The Shire of Murray has secured a State Government grant to ensure the continuation of a community resource centre and transport licensing services. Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson announced the $116,000 grant on May 11, allowing the shire to maintain services that were previously delivered by the CRC for the 2026-27 financial year. It is hoped that this arrangement will become permanent.
Background of the closure
The services at the centre were scheduled to cease on June 30. The closure was announced by chairperson Christine Thompson on April 7, who stated that “the future of the organisation had been under careful consideration for some time, as the committee worked through complex and challenging circumstances.” The centre had been operating since June 2000, offering education programs, information and access to key community resources, and delivering essential State Government agency services, including the Department of Transport.
Shire's proactive approach
Shire president Douglas McLarty said the shire had been proactive in trying to maintain the continuity of services. At the time of Ms Thompson’s announcement, Mr McLarty said shire CEO Dean Unsworth had written to Mr Dawson to request that the funding allocated to the Murray House Committee in 2026-27 be reallocated to the shire. “Following advocacy by the shire, we are very pleased to confirm that the funding allocated for CRC services will now support the Shire of Murray to continue delivering these important community services locally,” Mr McLarty said. “This outcome ensures there will be no loss of services for our community and provides certainty that CRC services will continue to be available in Pinjarra beyond June 30.”
Mr McLarty added that when the rolling five-year contract to run the services is put out for tender between 2027 and 2032, the shire would look to secure them on a more permanent basis.
Future expansion plans
Mr Unsworth thanked Mr Dawson for his support and quick decision-making. “We are looking at the current operating model and will seek over time to potentially expand some of the services currently available,” he said. “This will offer a one-stop hub of community services here in Pinjarra, with the added benefit of the variety of services already provided by the Shire of Murray.” The shire also received approval from the Department of Transport to manage licensing services from July 1 and is contemplating expanding them. “Our goal is to ensure residents continue to have convenient access to these important services locally, with minimal disruption during the transition,” Mr Unsworth said.
Minister's commendation
Mr Dawson commended the shire for its commitment to supporting the local community and stepping forward. “Community resource centres support our regional communities and help connect the people of WA,” he said. “The Cook Labor Government has worked quickly with the Shire of Murray to ensure that key services can continue to be delivered during this period of change.”
