Great Southern community resource centres granted tech boost

More than 15 Great Southern community resource centres are set to take a step into the future with up to $10,000 for technology upgrades to better connect regional communities.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan visited Wellstead Community Resource Centre last Saturday to announce $340,000 in State Government funding for 36 CRCs from the Wheatbelt to the Goldfields.

Wellstead CRC co-ordinator Lauren Darge said the organisation would use the funding to upgrade their IT server and staff equipment.

“This funding will greatly enhance the efficiency of our centre, meaning we will be able to help and reach more people,” she said.

“We will be upgrading our server, public computers and staff computers so that we can potentially offer services remotely.”

Hopetoun, Ravensthorpe, Jerramungup and Bremer Bay CRCs will share in $40,000 funding to establish a Fitzgerald Business Network for innovators across the region.

Ms MacTiernan said several centres had raised the need for technology upgrades to provide a better service to the community.

“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,” she said.