Shire of Murray Council has expressed its disappointment that the Murray House Resource Centre (MRHC) is set to close on 30 June after 25 years of service.
The Centre is a registered, not-for-profit charity and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that acts as a community hub providing training, education, and support services to people at risk of homelessness, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, while operating a small business incubator and community project hub.
Shire President, Douglas McLarty (pictured) paid tribute to Murray House, saying the services provided were important to the local community.
“Council thanks all current and past Committee members and staff for their important and tireless work for our community over the past 25 years. Each person involved has made a positive difference,” said Mr McLarty.
Acknowledging the value of the service, Mr McLarty also explained the efforts the Shire is undertaking to be given the opportunity to continue that service.
“Our CEO has written to the Minister for Regional Development, Minister Dawson, to request the funding that would have been allocated to the Murray House Committee in 2026/27, be reallocated to the Shire of Murray. This will ensure the Shire can continue the services currently provided by Murray House and that there is no discontinuity of service.”
“Time is of the essence here, so our Council looks forward to a quick response for this reallocation so that we can set up the necessary structures and that there is no discontinuance of service to our community.”
He said the Council was not requesting additional funding, only those funds which have already been set aside to help fund the service in 2026/27.
Further, the Council has contacted the Department of Transport advising that it is interested in undertaking the licencing services that are currently operated from the Murray House building, and request increased services such as driver training opportunities.
“Again, we want continuity of service. If the licencing function is allocated to the Shire of Murray, we can ensure that there will be no loss of service and that regular users will not even notice any difference in service levels,” said McLarty.
“While Murray House has advised that it will discontinue its services on 30 June, we are doing everything possible to keep the CRC and licencing services in Pinjarra permanently.”
In a statement, MHRC chairperson, Christine Thompson, confirmed the Committee had made “the difficult decision” to close the organisation.
“The future of the organisation has been under careful consideration for some time, as the Committee worked through complex and challenging circumstances,” Ms Thompson said.
“We would like to sincerely thank the Shire of Murray for their support thus far and we have been assured that their team will work to support the wider community, once this organisation has closed on 30 June 2026.”
