Delivery of essential services, information and activities to regional and remote communities will continue thanks to a $56 million State Government Royalties for Regions investment in the Western Australian Community Resource Network (WACRN).
Consisting of 106 Community Resource Centres (CRCs), the WACRN provides a physical community hub for the delivery of government services and information as well as community development activities to approximately 50,000 people in regional and remote areas of the State, each month.
Member for Moore Shane Love MLA said the availability of services through CRCs had a significant impact for those in the regions.
“This State Government investment over the next four years will see the ongoing stability and security of these important community services,” Mr Love said.
“This funding will assist the many CRCs in the Electorate of Moore, including those at Gingin, Lancelin, Kalbarri, Dalwallinu, Morawa, Perenjori, Dongara, Mingenew, Coorow, Jurien Bay, Dandaragan, Toodyay, Mullewa, Leeman and Kalannie.
CRCs have been operating since 1991, originally as Telecentres, and deliver essential services and information to regional centres.
“Today they act as shop fronts for many government services such as driver and licensing services for the Department of Transport, the Australian Taxation Office, Centrelink and Medicare,” Mr Love said.
“Through this significant Royalties for Regions investment, operation and expansion of these community hubs will continue and locals will still be able to access essential government services close to home.”
The State’s CRCs employ up to 450 people, and more than 1,700 people are engaged in voluntary roles assisting in the management and day-to-day operations.
Since 2009, Royalties for Regions has invested more than $90 million to support the development and expansion of the WACRN network.