ACRE was recently engaged by Rural Development Australia Mid West & Gascoyne to support the exploration of potential community ownership of key facilities at Gascoyne Junction, W.A.
Gascoyne Junction is a small town in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia, located around 200 kilometres inland from Carnarvon on the junction of the Gascoyne River and Lyons River. Gascoyne Junction is part of the Shire of Upper Gascoyne – with a total population of 170 and covering an expansive 57,000 square kilometres.
For the isolated community, the Gascoyne Junction Tavern, Tourist Park and Roadhouse are vital services and a social hub. The closure of the facilities in December 2024 has had a significant impact, with the current Request for Tender presenting a new opportunity for the community to retain the services.
As one community member shared:
“The pub is part of the fabric of the community… you can go all week without seeing another person and then come into the pub and reconnect…”
ACRE CEO Matt Pfahlert led a workshop with the community group and stakeholders in Gascoyne, sharing knowledge and best practice, including the benefits, challenges and considerations of Community Asset Ownership. The workshop was just one part of the comprehensive support provided to RDA and the community.
Community Asset Ownership workshops, consulting and mentoring is one of ACRE’s core product and service offerings for organisations and community groups. For more information contact info@acre.org.au or 03 5728 2916.