Perth's Evolving External Reputation as Presented in Published Indices, Literature and Media - Committee for Perth
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FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019
Perth’s Evolving External Reputation as Presented
in Published Indices, Literature and Media
Gemma Davis
Introduction Summary of Key Findings
City competitiveness has been
• Reputation is important to sustainable economic performance and to
identified as central to the long- the growth and development of established and emerging sectors in
term economic performance Greater Perth’s economy.
of global cities in the twenty first • City reputation can be defined as the aggregation of a single
century. Notably, the Committee stakeholder’s perceptions of the capacity of the city to meet demands
for Perth’s 2018 Bigger & Better and expectations of many city stakeholders, including residents,
Beyond the Boom: Perth’s prospective residents, businesses and investors, tourists, visitors and
purchasers and consumers of goods produced.
Pathway to Prosperity report
identified a strong, competitive • Non-fiction literature and external media coverage of arts, culture and
identity and positive global travel opportunities in Greater Perth this century illustrate the evolution
of perceptions of Greater Perth from ‘Dullsville’ in 2000 to a ‘revitalised/
reputation as central to Perth’s transformed city’ today.
economic future.
• Perceptions of Greater Perth presented by global city indices depict
a region that is liveable but not as liveable as other Australian cities.
City identity is the sense of a Perth is also falling behind in regard to perceptions of innovation, smart
city that distinguishes itself from technology, attractiveness to international students and the strength of
others and the extent to which the city’s brand – yet has strengthened its reputation as affordable.
people recall a place as being • Reports of major international events in Greater Perth in the twentieth
distinct from other places (Lynch, century depicted the region as remote, somewhat unsophisticated
1960). The concept of city identity and laid back yet also confident, friendly, youthful, optimistic,
is often closely associated with entrepreneurial and outward-looking.
city or place branding, which is • Greater Perth’s external reputation in the latter twentieth century
“the strategic self-presentation of and early twenty first century include: involvement in and hosting of
major international events; investment in capital, sporting and cultural
a place with the aim of creating
infrastructure; urban redevelopment and revitalisation; improvements
reputational capital through to accessibility; pervasive stereotypes; promotion and marketing;
economic, political and social geographic location and attributes; as well as the region’s society and
interest promotion at home and culture.
abroad” (Szondi, 2008, p. 5). • The hosting of major international events, as well as phases of
investment and revitalisation have primarily been perceived positively
Yet it is evident that both an by the outside world. Conversely, periods of relative underinvestment
have been harshly judged, the impacts of which can linger.
underlying competitive city
identity and successful brand is • The latter twentieth and early twenty first century was identified as
a strong, positive city reputation. a period of perceived inherent conflict between the characteristics
of Greater Perth most valued by residents (i.e. suburban lifestyles)
City reputation can be defined and those sought by visitors (i.e. a vibrant city centre). Yet the
as the aggregation of a single transformation of Perth over the past decade has illustrated that these
stakeholder’s perceptions of need not always be mutually exclusive.
the capacity of the city to meet • Looking forward, Greater Perth must take control of, and actively
demands and expectations of shape, its future narrative and reputation through ongoing, strategic
many city stakeholders, including action and outward communication.
residents, prospective residents,
businesses and investors, tourists,
FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019 | 1
FACTBase
Bulletin 63, April 2019
visitors and purchasers and identified as a factor enhancing stable if adequately conserved;
consumers of goods produced corporate financial performance others including urban form,
in the city (Delgado-García, (Lee and Roh, 2018; Fombrun, recreational opportunities,
Quevedo-Puente and Blanco- 1996; Roberts and Dowling, 2002). infrastructure quality, economic
Mazagatos, 2018). performance, cost of living,
Published literature has afforded governance and branding are
Given the breadth of less attention to the impact of subject to significant changes
stakeholders and the diversity reputation on the performance over time. As a result, place
of stakeholder demands and of places, however there is reputations also evolve over time.
expectations associated with current evidence that a positive
a city, its reputation is therefore reputation is an intangible asset Stakeholder expectations are
influenced by a wide cross- and a source of place/city also subject to change and
section of variables. competitiveness, with links made conflict, with the perceived
between the reputation of a city satisfaction of stakeholders
This Bulletin is the first input and economic development connected to the satisfaction
into the Committee for Perth’s including new firms, employment of other stakeholders in both a
‘Hashtag Perth’ project that growth and positive migratory cooperative and a competitive
seeks to characterise Greater trends (Delgado-García, way (Delgado-García,
Perth’s global reputation Quevedo-Puente and Blanco- Quevedo-Puente and Blanco-
through original quantitative Mazagatos, 2018; Wæraas, 2015). Mazagatos, 2018). For example,
and qualitative research the expectations of residents are
involving local, national and Reputation has therefore more easily met if the city can
international stakeholders been identified as important attract business and tourists; but
combined with a comprehensive to sustainable economic the priorities of residents, visitors
review of historical and current performance and to the growth and businesses can vary and
perceptions of Greater Perth as and development of established resources oriented to meet the
presented in published literature and emerging sectors in Greater expectations of one stakeholder
and global media. Perth’s economy. However, prior group mean that there are fewer
to examining the reputation resources available to serve
The aim of this Bulletin is to of places, it is important to the interest of others (Delgado-
examine city reputation and understand the factors which García, Quevedo-Puente and
provide a review of the reported influence it at a local and Blanco-Mazagatos, 2018).
reputation of Greater Perth. It global level.
seeks to identify the factors that Cities have also taken various
influence the reputation of global
cities; the established benefits
Factors Influencing pathways to showcase their
attributes, differentiate
of a positive city reputation; and Place Reputation themselves and demonstrate
the evolution of Greater Perth’s their capacity to meet
Investigations by global research
reported reputation over time. stakeholder expectations
and marketing organisations
It achieves this through a review to the world. This includes
as well as academic literature
of published local, national communication and reality
report a complex combination
and international literature, building actions in areas such
of national culture, identity,
media reports, research reports as culture, innovation, design
attributes and brand; local
and indices. and technology; the building
social, cultural, economic
and preservation of emblematic
and environmental attributes;
The Importance of infrastructure; governance
monuments or attractions; and
hosting important organisations
City Reputation efficiency; city brand and
image; and investor, visitor and
or major international events
(Aula and Harmaakorpi, 2008;
The importance of reputation tourist experience as influencing
Turok, 2009).
is widely recognised in the field stakeholder perceptions and
of business. Organisations with therefore the reputation of a
strong, positive reputations place. These are illustrated in
have been associated with Figure 1.
a capacity to attract talent,
establish customer loyalty and Whilst it is evident that some
demonstrate resilience and attributes, such as beauty, quality
market longevity. Corporate of the natural environment and
reputation has also been climate should remain relatively
2 | FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019
Figure 1: Factors Influencing the Reputation of Places
Environment: beauty; quality of the
natural environment; favourable
climate; close to beaches.
Urban and recreational attributes:
exciting city environment; appealing
experiences; opportunities to learn;
quality shopping; cultural attractions;
quality parks and recreation.
Infrastructure and accessibility:
ease of getting around by public
transport; quality of transport and
Residents & communications infrastructure;
Prospective accessibility by commercial flights;
Residents availability of schools; quality of health
Perceptions of:
care; commute times; major port, rail Place Branding
and/or highway system. and Stereotypes:
country, state and
Society and culture: crime and safety; city brand/image
general demographics; home to well-
Visitors & Businesses known personalities.
Students & Investors
Cost and economy: job opportunities;
cost of living; housing affordability;
affordability of commercial and
industrial space; stable economy and
future growth; well respected products
and services; quality workforce;
average wages of workers; personal
and business tax rates; headquarters
of leading companies; technology.
Governance: well-developed
political and legal institutions; social,
economic, environmental policy;
respected leaders.
Source: Fair and McGrath, 2018; Reputation Institute, 2018.
Greater Perth’s These indices can therefore play
a role in reporting and influencing
strength is not distinctive to
Greater Perth. Liveability is also a
Reputation in stakeholder perceptions of cities primary strength of Melbourne,
Global Indices as well as in generating and
perpetuating city stereotypes.
Sydney, Adelaide and Auckland.
As previously expressed, the In addition, the Economist
purpose of this Bulletin is to Greater Perth’s performance Intelligence Unit (EIU) rates
examine Greater Perth’s external and reputation in international ‘liveability’ in Greater Perth
reputation as perceived and indices was examined in detail as below that of Sydney, Melbourne,
reported by external stakeholders part of the Committee for Perth’s Adelaide and Auckland and,
in published literature and media. Bigger & Better Beyond the Boom while major cities in Asia have
An important indicator of external project. It identified Greater Perth increased their EIU liveability
reputation is provided by global as a comparatively competitive ratings over the past decade,
city indices, which compare mid-tier global city and the Greater Perth’s ranking fell from
and rate the performances of fourth most competitive capital in 8th to 14th from 2015-18. Recently
cities around the world against Australia. It also established that released global indices also
a range of economic, social and Greater Perth has strong rivals position Greater Perth well behind
environmental criteria. – notably other major capitals Sydney and Melbourne as a place
within Australia and the Asia- to study; as a city of innovation;
The primary purpose of city Pacific region. and as an implementer of smart
indices has been to deliver technology – all of which are
intelligence regarding the The indices identify liveability/ emerging indicators of success
suitability of cities as regions to quality of life as one of Perth’s in competitive twenty-first
invest and do business and their greatest competitive advantages century cities.
attractiveness for global staff. – but also established that this
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Table 1: Index Ratings for Australian and Asia-Pacific Cities
Hong
City Index Perth Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Auckland Singapore Osaka Kong
Economist
Intelligence Unit’s
14 5 2 22 10 12 35 3 37
Global Liveability
Index 2018
Mercer Quality of
21 10 16 37 29 3 25 59 71
Living Survey 2018
Mercer Cost of Living
61 29 58 84 87 81 4 10 1
Survey 2018
Economist
Intelligence Unit
64 16 22 41 51 41 1 5 1
Worldwide Cost of
Living Survey 2019
Numbeo Cost of
Living Comparison 77 40 86 144 110 60 38 85 81
2018
2ThinkNow Innovation
105 10 16 54 163 96 6 45 27
Cities 2018
QS Best Student Cities
39 9 3 21 41 23 15 19 12
2018
Easy Park Smart Cities
41 12 10 N/A 61 48 2 52 68
Index 2017
Resonance World’s
62 5 11 29 N/A N/A 2 61 34
Best City Brands 2017
Source: Committee for Perth, 2018; EIU, 2019
Yet, Greater Perth has This section outlines perceptions events including the 1962 British
substantially improved its ‘cost of Perth reported in the media Empire and Commonwealth
of living’ rating in recent years generated by major international Games; the 1987 America’s Cup;
and the most recent EIU Survey events. It also delivers an and the first orbital space flight
(2019) ranks Perth 64th – making overview of literature and media by a United States astronaut,
it the most affordable major reports about Perth in the late John Glenn. These events had
capital in Australia and the twentieth and early twenty-first a pivotal influence on Greater
most affordable city of those century non-fiction literature, Perth’s twentieth century external
compared in Table 1. academic literature and media reputation and were successful
reports, most notably in the in presenting attributes of the
Perth’s Reputation spheres of travel and tourism
and arts and culture. The
region to the world in a primarily
positive light.
as Reported in findings presented are based
City of Light
International on a review of more than forty
articles referenced within the text In 1962, Greater Perth and
Literature and below or listed in the attached Western Australia played a role
Media bibliography. in the historic first US orbital
flight by John Glenn aboard
Perceptions of and opinions
about Greater Perth have been
Perceptions of Friendship-7. While tracking
stations at Muchea in Western
preserved in literature and print Perth from Major Australia and Woomera in
media since settlement and
afford snapshots of the region’s
International South Australia tracked Glenn’s
progress across the Australian
pre and post-colonial evolution Events continent, Greater Perth reached
towards a city of more than two out to Glenn by switching on
In the mid to late twentieth
million inhabitants. They also offer all of the lights in the city (WA
century, Greater Perth
an insight into Greater Perth’s Museum, 2012). Glenn observed
showcased itself to the globe
evolving external reputation the lights on the edge of the vast
through its involvement in, and
and the factors that have darkness of the Indian Ocean
hosting of, major international
influenced it. and remarked: “The lights show
4 | FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019
up very well, thank everybody for winning streak in the history On December 31, 1986, Nicholas
turning them on”. As a result, Perth of sport. The victory has been Kristoff of the New York Times
became known to the world as reported as transcending sailing wrote of Fremantle: “This
the ‘City of Light’ and Perth Lord and “becoming the symbol of sunwashed harbor town, home
Mayor at the time, Harry Howard, a time when Australia came of to the America’s Cup sailing
was invited to be part of the age and made our mark on the races, abounds with souvenirs,
New York ticker tape celebrating international stage” (ABC, 2013). freshly painted storefronts and
Glenn’s flight (Gary, 2012). shopkeepers eagerly awaiting an
Yet for Perth, the victory was even invasion of American tourists. The
Perceptions of Perth from more significant. Australia was to only thing that Fremantle lacks, so
the VIIth British Empire and defend the Cup in 1987 and the far, is the American tourists…But
Commonwealth Games internationally renowned sporting even if the foreigners do not show
Later in 1962, Greater Perth event was to be held in Perth up in the numbers anticipated,
stepped onto the international and Fremantle. Described by Fremantle has suddenly become
stage again, hosting the David Allan-Petale of the Sydney one of the most fashionable
VIIth British Empire and Morning Herald as “a stubby places to shop or dine in all of
Commonwealth Games. British provincial city and a shabby port Western Australia…An erstwhile
news reels from the time describe far from the glamour of Sydney earthy undercurrent in Fremantle
Perth as a “beautiful capital” and or the culture of Melbourne”, – with topless barmaids inside
“paradise” located “a few miles 1980s Perth was considered some pubs, and inebriated
inland on the Swan River Estuary”. an Australian backwater and patrons outside – has been
The city was commended for while Alan Bond’s new status of replaced by hordes of young
the new Perry Lakes Stadium, Australian hero put the spotlight people who sip wine and are well,
reportedly costing the city one on Western Australia’s bold, if minimally, dressed.”
million pounds, the athletes’ entrepreneurial culture, hosting
village in City Beach, as well as its the America’s Cup was also an Yet the 1987 America’s Cup was
calm beaches and hot “tropical opportunity to place Perth firmly widely heralded as a success for
climate”. The Games were on the global map. Fremantle and Perth, and a post-
branded a success and Perth’s event report found that the visitors
500,000 people were praised for Graham Edwards, member of did come – estimating that the
“rising to the occasion” (British the Western Australian Labor regatta attracted 930,000 visitors
Pathe, 2014). Government at the time, to WA and generated $450 million
described this period: “There in business and investment for the
Greater Perth’s success in hosting was a feeling that this was an State (Butler S, 2017).
the games came as a surprise to opportunity for Perth to grasp
some international commentators. the future – to reshape Perth as a But not all visiting journalists were
James Coote of the London Daily city of excitement and a city of impressed. American journalist
Telegraph reported: “The VIIth the future, and a hospitality and and political satirist P. J. O’Rouke
Commonwealth Games have tourist hub” (Allan-Petale, 2017). wrote of his travels to Fremantle
proved that it is possible for an for the America’s Cup “God
area as basically devoid of sports Consequently, the America’s knows how the America’s Cup
interest as Perth to stage the Cup provided the impetus for wound up out here…In Western
second most important sports investment in new modern Australia they don’t even know
meeting in the World – and stage skyscrapers, hotels, sports how to make that vital piece of
it successfully. Perth has shown facilities, marinas and malls and sailboating equipment, the gin
that these Games will continue also facilitated the much-needed and tonic”…while in reference
for years to come” (Howie and revitalisation of Fremantle and its to the America’s Cup Ball he
Wynne, 2014). heritage west end from ‘scruffy quipped “…nobody in Western
port’ to bustling entertainment Australia owns a tuxedo either.
Perceptions of Perth and district. Greater Perth’s rapid Every guy there was wearing a
Fremantle from 1987 1980s facelift and optimism rented one exactly like mine.
America’s Cup was captured in international We all spent the night itching
In 1983, an Australian team, media reports, which depict a and squirming and scratching
bankrolled by Western Australian remote and young, if relatively ourselves like apes” (p. 146).
entrepreneur Alan Bond won unsophisticated region dressed
the prestigious America’s Cup, up and eagerly awaiting its 1987 and subsequent years
breaking the United States’ moment on the world stage. proved challenging for Greater
132-year stranglehold on the Perth and Western Australia.
title, and ending the longest Following Australia’s America’s
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Bulletin 63, April 2019
Cup defeat, the stock market cultural infrastructure fell behind Perth – the world’s remotest
crash in mid-October ended that of other Australian cities and city – is vivacious, exciting and
the ‘era of the entrepreneur’ in Greater Perth’s Central Business beautiful. I have to admit that I
Australia and Western Australia, District was increasingly criticised find it dull. I returned to the west
with high-profile businessmen on global tourism websites for last year, hoping to encounter
including Alan Bond, Laurie lacking vibrancy and attractions the place I still hear reported
Connell, Keven Parry and (Kennewell and Shaw, 2008). as being there. For me, it
Robert Holmes à Court suffering doesn’t exist: just a little city fully
substantial financial losses
(Morgan and Janda, 2017).
Greater Perth in absorbed with navel-gazing.
Its loyal citizens, obsessed with
Literature and cleanliness and sunbathing,
The stock market crash also
precipitated a financial downturn
Media congratulate each other on
living in a place so vivacious,
in the State and the exposure of Published perceptions of Greater so exciting and so beautiful. On
a corruption crisis for the Western Perth extend beyond those weekdays Perth strikes me as
Australian government which generated by major events and half-dead – and totally dead on
resulted in the 1988 resignation are present in art, fiction and Sunday. The location is fine, the
of then Premier Brian Burke, who academic literature. Stratton Swan River describes a broad
a subsequent Royal Commission and Trainer (2016) examined sweep around parklands and
found had engaged in “grossly perceptions of Perth in literature freeways, which usurp all the
improper” conduct in regard to and songs and refer to them most interesting sites. People are
business dealings during his time as ‘myths of the city’ which friendly, this cannot be denied,
as Premier at substantial cost to “both convey the experience and the pace is leisurely. Yet the
the State, and was imprisoned for of that particular city and help city seems to have no heart, no
falsifying travel expenses (Burrell to construct that experience” shape, no character. In search
A, 2015). (p. 34). of character you should catch
the first available train (or taxi,
In the following decade, while Twentieth and early twenty- if desperate) to the port of
other Australian cities (most first century myths of Greater Fremantle” (p. 119–20).
notably Sydney and Melbourne) Perth include: Greater Perth
adopted aggressive strategies as the world’s most isolated or Yet over the past decade,
of capital investment, self- remote capital city; Perth as some of these stereotypes have
promotion and image creation a small city; Perth as Dullsville; been increasingly challenged
and delivered hallmark Perth as a boom-town; Perth as and reported perceptions of
international events including expensive and unsophisticated; Greater Perth have exhibited a
the 2000 Olympics, Greater and Perth as revitalised, with significant shift.
Perth became slow to develop the dominate stereotype
its potential (Kennewell and shifting over time in response Perceptions of Greater Perth
Shaw, 2008). Numerous public to investment in the region as Isolated
development projects in along with economic, social Perceptions of Greater Perth as
Greater Perth over this period and cultural change. Greater the world’s most isolated capital
including the Hillarys Boat Perth’s people have also been city were commonly presented
Harbour and Graham Farmer periodically (and somewhat in twentieth century literature
Freeway attracted significant paradoxically) typecast as laid and, while this claim is a fallacy,
regional controversy and public back; lacksadasical; inward it is reflective of Perth’s remote
opposition, while the Bell Tower looking; entrepreneurial; fiercely geographical location, notably
and Perth Convention and independent; slow to accept the distance between Greater
Exhibition Centre were also change; and exhibiting a Perth and other cities in Australia,
criticised (within Greater Perth) sense of inferiority to capitals and in the Asia-Pacific region.
for failing to reach their potential ‘over east’. It is widely acknowledged that
(Committee for Perth 2011; Greater Perth’s remote location
2011a; 2016). There are numerous examples has shaped its internal identity
of these stereotypes of Greater and external reputation (Stratton
In addition, while infrastructure Perth being presented in late and Trainer, 2016).
projects including the extension twentieth century literature.
of Greater Perth’s suburban One of these is Rodney Halls’ A review of literature and media
passenger rail were widely book ‘Home: A Journey through undertaken for the purpose
heralded a success, the quality Australia’, in which the author of this Bulletin has identified
of the region’s sporting and writes: “People assure me that Perth’s remote location as the
6 | FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019
characteristic of Perth most the second-tier cities literature the global economy; the growing
commonly depicted in external (Markusen et. al. 1999) – which is prominence of Asian economies;
media reports over the past surprisingly unmentioned in Perth’s and rapid improvements in
two decades. economic, cultural and social connectivity and accessibility
development portfolio – notes through technology and air travel
While it is acknowledged that that a disconnection from global (Committee for Perth, 2018).
isolation/remoteness can cities enables quirky specificities In this regard, Greater Perth’s
have negative connotations, to thrive” (p. 175). increasing accessibility by air
particularly in the context of has also been a substantial focus
globalisation and efforts to Yet perceptions of Greater Perth’s of international marketing and
attract international visitors and location are changing and a shift media attention, most notably
investment, it is also noted to be in the reported narrative about following the commencement of
“less relevant than it was for most Greater Perth’s geographical direct flights between Perth and
of the twentieth century, when location is evident over the London in March 2018 (Australian
flying interstate was expensive past decade. Greater Perth Tourism Exchange, 2017) and the
and the Nullarbor Plain was has increasingly identified itself announced launch of direct daily
crossed via dirt track” (Whish- and been identified externally flights between Perth and Tokyo
Wilson, 2013, p. 12). by its proximity to Asia rather by from 1 September 2019 (Loo, 2018).
than its distance from eastern
Furthermore, some external states capitals. Perceptions of Perth as a
media and academic literature Small City
have highlighted positive A review of twenty-seven research External and internal twentieth
consequences of Greater Perth’s reports and strategies prepared century and early twenty-first
remote location, including from 2003-2018 undertaken as century media reports have
crediting isolation with generating part of the Committee for Perth’s also presented Perth as a small
creativity, a fiercely independent 2018 Bigger & Better Beyond the city. This perception has been
culture and delivering a source of Boom project established that examined by academics Stratton
local pride. Perth’s proximity to Asia has been and Trainer (2016) who write: “In
reported as a key economic 1980 Perth’s population was a
In 2012, Georgina Pearson of opportunity for Perth since 2008. little under 900,000. This was not
Encore magazine wrote “A An example is the Committee small. For comparison, in 1980
five-hour flight from the eastern for Perth’s 2012 Towards a Bright in the United States, Dallas had
seaboard, WA’s capital city is as Future project which identified just over 900,000 inhabitants and
far off the beaten track as you an opportunity for Perth to San Diego just under. In Britain,
can get… But that’s not to say become ‘Australia’s Gateway to Sheffield at this same time had a
Perth is deficient within. In fact, Asia and the Indian Ocean Rim’ much smaller population of rather
this forced isolation has cultivated (Committee for Perth, 2018). over 500,000, which was roughly
a small but blossoming media the same as that of Liverpool.
industry, yielding creative of This perception of Greater Perth By 2000, Perth’s population had
international calibre. A glance at has also emerged in external increased by about a million to
Perth’s media landscape reveals media reports. Lonely Planet’s nearly 1,900,000. Nevertheless,
an industry punching above its current online profile of Greater the rhetoric that Perth is small
weight.” Quoting Perth artist Tina Perth (2019), for example, has, as we shall see, been
Wilson, Pearson also writes: “There identifies the city as being “as perpetuated…” (p. 36).
is less competition so there is more close to Bali as it is to eastern
room to be creative. Perth work (Australian) capitals” while While Greater Perth is reported
is as original, if not more original, Chris Pash of Business Insider to retain a reputation as a small
because the unique challenges (2014) described Greater Perth’s city, this research has found that
that come with being small can location as central, rather than reports of Perth as small have
often create opportunities” remote, noting Greater Perth’s decreased over the past decade,
(p. 32). geographic proximity to the with a shift in perceptions
“world’s emerging economies”. particularly evident during the
Australian academic Tara period of rapid population and
Brabazon (2012) also challenged Factors influencing shifting economic growth from the
the idea of isolation as a perceptions about Greater mid-2000s to 2012-13. During this
disadvantage, writing: “It is Perth’s geographic location period, media reports about
important to note that isolation include globalisation (the trend of Greater Perth were more likely
from larger population hubs is increasing global integration); the to describe Perth as ‘booming’
not a disadvantage. Indeed, entrance of China and India into than ‘small’.
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Perceptions of Greater Perth residents of Perth were content Robyn Annear of ‘The Monthly’
as Dullsville with their lives in the suburbs commented on the connection
Among the most publicised ascertaining that “The problem between mining, arts and
perceptions of Perth is that of confronting Perth planners in culture in Greater Perth in her
‘Dullsville’, popularised by the particular is that the denizens like 2014 article, ‘Perth Goes Boom’,
Lonely Planet’s travel guide in living in the suburbs and have remarking: “Barry Humphries
2000. Stratton and Trainer (2016) no great need to travel to ‘the likened it to a giant shish
quote Rebecca Chau and centre’” (Stratton and Trainer, kebab. Fifteen artless lumps of
Virginia Jealous: “When many 2016, p. 37). ore skewered on a 14-metre
a traveller came to visit in the pipe from an oil drill, stood
1990s, the city was dismissed Similarly, Kennewell and Shaw upright in a public park. That’s
as ‘dullsville’. The streets were (2008) maintained that Greater the Ore Obelisk, planted on
dead, there was nowhere to Perth’s Dullsville debate “went Perth’s busy St Georges Terrace
party. Locals were just too beyond considerations of public in 1972 to celebrate Western
lackadaisical, at home, in their planning and desirable urban Australia’s one-millionth citizen
boardshorts and desert boots, form to challenge the basis of and “the harmony of mining
tinkering with the barbecue” Perth’s established lifestyle” and environment”. “Who but a
(p. 52). and suggested that “Those ‘practical idealist’ would claim
bemoaning Perth as Dullsville on to celebrate “the harmony of
This perception was repeated the basis of reduced shopping mining and environment”?.”
in other media reports opportunities or the absence Annear further observed: “A
including an article from the of top ranked entertainers who celebration of the harmony of
UK’s ‘Management Today’ in frequently by-pass Perth on mining and the arts might be
2008, in which an anonymous their much publicised ‘world an apt description of the Perth
author wrote of doing business tours’ may be a minority voice” Festival, held each February.
in Perth: “There are excellent (p. 252‑253). Since Sydney’s funding took
job opportunities and the a dive this year, Perth now
regional economy is booming. Despite this dissent, the ‘Dullsville’ boasts the richest arts festival in
The halcyon lifestyle is the main tag has been credited with Australia” (p. 32-5).
attraction, but it has to be said being the “slap in the face Perth
that if you’ve had enough of needed” by igniting debate Perceptions of Perth
sun, sand, golf and tranquillity, about Greater Perth’s future as Expensive and
Perth can live up to its nickname and assisted in generating Unsophisticated
of Dullsville.” “intense interest and desire Yet during this period, Perth was
for intervention in the CBD” also presented as expensive and,
Perceptions of Greater Perth (Fulker, 2017; Brabazon, 2012, in some publications, as lacking
as dull have been examined p. 181). sophistication. In 2009, Jason
and challenged in literature. In Loucas of Conde Nast Traveller
2012, Tara Brabazon wrote: “A Perceptions of Greater Perth reported on ‘Perth’s New Cultural
great music industry including as a Booming Mining City Scene’ writing: “Locals tell you
a thriving band scene and From 2009 to 2013, the peak of that ‘WA’, as the State of Western
dance communities are present Greater Perth’s mining investment Australia is generally known,
along with bohemian districts fuelled economic upswing and used to stand for Wait Awhile.
in Fremantle and North Perth, associated migratory population Not any longer. The man from
wine and food industries within expansion, perceptions of Perth the tourist office tells me that
a twenty-minute drive of the were shifting from ‘Dullsville’ to the restaurants are pricier than
city (Brabazon 2011), and five ‘Boom-town’. This has become a in London. ‘Perth’s no longer
universities populating the dominant perception of Greater cheap and cheerful,’ he says,
city with bright, ambitious and Perth in twenty-first century and makes it sound like a boast…
thoughtful residents. If this is media, with ‘mining’, ‘resources’ Perth really was an Australian
dullsville then – with respect – and ‘boom’ referenced in backwater; now the city has
these critics need to travel more media articles and literature begun to aspire to a much
widely.” (p. 172). about Perth (reviewed during grander status.”
the preparation of this Bulletin)
Brabazon has also argued that almost as often as ‘isolated’ By 2011, Lonely Planet’s
while Greater Perth’s Dullsville or ‘beaches’, with mining and assessment of Perth had shifted
tag stemmed significantly from resources often presented as a significantly, although not in an
the perception of a ‘dead’ city central element of the regions’ entirely positive direction. Jenna
centre or city with no ‘heart’ – culture during this period. Clarke from Traveller quoted
8 | FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019
the guidebook as painting a Centre, Elizabeth Quay, Perth next challenge for Greater Perth
“hot and cold” picture of WA City Link, Yagan Square and will be to sustain and expand this
and Perth: “Where many of Scarborough; the development of positive narrative, particularly
Australia’s other state capitals new cultural, entertainment and in the context of the recent
might have a handful of top sporting infrastructure including economic slow-down.
restaurants charging over $40 for the State Theatre Centre, RAC
a main, in Perth those prices are Arena and Optus Stadium; The evolution of reported
fast becoming a norm for any as well as the emergence of perceptions and characteristics
establishment that considers itself Perth’s Fringe World Festival to of Greater Perth over the past
above average,” the guide stated complement the existing and two decades is summarised in
“Unfortunately, the experience highly successful Perth Festival. Figure 2. It depicts not only an
doesn’t always match the outlay.” increasingly positive narrative
The impact of these projects on and perceptions of Greater
The guide was also cited as reported perceptions of Greater Perth, but also reported growth
criticising the culture of Greater Perth has been substantial. in the perceived number and
Perth’s mining and resources In 2014, Baz Dreisinger of the diversity of attractions available
workforce, stating: “One of the New York Times dubbed Perth a to stakeholders.
by-products of the mining boom “Hipster Heaven” and promoted
has been the rise of the Cashed- Perth’s “multiple parks and
Up Bogan (CUB) – young men with waterfronts; spotless subways
plenty of cash to splash on muscle and free public buses; restaurant
cars, beer and drugs.” “It would menus with organic, locally
pay to keep your wits about you sourced food and wine; cool
in pubs and on the streets after bars in heritage buildings; and
dark” (Clarke, 2011). pop-up everything, from farmers’
markets to cinema and yoga”
Perceptions of Perth as a while Andrew Stafford (2017) and
Revitalised/Transforming City Abigail Healy (2017) write of a
Yet over the past decade, city “transformed”; and Conde
perceptions of Greater Perth Nast Traveller referred to “the new
presented in the media began Perth” (2017).
to demonstrate a notable shift,
with journalists increasingly Greater Perth has also recently
documenting the positive impacts witnessed Conde Nast Traveller
of the region’s twenty-first century (2017) voting Como The Treasury
economic and population as the best hotel in Australia
growth including Greater Perth’s and New Zealand and 12th
cultural, entertainment and best hotel in the world; Qantas
urban revitalisation. From 2014-19, commencing a direct Perth to
themes of urban transformation London service in 2018; and both
and accessibility dominated Forbes and the New York Times
the media and travel articles naming Perth among the top
about Perth. global destinations for 2019. This
has generated additional positive
This shift coincided with new publicity and has assisted in
development and major positioning Perth as increasingly
investment projects, most notably accessible and as delivering a
in Greater Perth’s central business competitive and sophisticated
district, previously criticised visitor experience.
as ‘dead’. This included the
emergence and growth of It is also apparent that this
Greater Perth’s small bar scene transformation has been
following amendments to liquor achieved without challenging
licensing laws; the arrival of food Greater Perth’s established
trucks and farmers markets; the lifestyle, evidenced by the strong
commencement and completion support among residents for the
of major revitalisation and urban changes in Perth since 2012
redevelopment projects such as (Ipsos, 2012; Ipsos, 2015; Ipsos,
New Northbridge, Perth Cultural 2018). It is now evident that the
FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019 | 9FACTBase
Bulletin 63, April 2019
Figure 2: The evolving twenty-first century reputation of Greater Perth
1999 – 2003 2004 – 2008 2009 – 2013 2014 – 2019
Isolated. Isolated. Isolated. Isolated.
Pleasant, Pleasant, mediterranean Central location. Gateway to Australia.
mediterranean climate. climate. Closer to Bali than eastern Closer to Bali than to
Sunny. Gateway to Asia/Indian states. eastern states.
Ocean Rim. Great weather/sunniest Central location, close
Suburban lifestyle. Access to wilderness. capital. to the world’s emerging
Sprawling. Kings Park/Swan River/ Increasingly looking to economies.
Beach/Fremantle. Asia. Beautiful/blue water
Mining-based economy. Kings Park/Swan River/ beaches/Kings Park/
Mining and resource Beach/Fremantle/ Rottnest and quokkas/
Strong economy. economy. wilderness areas. wildlife and wilderness
History of Boom-town. New bars/hotels/tourism areas.
entrepreneurialism. Job opportunities. developments/suburban New quality bars,
Expensive/high cost of hubs/wineries. restaurants, home to
Small. living. best hotel in Australia.
Youthful. Drain of young talent. Indigenous cultural tours. Swan Valley wine region.
Suburban. Low unemployment/ Arts and culture including Fringe World and Perth
Lacksadasical. difficult recruitment Perth International Arts International Arts Festival.
Drinking/pub culture. environment. Festival. Elizabeth Quay.
Undergoing a cultural Cool urban/suburban
Dull. Small town friendliness/big renaissance. centres.
Self-satisfied. town convenience. Liveable. Sprawling.
Sense of inferiority. Great lifestyle/quality
Insular/inward looking. Dull. Mining/resource city. of life.
Lacksadasical. Boom-town.
NIMBYism/city that says Expensive/high cost of Hot/warm climate.
‘no’. living. Sunniest capital.
Secondary to eastern
states capitals. Growing/significant city of Increasingly accessible
2 million people. (direct Perth-London flight).
Easy-going. Quality public transport.
Creative. Car-centric.
Innovative. Infrastructure under strain.
City of Light/Wait Awhile/ Laid back/easy going.
Backwater. Young/family friendly.
Inward looking. Hipster.
Secondary to eastern Creative/quirky/unique
states capitals. character, fuelled by
Cashed-up bogans/drug isolation.
alcohol issues. Young people leave but
Dull. often return.
Shaking off ‘Dullsville tag’. Indigenous culture and
history.
Revitalised/cultural
renaissance.
Low-profile compared to
Sydney, Melbourne and
Gold Coast.
Under-rated.
Dull (no noteable
reference past 2014).
10 | FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019
Persistent coastal plain gives up its secrets
slowly. But while it will always be
‘10 Top Perth Attractions’, other
journalists have highlighted
Perceptions of isolated, it is turning its back on Aboriginal cultural experiences
Greater Perth isolationism and showing its face
to the world.”
as among their most memorable
experiences in Greater Perth
While this review has identified and WA.
shifting perceptions and Lucas Peterson, 2017, reported
stereotypes of Greater Perth, in the New York Times, that “The In his 2018 article for The Sun
it has also identified persistent most enjoyable solo trip I took, newspaper in the United
perceptions of the region from though, incorporated all of Perth’s Kingdom, Jonathon Reilly
the mid twentieth century to major appeals. Rottnest Island… described: “The gentle hum of
today. They relate to the region’s while I wasn’t able to score a the didgeridoo vibrates down
location, natural environment, vaunted ‘quokka selfie,’ I found the boardwalk, interrupted only
climate and people and include the little guys to be much like by the lapping waves breaking
reports of Greater Perth as: Perth and its environs – laid-back, near us. With his melodious
remote, beautiful and sunny friendly, outside the mainstream playing, George Walley, my guide
with a pleasant mediterranean and definitely underrated.” and local elder here in Western
climate, great beaches, an Australia, is perfectly rounding off
enviable location on the Swan While in 2018, Telegraph journalist, a tour of the local spiritual land.
River, friendly people and a Nigel Richardson quoted a Perth He has taken me to see the living
laid back lifestyle. Access to the resident, in his article ‘How boring fossils that form egg shapes on
natural environment and wildlife Perth was reinvented as a magnet the coastline near Mandurah,
and to regional locations such for hipsters’ stating: “In Melbourne an hour south of Perth. Called
as the Margaret River region also and London people work hard thrombolites, the orbs were
consistently feature in reports but they don’t know when to thought to be eggs laid by a giant
about Perth in recent decades. stop,” ... “Here they work hard and snake, part of a creation story
then they switch off, go to the told by local aboriginal people.
Whilst Perth’s transformation has beach, whatever. The work-life George tells me: ‘Every time I
emerged as a common narrative balance is more healthy. I really come here I feel like I am visiting
in external media in recent years, love it.” an old friend’.”
journalists still often identify Perth’s
natural environment and access The value that Greater Perth’s Nigel Richardson was similarly
to wildlife as among Greater inner urban neighbourhoods effusive in his praise of a tour of
Perth’s biggest strengths, while and centres add to the Greater Ngilgi Cave in Dunsborough with
unique characteristics such as Perth region has also been Aboriginal guide Josh Whiteland,
Perth’s ‘piercing light’ and the progressively recognised. In 2017, while also acknowledging
‘Fremantle Doctor’ are also Lonely Planet named Maylands the “dark history” of Rottnest
positively described. one of Australia’s coolest three Island as a penal colony for
neighbourhoods (Baker D, Aboriginal people. Of his Ngilgi
Andrew Stafford of The Guardian 2017) and praised “eclectic Cave experience, Richardson
observed in 2017: “The first neighbourhoods”, such as remarked: “The cave, a vast
thing you notice about Western Leederville (Bainger F, 2017). amphitheatre of phantasmagoric
Australia is the light; light so limestone formations that he
piercing that the late David
McComb, from the Perth
Emerging regards as a “living, breathing
spirit”, is sacred to the local
band the Triffids, once noted Recognition of Wadandi people as it forms a
that no foreign pair of dark
sunglasses could ever shield you
Indigenous People “pathway to the dreaming”
through which the spirits of the
from it.” Stafford also described and Culture dead flow out to their final resting
Perth as “dazzling” and reported place at sea. In 1911 the soprano
External media articles also
on Perth’s traditional attractions, Dame Nellie Melba had a piano
demonstrate a heightened
combined with the region’s lowered into the cave so she
acknowledgement, respect for
recent metamorphosis: “Once could sing in its strange acoustics,
and interest in Aboriginal people,
you get past its obvious natural but I can’t believe this was more
cultures and history as well as
attractions – the long, white memorable than Whiteland’s
a desire for Aboriginal cultural
beaches welcoming the Indian performance on his didgeridoo
experiences. While Forbes Travel
Ocean; the immense King’s Park – a hypnotic orchestral wash that
Guide (2019) lists Kings Park’s
on the western edge of the CBD… contained both weather and
Aboriginal Art Gallery among its
– this thin strip of land on the Swan animal sounds.”
FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019 | 11FACTBase
Bulletin 63, April 2019
Conclusion
The purpose of this Bulletin distinctive and evocative. relative underinvestment in these
was to examine and provide a These include Greater areas have been harshly judged,
review of the reported external Perth as remote (i.e. off the the impacts of which can linger.
reputation of Greater Perth in beaten track), beautiful
the late twentieth and early and sunny with a pleasant The Bulletin also established
twenty-first century. It seeks mediterranean climate, that perceived satisfaction of
to identify the factors that great beaches, an enviable stakeholders is connected to the
influence the reputation of place; location on the Swan River, satisfaction of other stakeholders
the established benefits of a friendly people, a laid-back in both a cooperative and a
positive place reputation; and lifestyle and delivering unique competitive way. In this regard,
the evolution of Greater Perth’s access to nature and wildlife. the latter twentieth and early
external, reported reputation twenty first century was identified
over time. This Bulletin has established that as a period during which an
the reputation of Greater Perth inherent conflict was perceived
The research examined: and places globally is influenced between the characteristics of
by perceptions of a wide range Perth most valued by residents
• Perceptions of Greater Perth of regional attributes by a cross- (i.e. suburban lifestyles) and
as presented by global section of internal and external those sought by visitors (i.e. a
city indices, which depict stakeholders. It found that both vibrant city centre). Yet, the
a region that is perceived stakeholder expectations and transformation of Perth’s inner
to be liveable but not as regional attributes change over city over the past decade has
liveable as other Australian time and, as a result, place proven that these qualities need
cities including Sydney, reputations shift and evolve, not always be mutually exclusive.
Melbourne and Adelaide. influenced partially the fortunes
Perth is also falling behind its of a place but most critically by Looking forward, it is evident that
Australian city-counterparts its actions. Greater Perth must not slip into
in regard to perceptions of complacency in the post-boom
its performance in areas of Key factors identified as and post-Dullsville era. Rather
innovation, smart technology, influencing Greater Perth’s the region can to take control
attractiveness to international reputation in the latter of, and actively shape, its future
students and the strength of twentieth century and early narrative and reputation through
the city’s brand. twenty first century include: ongoing, strategic action and
involvement in and hosting outward communication.
• International coverage of of major international events;
major international events in investment in capital, sporting This should include a program
Greater Perth in the twentieth and cultural infrastructure; urban of urban revitalisation; branding
century, which depict the redevelopment and revitalisation; and promotion to reinforce
region as remote, somewhat improvements to international positive perceptions and
unsophisticated and laid accessibility; economic growth; stereotypes; continued capital
back yet also confident, pervasive stereotypes; promotion investment in sporting, arts
friendly, youthful, optimistic, and marketing; Greater and cultural infrastructure;
entrepreneurial and outward- Perth’s geographic location maximising accessibility;
looking with the capacity to and attributes; as well as the identifying opportunities to
attract and deliver hallmark region’s society and culture showcase Greater Perth to
events of global significance. and changing perceptions of the world; addressing the
it over time. region’s perceived weaknesses
• Non-fiction literature and including innovation, smart
external media coverage In particular, the hosting of technology and attractiveness
of arts, culture and travel major international events as to visitors and international
opportunities in Greater Perth, well as phases of investment students; as well as building
which illustrate the evolution and revitalisation in the inner on the region’s distinctive and
of perceptions of Greater city and in cultural and sporting emerging strengths.
Perth from ‘Dullsville’ to a infrastructure and urban form
‘revitalised/transformed city’. have primarily been perceived
This literature also expresses positively by the outside world
pervasive, positive narratives and boosted perceptions of
of Greater Perth that are both Greater Perth while periods of
12 | FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019FACTBase Bulletin 63, April 2019
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