Regional and remote communities across Western Australia are set to benefit from a second round of grant funding for Community Resource Centres (CRCs), which will go towards technology and innovation projects to grow and improve community services.
The Western Australian Government will invest more than $340,000 in a second southern-focused tranche of funding to support 36 regional and remote CRC projects in the south of the state to boost technology capacity and better connect communities.
The diverse projects span the southern Wheatbelt, Great Southern, Goldfields-Esperance, Peel and South-West regions.
Initiatives range from an improved IT server and equipment in Wellstead, new public access computers at Waroona, an upgrade of the Southern Forest Employment Hub website in Manjimup and a new digital studio in Northcliffe.
Hopetoun CRC is running a collaborative grant in conjunction with Ravensthorpe, Jerramungup and Bremer Bay CRCs to enhance the Fitzgerald Business Network and promote their services.
The Western Australian Community Resource Network Program has more than 100 CRCs across regional and remote WA, with all CRCs eligible to apply under the grant program.
The grant program provided grants of up to $10,000 per CRC, or up to $40,000 for collaborative applications, and is administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Regional Development Minister, Alannah MacTiernan, said, “The rollout of new technologies by CRCs will help expand and further modernise the range of important, community focused services delivered to regional and remote communities across Western Australia.
“These initiatives will help improve access to information and services by local community members, connect people and support local business development activities.
“These grants will allow CRCs to undertake a broad scope of work, from investing in hardware and software to boost local training and meeting capabilities, improving internet services and upgrading IT systems.”
For a full list of funding and projects, click here.
