I'm looking at getting my first kite, and have been recommended the 8m airush lithium 2011. I am 5"7 and weigh 68 kg and will be kiting in Perth.
Is this a good kite, which will take me through beginner to intermediate, as i don't want to be buying a new kite once i get the hang of it. I was also recommended the airush switch board
I'm sure you are all aware that buying a first kite/board can be very difficult without the correct info. Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

8m would be pretty much your bread and butter kite in Perth at your weight. Don't go for a bigger board than you need. It gets up and planing early which is nice as you are learning but you'll hate it once you're up and going. Stick to an all arounder like the switch around the 132 mark.

I've only flown the bigger Lithium, like 13m but it was fine IMHO. The 8m should be a good all arounder and if you're getting it for a good price, go for it.

My $0.02

i still regularly ride the 144 switchy that i learnt on. "insert something witty about first loves here!" ...(biggish lad in light winds). nice boards, great pads, bit of flex for the chop. as a beginner you could do a lot worse. never tried the lithuim so cant comment, but nothin but praise for the switchy... 132 sounds about right for your size although slightly bigger may be easier to learn on...

you will be very happy with the lithium - i ride 6m 8m and 13m LW (2010). they do everything you want as a beginner and will carry you through as you progress, not the best kite for massive hangtime or unhooked riding tho. If you go into surf style it really shines.

I also teach on these kites and am amazed at how quickly people have been able to pick up the sport. The relaunch is effortless and the kite has heaps of power to park it in the window - so you can focus on getting your board skills happening.

Make sure you take a bit of time now and then to adjust the bar size - those sliders on the bar tend to seize up after a while if you dont touch em. My kites have a solid season on them and show no wear, bridal attachments, pulleys, stitching all solid.