Message from the Lord Mayor

The smorgasbord of festive and summer events is continuing the momentum into December. The fan favourite Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair has brought almost 30,000 people into the city over the first two weekends, with last weekend's results up 20 percent on the same dates last year. The Saturday Fireworks Show also smashed records, attracting around 7,500 people at that time of the evening, up a massive 28 percent on the same event last year. The Fair runs every night through to 6 January, with fireworks scheduled each weekend.

The time honoured tradition of the Alinta Christmas Pageant also saw St Georges Terrace packed to the curb with thousands of families soaking up the Christmas cheer and seeing firsthand what we mean when we say Christmas lives here, in the City of Perth. The Twilight Food Markets and the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail also continue to draw crowds of revellers and festive fun-seekers to Central Perth and Northbridge.

What's on this weekend

This weekend offers the chance to celebrate the story of Christmas thanks to the traditional Christmas Nativity Concert in Forrest Place, as well as Carols in the City at the Supreme Court Gardens. And there's more fireworks ahead, with the next round set to light the skies above Elizabeth Quay from 8pm this Saturday 16 December.

Whether you're looking for the perfect gift, world-class cuisine and dining, or want to immerse yourself in the joys of Christmas time, the place to be at Christmas, is always right here in the City of Perth.

Highlights from the Christmas season

A picture says a thousand words. Here's some recent highlights.

An alternative for the Safe Night Space

Last week I was pleased to be able to present an alternative site for the Safe Night Space for vulnerable women to Homelessness Minister John Carey.
 
This week, after returning from overseas, Minister Carey met with Uniting WA to consider the proposal which would see the service operating again by the end of the year, run and managed by the experienced and well respected Uniting WA and operating from their established Tranby Engagement Hub in the City of Perth.
 
I’m hopeful State Government will agree to provide the funding which will allow this to happen. We should know in the next few days.
 
It’s an outcome our community wants, and these vulnerable women need and I’m very grateful we have been able to help present this genuine alternative.

LMDRF - Mariginiup (Wanneroo) bushfire

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund has now raised over $520,000 to support those impacted by the devastating Mariginiup (Wanneroo) bushfire last month.

Donations are still open, and we continue to liaise with the City of Wanneroo and the State Government to support recovery efforts.

Fairy lights for James Street

The long-awaited fairy lights in James Street are now in and adding more light to our wonderful City of Light! This is just one of the works underway across our City, enhancing streetscapes and adding statement pieces to our neighbourhoods.

Key December outcomes from Council

The December Ordinary Council Meeting saw some fantastic outcomes including confirmation of the City's commitment to sponsor and support the return of Lightscape in 2024. It will be fantastic to again welcome this renowned event that brings so much life, light and colour to Kings Park and our surrounding streets in the heart of winter.

Council also approved the City's 2022-2023 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Electors General Meeting on Tuesday, 30 January 2024, commencing at 5pm. This is always a fantastic opportunity to converse with our community.

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