Brand Perth: The West calls on readers to send in their ideas about how to make our city even greater

Got a great idea for Perth? Think you know how to sell it to the world?

If the answer to either of those questions is yes, then your city needs you.

With less than a month to go until Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas’ “Brand Perth” brainstorming session, The West Australian is giving readers the chance to shape the future of our capital city and state.

To have your say, fill in the coupon on the front page of Saturday’s The West Australian, cut it out, and mail it to our Osborne Park office.

• Why it’s time to find out what Brand Perth really is

The campaign will put readers at the “centre” of the crucial “Brand Perth” summit, promised West Australian Newspapers editor-in-chief Anthony De Ceglie.

“In many ways, Perth is Australia’s best-kept secret. Amazing beaches, amazing culinary experiences, a vibrant arts scene, a world-class sports stadium and, of course, brilliant people too,” he said.

“But for too long we have experienced a stop-start pattern with big ideas or any truly bold vision for the future that puts us on the national and global stage.

“This is a chance to change that and I want our super engaged, passionate and parochial audience to be at the centre of it.

“Our commitment is simple, if you write in and participate then we will make sure your idea is heard on the day by those in the room and ultimately influences the final decisions and the future of our State.”

The July 2 forum will be attended by an eclectic mix of the city’s high flyers, who will try to answer the tricky question “what is Perth?”

The invite list includes politicians, property developers, business owners, sporting greats, arts scene legends, and many more.

But the input of ordinary West Aussies is also crucial, Mr Zempilas said.

“With this campaign, everybody has the opportunity to help guide and shape the conversation around Perth,” he said.

“This forum is not just about the people who are in the room. It’s for every West Australian — we want a range of views from all sections of the Perth community.

“So let the West know — what should the city stand for? What can be the one big thing that Perth offers? What’s great about the city?”

The campaign comes as the West reveals the newest eight members of the forum.

Four of the new members are “emerging Aboriginal leaders,” Mr Zempilas said, chosen in consultation with the City of Perth Elders Advisory Group.

New forum member and co-chair of reconciliation WA Carol Innes described the session as an “exciting” opportunity.

“This forum needs to recognise and acknowledge the first peoples here, to hear their voices, and to bolster understanding and respect,” she said. “There are many different ways to embed that respect in Perth’s identity, like dual naming for example.

“Our city must be known for its inclusivity, we must capture that in its spirit.”

Ms Innes’ call for respect was echoed by Vanessa Kickett, chairperson of the South West Land and Sea Council. “I’m a Whadjuk Noongar woman, so the recognition of the traditional owners in Perth is very exciting,” she said.

“The forum ... will help us think about the cultural framework in the city. We need to expand education in the community about the history of Aboriginal people.”

The high flyers trying to answer the question ‘What is Perth?’

• Krista Dunstan, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and ASEAN trade commissioner
• Melissa Karlson, Wyllie Group
• Iain Grandage, Composer and Perth Festival artistic director
• Glennys Marsdon, City of Perth resident
• Richard Walley, Aboriginal leader and WA senior Australian of the year 2021
• Carol Innes, Reconciliation WA co-chair and Art Gallery WA board member
• Danny Ford, Noongar Chamber of Commerce director
• Vanessa Kickett, South West Land and Sea Council
• Adrian Fini, Developer behind Little Creatures and COMO The Treasury
• Paul Everingham, Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA chief executive
• Leo Agnello, Owner of popular Forrest Place cafe Bocelli’s
• Tina Campbell, St George’s Anglican Grammar School principal
• Justin Langer, Australia cricket coach
• Elizabeth Perron, Businesswoman and philanthropist
• Michael Keiller, Mustang Bar owner and chair of Business Improvement Group of Northbridge
• Casta Tungaraza, Co-founder and president of the African Women’s Council of Australia
• John Carey, State Member for Perth
• Sharon Burgess, Perth Fringe World Festival chief executive
• Sandy Chong, UN Association of WA
• Sal Vallelonga, WA Italian Club president
• Kylie Taylor, Activate Perth CEO