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West Perth Aware, Hay Street, Perth (2026)

24/04/2026

This week, after another incident on Wednesday on the Red CAT bus stop near Central Park in the city, I reached out to the Public Transport Authority, the City of Perth, and our local MLA regarding ongoing safety incidents and concerns on Perth’s CAT bus services.

Our CAT bus routes should be safe for everyone, commuters, tourists, families, and vulnerable community members, but for a while now and right now, they’re not.

I’ve been raising concerns about the RED and YELLOW CAT services in the Perth CBD for years, and it’s time for real action, I've attended council meetings, given deputations and asked for help.

Here’s what I’m calling for:

✅ Transit guards and WA Police on all routes, with a focus on high-incident bus routes.

✅ Better driver support and duress systems.

✅ Live CCTV monitoring from buses to control rooms.

✅ Transparent incident reporting.

✅ A coordinated safety plan between the PTA and City of Perth.

No one should feel unsafe using free public transport in their own city. Drivers and passengers deserve better and our local leaders need to make it happen.

I've also asked for

✅ Route extensions to Point Fraser and Matagarup Bridge

This is an important route inclusion that would help lots of CAT bus users access the east of our city easier

Drop a comment with your experience or ideas to help make this service better for everyone.

Dave Lee
Community Advocate

24/04/2026

An update for residents in West Perth in the lead up to Anzac Day 2026

The mobile camera unit on trailer 7, that’s been stationed on the corner of Hay and Thomas Street has been removed after approximately two months.

While we understand these resources need to be shared across the city, this is a timely reminder of the urgent need for permanent infrastructure in our neighbourhood.

In January 2026, I attended Council House and stood up to speak to the City of Perth Council about a proposal to work alongside Main Roads to lay electrical cabling through this part of West Perth as part of the 2 way Hay Street plans in 2026 - 2027

The reason that they tell us that we cannot have lights or cameras here, is that the city does not own any "electrical assets" on this part of Hay Street in West Perth.

The goal: to one day have permanent street lighting and fixed cameras extending beyond Outram Street, covering Ventnor and Thomas Street as well.

While we are grateful for them, the residents, workers and visitors on the outskirts of the City of Perth deserve more than temporary solutions.

We’re asking for:

✅ Permanent CCTV cameras in locations identified by the community.

✅ Proper street lighting, not just road lighting, but neighbourhood lighting that makes residents feel safe.

This isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about the City of Perth inclusion and recognising that safety and liveability matter equally in every pocket of our city, especially on the outskirts.

We know that it's a main roads issue, but I urge the City of Perth to revisit this proposal and take meaningful steps toward a long-term solution for West Perth and other city neighbourhoods who come to you with these needs.

I'm Dave Lee

24/04/2026

This story doesn’t want to go away, does it!

During my time running for council, I spoke often about a core belief of mine, that "the city" should be the caretakers of public art.

This Tuesday, that conversation came alive at Council House, where many visitors gathered to speak about Perth’s Ore Obelisk and its proposed $75K digital afterlife.

The Ore Obelisk is often nicknamed
"The Kebab"

This iconic 1971 monument, designed by architect Paul Ritter, has been in storage since 2021 after an 80kg rock fell from the structure and engineers declared it a public safety risk.

Rebuilding it would cost $390K and is considered near-impossible, with less than 45% of original materials reusable.

Instead, the City of Perth is recommending an augmented reality commemoration, with an on-site plaque pointing visitors to an online version.

The Ritter family has backed the move, with a rep saying Paul Ritter “would not have considered reinstatement good use of city funds,” and a final decision is expected at the April 28 council meeting.

Let’s hope that the memory of this sculpture can be preserved in some way in our city and not get forgotten about.

There is a story on this today on Perth Now by Sophie Gannon, where I found these photos!

20/04/2026

Snap-Send-Solve 🙌 Love this!

Have you spotted something that needs fixing in our city neighbourhoods?

Download the “Snap Send Solve” app, snap a pic of what you’ve seen that needs repair, add a few details and submit, it’s done and reported in seconds with the Snap Send Solve app, it’s so easy.

As an owner in the City of Perth, this is very handy or if you prefer the old-school way, you can still ring 9461 3333 anytime.

And it helps keep our city looking its best! ✨

17/04/2026

The old Tram Shelter on the corner of Hay & Thomas street in West Perth is in the news again.

Safety in Our City Cannot Be an Afterthought

Living or working in West Perth should never mean being injured, attacked or harassed.

The Old Tram Stop is not a fit-for-purpose sleeping space and looking away or doing nothing is not a solution.

"For years I have spoken out for the safety of residents, workers, visitors and anyone without a home who needs somewhere safe to sleep."

Shelter WA do a great job, but the need is greater than ever.

I commend the State Government's Housing First approach, yet many facilities still turn people away if they've consumed alcohol or drugs, and those addictions are growing alongside rough sleeping and traffic-light begging.

The response to homelessness must be compassionate, person-centred and focused on lasting outcomes, including solutions for those unable to maintain housing due to addiction or health challenges.

WA needs more social and affordable homes, and help for those on our streets that if we are honest about it, retail doorways and gardens are not equipped to serve.

Thank you to the City of Perth Rangers for your care and support for our neighbours on Hay and Thomas Street🙏 and to council and city administration who have had multiple resident requests for help to this matter this year and wait on a response and solutions from our Lord Mayor and Council.

Doing nothing is not the answer.

16/04/2026

Mayfair lane for lunch today, ahh they got me with the Irish mash!

Can't beat some Baramundi and colcannon, yum, yum yum!

31/03/2026

Plateful Perth is back!
City of Perth Plateful Perth 2026 Stage One applications are now open

This August, Plateful Perth 2026 will transform the City of Perth into a food lover's paradise, bringing bursts of flavour and vibrancy to every corner of the city. This is your opportunity to join the mix of culinary treasures in the City of Perth this winter.

Plateful Perth is more than just a campaign – it’s a celebration of unique City flavours, a feast for the senses, and an opportunity you won’t want to miss! The best part? Your business can be part of the action.

Sound appetising?
Following feedback from participating businesses, the 2026 program includes a streamlined, two-stage application process to ensure participation is more accessible and manageable.
Applications are now open for Plateful Perth 2026.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting culinary program. To apply, review the eligibility criteria and submit a Stage One application by Tuesday, 31 March 2026. For any questions regarding the application process, please contact the program facilitators at [email protected].

Business Information Sessions

Curious about how your business can participate in this culinary celebration?

Come along to one of our business information sessions.
This is your chance to ask questions and find out everything you need to know about the program.

• Tuesday 17 March 2026 - Council House (in person)
Plateful Perth Business Engagement Session 1 (In Person) Tickets, Tuesday, Mar 17 at 10 am | Eventbrite

• Thursday 19 March 2026 – Online
Plateful Perth Business Engagement Session 2 (Online/Teams) Tickets, Thursday, Mar 19 at 10 am AWST | Eventbrite

Find out more here:
https://perth.wa.gov.au/businesses/marketing-and-promotion/plateful-perth

27/03/2026

So far this year at Council House, I’ve spoken on a few issues:

Safety: I raised the need to enhance City watch cameras,particularly in West Perth on Hay Street to Outram Street on the Thomas Streets side, suggesting the City of Perth coordinate with Main Roads to lay power cables during Hay Street’s 2-way conversion to avoid future disruptions.

Vacant properties: I supported higher rates on long-term vacant residential properties a concept raised by West Perth resident Amberlea Henriques and I added that commercial land, could also be included as we are all waiting for supermarkets, while big companies land bank and limit opportunities in our neighbourhoods. I also suggested that some vacant properties/land for sale could be acquired by the City for future activation.

Culture & festivals: I backed an Indigenous concert, the Birak festival, advocating for meaningful celebration and in conversations with speakers suggested the potential for Perth City Library as a host venue for classes that teach and preserve the Noongar language.

City representation: I voted against wards, as I believe all councillors should represent all neighbourhoods.

Matilda Bay: The ferry remains a major concern. I hope Council provides support and the State Government pauses to reconsider the location. Residents aren’t opposing a ferry, they simply want to be heard, with fresh consideration given to the Jo Jo’s site.

The first quarter of the year has already passed and as a community advocate, I’ve continued meeting with residents and working alongside, City Administration, Council, Rangers and WA Police, our city is stronger when we work together.

I’m Dave Lee
I’ll see you in the city.

26/03/2026

We’re delighted to be on the corner of Hay & Thomas Street in West Perth it's a charming, welcoming neighbourhood with a true community feel.

Just minutes from the city and beautiful Kings Park, West Perth has that small-town vibe where locals greet each other and businesses genuinely care.

We’re proud to be part of it.

Our boutique ladies and men's salon specialises in colour & colour correction, cutting, styling, keratin smoothing, and hair extensions.

We have 1 hour free parking on Hay Street and 3 hour parking on the side streets.

We focus on privacy, personalised service, and a relaxed, luxurious experience, with a great chat while you’re pampered 🤍

Book online anytime: https://home.shortcutssoftware.com/theoryforhair

19/03/2026

The city plays such an important role in growing up.

Last night, our daughter’s Year 10 cruise on the Swan River was a great reminder of that, seeing young people all dressed up, out enjoying the city, taking in those beautiful river views.

At the same time, parents and grandparents were out too, sharing dinner and drinks across the city.

A simple but special night that shows how the city brings generations together.

My wife and I work in West Perth only a short drive or a trip on the CAT Bus & a short walk to Elizabeth Quay and a nice reminder of how good it is to visit and enjoy the City of Perth with the family, day and at night time too.

16/03/2026

Today, I met with local residents Katie, Sam, and MLA Jonathan Huston at Bacetto cafe to discuss ongoing safety concerns in West Perth.

Sam has asked questions to the City of Perth at council meetings multiple times this year seeking solutions and today Katie raised issues on safety which remains a key issue in West Perth and across the entire city as residents report frequent incidents and violence in public spaces, prompting calls for greater protection.

Since the recent installation of mobile CCTV, clearing overgrown areas and knocking down an abandoned home on the corner of Hay and Thomas Street in West Perth, some improvements have been seen, though challenges persist as rough sleepers and traffic light beggars who have nowhere to sleep just move to nearby vacant office buildings, shopfronts and vacant houses nearby, more help is needed for anyone without a safe permanent home too.

I appreciate the efforts of the City of Perth ranger team, community safety officers, and WA Police, and urge ongoing collaboration between the City of Perth and the State Government along with increased state resources.

West Perth needs more police and a more visible police presence and regular patrols, as it is often overlooked.

I will continue to share contacts, support residents and I'd like to thank Jonathan for coming along today, it’s encouraging to see elected members taking the time, meeting and engaging with locals, this strengthens our community and thank you all for inviting me along to listen, share and be part of the conversation.

Safety, Vibrancy and Fairness in the City of Perth

Dave Lee
Community Advocate

West Perth Aware

24/04/2026

24/04/2026

24/04/2026

20/04/2026

17/04/2026

16/04/2026

31/03/2026

27/03/2026

26/03/2026

19/03/2026

16/03/2026

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