The Shire of Murray has received a $116,000 State Government grant to keep a community resource centre and transport licensing services running. Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson announced the grant on May 11, enabling the shire to continue services once delivered by the CRC for the 2026-27 financial year.
The services at the centre were scheduled to cease on June 30. The closure was announced by chairperson Christine Thompson on April 7, who said the future of the organisation had been under careful consideration due to complex and challenging circumstances. The centre had been operating since June 2000, offering education programs, information, and access to key community resources, including Department of Transport services.
Shire president Douglas McLarty said the shire had been proactive in trying to maintain continuity of services. After Ms Thompson's announcement, shire CEO Dean Unsworth wrote to Minister Dawson to request that funding allocated to the Murray House Committee for 2026-27 be reallocated to the shire. Mr McLarty expressed pleasure that the funding would now support the shire to continue delivering these important services locally, ensuring no loss of services for the community.
Mr Unsworth thanked Mr Dawson for his support and quick decision making. He said the shire is looking at the current operating model and may expand some services over time, creating a one-stop hub of community services in Pinjarra. The shire also received approval from the Department of Transport to manage licensing services from July 1 and is considering expanding them.
Mr Dawson commended the shire for its commitment to supporting the local community and stepping forward. He noted that community resource centres support regional communities and help connect people in Western Australia, and that the Cook Labor Government worked quickly to ensure key services continue during this period of change.
