Message from the Lord Mayor

I want to take this opportunity to thank the WA Police, particularly the leadership team and the men and women of the Perth District based in Northbridge, for the increased, highly visible police presence now taking effect on our streets.
 
And can I congratulate Col Blanch on his appointment as our 29th Police Commissioner.  We already have an excellent working relationship with Col and his teams and I look forward to that continuing.   

KEYS TO THE CITY

This week the City of Perth Council voted unanimously to award the Keys to the City to international soccer superstar Sam Kerr.

The Keys to the City is the highest individual honour our City can bestow on an individual or group and I’m delighted Sam has accepted the invitation to be recognised with such grace and pride.  Sam is a wonderful role model, a genuine global superstar, captain of the Matildas and she is our very own - a West Australian. 

In fact, Sam will become the first West Australian born woman to receive the Keys to the City - something which is long overdue.

Join me at lunchtime in Forrest Place on Friday July 8 for this special event where we will present the Keys to the City and celebrate Sam's outstanding career and achievements.

FESTIVAL OF SPORT IN FORREST PLACE

The sporting celebration continues with three other special fan days planned in the heart of our CBD.

Optus Stadium will play host to some of the biggest sporting clashes in Australia over the next two months and the City of Perth will showcase the players, teams and legends coming to Perth.

In a reminder of our AFL Grand Final week celebrations, here's what we have to look forward to ... 

State of Origin | 10am - 2pm Saturday June 25
Come out to Forrest Place and see the Queensland and NSW State of Origin captains and coaches and legends from both teams. The State of Origin Shield will be on display, there will be ticket giveaways and entertainment.

Australia v England International Rugby Union | 11am - 1pm Friday July 1:
See some of the giants of international rugby and a chance to win some of the most sought after tickets for the Optus Stadium clash the following night.  Australia - England rivalry is big, no matter what sport is played. 

ICON: Perth Festival of International Football | Friday July 22 - Saturday July 23
Perth will host not one, but four, English Premier League teams over two nights of action at Optus Stadium - Manchester United, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

AND DON'T FORGET ...

 The Strange Festival is underway and runs until June 26 right in the heart of our CBD. This brand-new art event will celebrate 35 weird and wonderful Aussie artists in some of the City’s most unique spaces.
 
I encourage everyone to wander the City and check out the free art installations bringing Perth to life. 

And Van Gogh Alive is still going in the Supreme Court Gardens. Thousands of West Australians have already been dazzled by Van Gogh's masterpieces. Check it out before it leaves our city in August.

FREE PARKING

A reminder three hours FREE parking in three of our best car parks - the Cultural Centre, His Majesty's and Pier Street – continues on weekends.

And EVERY City of Perth car parking bay is free EVERY night after 6PM. 

As always, I value your direct feedback, please feel free to contact me at basil.zempilas@cityofperth.wa.gov.au

And I'll see you in the City.