Welcome to The Perth Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• AFL Perth Derby

• Lightscape at Kings Park

• A deep-dive into the life of Heath Ledger

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

– Winston Churchill

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the famous landmark in Perth that features a bell tower and is one of the largest musical instruments on Earth?

A) Kings Park Tower

B) The Swan Bells (The Bell Tower)

C) Perth Mint Tower

D) St. George's Cathedral Tower

News

💼 Business

Woodside to be 'global LNG powerhouse' after $1.4b deal (link)

⚽️ Sports

Eagles star reveals thoughts on Adam Simpson’s departure (link)

🏦 Finance

Bunnings hits back on tradie lead poisoning claim (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏉 AFL: Fremantle v West Coast Eagles
Optus Stadium, Burswood
Saturday, July 27th | 4:30pm | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Ladyhawke
Freo Social, Fremantle
Saturday, July 27 | 7:30pm | (More Info)

Family

🌴 Lightscape
Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth
June 7th - 28th| 5:30pm - 9:00pm | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city. 

This week, I typed in “Perth skyline at sunset” and this is what I got. 

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Perth Historical Events

The Opening of the Swan River Colony (June 12, 1829)

The Swan River Colony, which later became Perth, was officially founded on June 12, 1829, by Captain James Stirling. The establishment of the colony marked the beginning of European settlement in the area. Captain Stirling and his party arrived aboard the HMS Parmelia, and upon arrival, they immediately began the process of setting up the new settlement. The colony was initially intended to be a free settlement, without the use of convict labor, which was a significant departure from the common practice in other Australian colonies at the time.

The selection of the site for the colony was influenced by the favourable location along the Swan River, which provided a reliable water source and a strategic point for trade and defense. The fertile land around the river was seen as ideal for agriculture, and the natural harbor offered excellent prospects for shipping and commerce. Stirling named the new settlement Perth, in honor of Sir George Murray, the Member of Parliament for Perthshire, Scotland, who had supported the establishment of the colony.

The foundation of the Swan River Colony was a pivotal moment in the history of Western Australia. Despite initial hardships, including food shortages and conflicts with the Indigenous Noongar people, the colony gradually grew and developed. The arrival of more settlers, along with the introduction of convicts in the 1850s to boost labor, helped to stabilise the settlement. Over time, Perth evolved from a small colonial outpost into a thriving city, playing a crucial role in the economic and social development of the region. The legacy of the Swan River Colony's establishment is still evident in the vibrant and dynamic city of Perth today.

Famous People From Perth

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger was an acclaimed Australian actor known for his versatile roles in film and television. Born on April 4, 1979, in Perth, Western Australia, Ledger began his acting career in Australian television before making a successful transition to Hollywood. He gained international fame for his performances in a variety of genres, showcasing his talent and range as an actor.

Key Highlights of Heath Ledger's Career:

Breakthrough Role:

Ledger's breakthrough role came with the 1999 teen romantic comedy "10 Things I Hate About You," where he played the charming bad boy Patrick Verona. This role made him a heartthrob and established him as a rising star.

Diverse Roles:

Ledger quickly moved beyond teen roles, taking on diverse and challenging parts. He starred in films such as "The Patriot" (2000) alongside Mel Gibson, and "A Knight's Tale" (2001), where he played the lead character, William Thatcher.

Critical Acclaim:

One of Ledger's most critically acclaimed performances was in the 2005 film "Brokeback Mountain," directed by Ang Lee. He played Ennis Del Mar, a cowboy who has a complex romantic relationship with another man, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Ledger received numerous accolades for this role, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Iconic Role as the Joker:

Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" (2008) is perhaps his most iconic role. His intense and transformative performance as the chaotic and menacing villain earned him widespread praise and a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of the Joker is often regarded as one of the greatest performances in cinematic history.

Tragic Death: Heath Ledger's life and career were tragically cut short when he passed away on January 22, 2008, at the age of 28, due to an accidental overdose of prescription medications. His death was a significant loss to the film industry and his fans worldwide.

Despite his brief career, Heath Ledger left a lasting impact on the world of cinema through his remarkable performances and dedication to his craft. His legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered by fans and fellow actors alike.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think. 

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy. 

-Matteo Banzon

Poll