Published on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 1:14:57 PM
The Mount Barker Community Resource Centre (CRC), located on Lowood Road, was established in 2009 as part of the Western Australian Community Resource Network.
Funded by the State Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, CRCs provide access to government and community services, information and training.
Previously, the Baptist Union of Western Australia Incorporated managed the Mount Barker CRC, however, they advised the Shire of their intention to relinquish the management in 2023.
At the May Council meeting, the Council agreed to take on the management and operations of the Mount Barker CRC from 1 July 2025.
Shire Chief Executive Officer Julian Murphy said 19 CRCs across WA are run by their local government, and the transition would provide benefits to the Plantagenet community.
“CRCs are hubs of connection, engagement and skill-building for regional and rural communities,” Mr Murphy said.
“Taking on the Mount Barker CRC is an opportunity for the Shire to enhance its capacity.”
“Currently, there is some duplication of the services provided by the CRC and the Mount Barker Public Library, such as computer and internet access, printing, photocopying and laminating.”
“While it’s business as usual for now, in the future the Shire aims to improve the coordination between the CRC and the library to minimise the duplication of services and costs, which would enable the CRC to focus on training and education programs.”
“I look forward to the CRC employees joining the Shire team, with the CRC closed for staff inductions Tuesday 1 July to Thursday 3 July, reopening on Monday 7 July.”
The Shire is seeking expressions of interest from local charities, not-for-profit groups and organisations to continue the established Mount Barker Food Relief Agency, which provides free and low-cost food 9am-12pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
For further information, contact the Shire on (08) 9892 1111 or [email protected]
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