Help us unlock the truth about Perth’s public art spending

Turns out the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act is not free. The City of Perth has charged us $1,000 to access 150 documents that show how public art money is being spent. Once we secure them, we’ll release the documents in full, uncensored, so the community can see exactly how decisions are being made.

To cover the cost and keep pushing for transparency, we’re bringing the community together for a lively evening at Lawson Flats.

Expect good company, spirited conversation, and fancy snacks. Two drinks are on us when you arrive, with a pay bar open for the rest of the evening.

When: 5:30 – 7:30pm, Thursday 16 October
Where: The Salon, Lawson Flats, Sherwood Court, Perth
Tickets: $65 (includes two drinks + fancy snacks)

💡 Can’t make it? You can still support by making a direct donation or adding extra when buying your ticket. Every contribution helps us motivate for accountability and transparency.”

Stick around afterwards for dinner at Luis if you’d like to keep the conversation going.

All funds received go directly towards the Save the Kebab campaign. Your ticket helps us do the work the City should be doing, making sure public money is spent wisely, artworks are of high quality, and the important works already in Perth’s collection are properly cared for.

ABOUT SAVE THE KEBAB

Save the Kebab is a community-led campaign to protect Perth’s public art and cultural legacy. We are working to make sure public money is spent wisely, that the city commissions artworks of real quality, and that important existing works are properly cared for. Our focus is on accountability, transparency, and cultural sensitivity in public art decision-making.

ABOUT FREDOM OF INFORMATION

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act gives the public the right to access documents held by government agencies. It is intended to support open and accountable government by allowing people to see how decisions are made and how money is spent. Agencies can, however, charge fees to process FOI requests. In this case, the City of Perth has charged $1,000 for access to 150 documents on public art spending.

OTHER COSTS
The $1,000 FOI fee is only part of the picture. To keep Save the Kebab running we also cover costs for:

Ongoing FOI requests and processing fees
Research, reporting, and expert advice to interpret released documents
Community engagement, events, and communications
Campaign materials and administration

Every ticket and donation helps meet these costs. The is a campaign run by volunteers, no one is paid. All funds go directly to the Save the Kebab campaign to ensure Perth’s cultural legacy is protected and public money is spent responsibly.

ABOUT THE VENUE

Designed with members in mind, Lawson Flats is an inner-city Art Deco oasis has space to work, relax and play. Membership includes exclusive access to private meeting rooms, a bar, restaurant, art gallery, fully-equipped gym (including a sauna and movement studio) - plus a dynamic programme of cultural events - Lawson Flats is perhaps Perth’s most beautiful work space.

When you arrive at 4 Sherwood Court, walk up the emerald-green-carpeted stairs, and say hello to the friendly concierge who'll direct you to your event.

You might like to grab dinner afterwards. The restaurant upstairs in Lawson Flats - Luis’ - is open to all ticket holders. Event attendees are also welcome to head up to the bar for drinks.

If you’d like to read more about Lawson Flats, head over to the website, here.

GETTING THERE

There is no car parking on site, but there are plenty of carparks in the CBD, including at Council House, and Pier Street. Perth train station is about 10-minute walk away, and Elizabeth Quay station about a 5-minute walk. The Blue CAT runs along St Georges Terrace, and there are a series of five-minute car bays outside Lawson Flats, perfect for Uber drop offs and pick-ups.

ACCESSIBILITY

Lawson Flats aims to be a safe and welcoming space for all.

Step-free access is available via a concrete ramp off Sherwood Court into the northern side of the building (from St Georges Terrace). This entry leads directly to the public art gallery and concierge desk, with a single lift servicing all three floors.

Lawson Flats is accessible for all mobility aids (wheelchairs, walking frames and scooters), prams, and assistance or guide dogs.

The venue has dark green carpet and some dark-coloured walls, so contrast is low in certain areas, though most spaces have ample natural light. If you have a visual impairment, the concierge team can guide you through the space.

Accessible toilets are available on the lower ground floor (sauna level) and the first floor (bar/restaurant level) by the lift.

If you are concerned about access into or through Lawson Flats, please get in touch before or during your visit. The team can be reached at hello@lawsonflats.com.