Growing Green in the Perth Cultural Centre

A free sustainability lecture series in the Perth Cultural Centre is inviting city workers to escape the office and enjoy their lunch outdoors.

The Winter Hot Topics lunchtime events, part of EPRA’s Growing Green program in the Perth Cultural Centre, will feature industry experts discussing topical sustainability issues including waste and water management and Western Australia’s biodiversity.

On 31 August, celebrity gardener and National Young Water Professional of the year Josh Byrne will present a lecture that looks at how to keep our city hydrated in a drying climate. 

“Perth has the highest residential water use of any capital city in Australia and one of the highest in the world, despite our dry climate and declining rainfall,” Josh said.

“It’s time to rethink how we value water and transform Perth into a true water sensitive city. Change begins with understanding the issues.

“The ‘Growing Green’ lecture series is raising awareness of key sustainability issues affecting our city and providing an opportunity for people to hear innovative ways to tackle them.”

Dr Piers Verstegen of the Conservation Council will finish the weekly series on September 7 by exploring the many diverse species that make up Western Australia’s unique biodiversity and why it is critical to prevent their extinction.

EPRA Acting Chief Executive Officer Ryan Keys said the wetland stage was the perfect space to present the free lectures.

“The native wetland embodies the idea of Growing Green,” said Mr Keys.

“By using a lot of resources that were already available, we have been able to create a space that helps protect some of the native species that make up WA’s unique biodiversity.”

A former chlorinated water feature, the native Wetland has been transformed into a fresh water home for plant and animal species once common throughout Perth.

Inspired by Indigenous heritage, the wetland is a great example of the Perth Cultural Centre’s sustainable approach to landscaping and design, with sand and gravel used from other parts of the site and locally sourced salvaged timber for the stage.

The next stage of revitalisation works are underway for the Perth Cultural Centre, including the installation of a large LED screen, a new children's play space in front of the WA Museum and new feature lighting on trees and buildings.

“Over the past 12-18 months EPRA has worked to revitalise the Perth Cultural Centre and create a key destination that Western Australians want to visit,” Mr Keys said.

“The area is an increasingly popular inner-city location for events and respite and with a rolling calendar of community events, offers something for everyone that is guaranteed to inspire, entertain and impress.”

The remaining free Winter Hot Topics lectures are on every Wednesday for the next two weeks from 12:30pm in the Perth Cultural Centre.

• Wise Water Use 31 August
• More than Cute Furry Animals 7 September