arena and throughout the City last weekend as Telethon returned to the heart of Perth.
 
The combination of the new venue and the ability for the crowds to spill out onto the street was a huge plus. It helped drive the fundraising effort to a new record total over $71 million – and it showed just how much our City has to offer.

Despite the wet weather on Sunday, huge crowds turned out for the Family Festival down Wellington Street and into Yagan Square and Forrest Place. Thank you to all of the City of Perth team who helped make the move into the City such a successful one - and of course everyone who donated!
 

COFFEE WITH COUNCIL

This week Coffee with Council went on the road to the Broadway Fair Shopping Centre in Nedlands.

It was a great opportunity to connect with Crawley/Nedlands residents and ratepayers in particular and for them to have the chance to chat face to face with their Councillors.
 
Parking, street cleaning, and the great success of the Purple Cat Bus were among the topics of discussion. Coffee with Council happens once a month. If you’d like to suggest a venue for the next one, please let me know.
 

THE LIGHTS ARE COMING

Finally, don’t forget, it’s less than a month now until we turn on our Christmas Lights on Saturday November 18. This year our expanded Christmas Lights Trail is supported by Rio Tinto.

It’s going to be our best Christmas Lights Trail yet and begins on the same night as the first of six massive City of Light drone and fireworks shows at Elizabeth Quay and Langley Park – more details soon.
 
In the meantime, I value your direct feedback, as always please feel free to contact me at basil.zempilas@cityofperth.wa.gov.au

And I'll see you in the City.