Harvey Community Resource Centre left with no choice but to introduce fees to keep doors open

There are few institutions as vital to a community’s health as a Community Resource Centre.

However, with the ongoing increase to the cost of living, the Harvey CRC has found itself with no choice but to implement service fees to keep the centre afloat.

Starting from September 1, the CRC will charge $10 for every 15 minutes of services after the first 30 minutes, which is free.

Harvey CRC manager Tracey-Ann Davies said the centre had been struggling during the past year, and without implementing some additional way for the CRC to generate income, they would likely be closing their doors in the next 18 months.

“It won’t survive,” she said.

Ms Davies said there are a number of factors forcing the CRC down this route, with limited funding and staff to manage their growing clientele.

She said as more services switch to online processes, the older demographic or those who don’t have a computer or know how to use their mobile phone, have nowhere else to go to access vital services.

Ms Davies said the CRC was regularly helping people access Centrelink, applying for visas or helping them navigate the online process to report crime.

“Every day we’ve got something different coming in,” she said.

“The way technology is going, there are so many new things all the time. We have got more people coming in seeking assistance and support.”

Despite the ever-growing list of clients, Ms Davies said their funding has not increased, and the strain on the staff is only continuing to increase.

A spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said most other CRCs provide goods and services for a fee, including for printing, sale of retail goods, equipment rental, and room hire.

Ms Davies said while the Harvey CRC does hire rooms, it is not able to compete with existing businesses in town.

“So, it can be a real challenge to find ways to bring the extra money in,” Ms Davies said.

The DPIRD spokesperson said CRCs receive some funding from a range of sources, which include the Commonwealth, State and local governments.

“Western Australia’s 101 Community Resource Centres are locally owned and operated community hubs, and an important part of the regions,” the spokesperson said.

“Each CRC identifies specific services for that contract through its management committee, in consultation with DPIRD.”

Ms Davies said overall, she thinks the newly introduced fees will be a benefit to the community, as it will allow them to continue giving back.

“I think people value a service more when they have to pay for it,” she said.

“And it would be really nice to be running a business that we know the community values.”