Perth will host marquee sporting events, including an international hockey tournament, and an arts and culture festival, as the state government attempts to showcase the city during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October.
Premier Colin Barnett said two international netball matches would also be played during CHOGM, with South Africa and Malawi playing a curtain raiser to a grudge match between arch rivals Australia and New Zealand.
The Hockey tournament will be held at Bentley's Perth Hockey Stadium froim October 20 to Octobber 23 and will involve teams from top flight hockey nations Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Malaysia.
"Sport has the power to cross national, political and religious boundaries to bring people together in fair and friendly competition," Mr Barnett said.
"In a sports-mad country like Australia, these sporting events will give fans the chance to see elite athletes pitting themselves against the best in the world.
"The state recognises the importance of attracting major international events and we are constantly looking to secure new and exciting events to improve vibrancy and draw visitors to WA."
Mr Barnett also announced earlier this week a $2.45 million eight-day arts and culture festival would be run in conjunction with CHOGM.
He said the program was still being developed, but it would include street theatre performances; indigenous arts exhjibitions and activities; a film festival; photography exhibitions; and a world music concert.
"West Australians can expect to see exceptional international performers from Commonwealth countries working alongside local artists with as much community involvement as possible," Mr Barnett said.
The Premier said the Commonwealth Festival would be presented by the Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) which has retained its former artistic director, Shelagh Magadza, to program the festival.
"The state government is delighted to have PIAF and Shelagh on board because of their outstanding record of presenting high-quality, inspirational experiences to the WA community," he said.
