New library service model for West Wimmera

Published on 13 September 2022

West Wimmera Shire Council, along with Horsham Rural City Council, has agreed to dissolve the Wimmera Regional Library Corporation in order to better enhance library services in the region.

Horsham Rural City Council will assume direct management of the library services from July 1, 2023.

West Wimmera Shire Council will enter a five-year service level agreement with Horsham Rural City Council, with an extension option of three years.

The new service level agreement will be based on the Wimmera Regional Library Corporation’s current funding and service agreement.

Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said the two Councils agreed the move would be the best way to enhance the delivery of library services for the benefit of the community.

“At all times, negotiations between West Wimmera Shire Council and Horsham Rural City Council have been characterised by goodwill,” he said.

“We are committed to ensuring our library service flourishes into the future.”

Under the new service agreement, current Wimmera Regional Library employees will be transferred to Horsham Rural City Council.

This move will provide a flexible workforce that can work at both West Wimmera and Horsham libraries as well as ensuring a continuation of joint use operations, events, and programs throughout all the library branches.

There will be no changes to West Wimmera Shire library services or opening hours.