Spring in the orchard of a city's heart

• Free family event for nature lovers and gardeners of all ages
• Children's activities, fauna release and spring harvest in Urban Orchard
• Perth Cultural Centre has become popular event space in Perth

The Perth Cultural Centre will again be transformed into a thriving garden as part of the Urban Spring Festival - a free family event tomorrow that should thrill gardeners of all ages.

Planning Minister John Day said the festival included the seasonal planting and harvesting of the Urban Orchard and was an invitation for local residents, visitors to Perth and families to enjoy and explore nature in the heart of the city.

"A fun children's program will run throughout the day, including a biodiversity treasure hunt, art activities and storytelling, while a fauna release later in the afternoon will introduce frogs, fish and invertebrates into the wetland," Mr Day said.

"Visitors can enjoy conservation displays, plant stalls and a feature film on the Perth Cultural Centre screen, as well as seek solutions to their common home garden problems at a workshop with Gardening Australia presenter Josh Byrne."

The State Government, through the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) and the Department of Culture and the Arts, has spent more than $35million revitalising the Perth Cultural Centre to transform the area from a place that was avoided by many people to a favourite city destination.

"The centre is now a popular place for respite in the CBD and a premier events destination with a rolling calendar of events that continue to attract people of all ages, at all times of the day and night," the Minister said.

"It is one of a number of major regeneration projects being undertaken by the Government, through the MRA, to redefine our city. 

"Together with Elizabeth Quay, Perth City Link and Riverside, these projects are creating new places for people to live, work and visit."

      Fact File

• Urban Spring Festival to be held Saturday, October 20 from 8.30am-4pm
• Revitalisation of Perth Cultural Centre was completed in 2011 with the creation of the Urban Orchard and Wetland; installation of new LCD screen; children's play space; free WIFI; improved lighting; security; and signage
• More information at:  http://www.perthculturalcentre.com.au

Minister's office - 6552 6200