Tip: We all need to play part

Stressing that she was not going to advise Fremantle on how to do the same at last week’s Leaders’ Luncheon, she outlined how willingness to change and great communication had defined the resurgence of the City of Perth’s fortunes.

However, people had to be part of the process.

Ms Scaffidi, a declared ‘Dr Brad Pettitt fan’, won the crowd early, saying Fremantle’s priorities and concerns would be most closely understood by Fremantle people.

However, she said a willingness to be progressive and to be positive about change had brought City of Perth out of the ‘Dullsville times’.

‘You can’t leave anything the way it is; nothing stays the same,’ she said.

‘I’d much rather be talking about progress than stagnation.’

She said she had campaigned on a platform to ‘get Perth moving’ and she started with more public consultation than had been done before.

Through consultation she had identified what the City’s surplus funds should be spent on.

‘Ratepayers don’t want councils to have a surplus,’ she said. ‘It’s encumbent upon the council to use that money during the time the ratepayers are in business.’

Ms Scaffidi said some of that money should be allocated to a ‘feel-good factor’ in the community, citing the City of Perth’s Council House lighting.

‘Every local council should have a feel-good factor that will communicate to your people what we do,’ she said. ‘It could be uplighting or public art or Christmas decorations.’

In summing up about everyone needing to play their part, she said: ‘When you go for a walk in the morning, do you pick up litter as you go? We can all be part of the change and that is a worthwhile message to spread.’