Though to start, a little bit of history…
A Royalties for Regions initiative the CRC was funded by the Department of Regional Development and since the change of government is now funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). We are one of 105 CRC’s in the state offering a variety of services and workshops that may not otherwise be available in regional WA.
Along with the Tom Price CRC we are the newest to the network and were originally approved as a ‘Grant funded’ CRC (reapplying and reporting that the centre was needed and wanted every 6 months). In early 2017 we were awarded a preferred tender and have since joined other CRC’s as a ‘Contract funded’ CRC. This change meant we saw an increase in funds of approx. $50k per year.
Today…
Funding from the Department has allowed us to grow in numerous ways; ability to employ staff, engage a traineeship locally, host workshops and provide services that otherwise would not be available in our Shire.
We’ve also gained the library and are proud to share that we’ve held over 40 workshops and events covering a variety of topics, including – Succession Planning, Parenting classes, Market Days, Rhyme Time, Movie Nights, Agrimaster Tips and Tricks, International Women’s Day Morning Tea, Pop up Op Shop, Aged Care info session and a variety of information sessions just to name a few.
The CRC has also hosted two fun community fundraising initiatives including MAYyouDARE and more recently the 2018 Community Calendar. In total these two fundraising ventures have raised over $4000 for charity or a local community organisation.
The future…
Unfortunately the change of government resulted in a dark cloud over the CRC network - a funding reduction from $13 million to $8 million which is approximately 40%, to occur across the network in 2019.
What does this funding cut mean? Potential reduction in opening hours, services, workshops, events, employment opportunities and possible closure. The knock on effect is also something to consider if community members travel to access CRC services they may also do their shopping, grab spare parts and use other services.
A review of the network will be taking place over the next few months, this will assist the Minister, Ms Alannah MacTiernan MLC in how to distribute the reduced funding. Until then we need your help, to provide a voice as to why the Dumbleyung CRC and CRC’s across the state are an important and crucial service in regional WA.
We will continue to share updates with you, however if you have any queries please don’t hesitate to speak with CRC committee or staff.
Together let’s continue to build a greater community hub that’s here to stay for future generations!