Network disbands

Wimmera Information Network leaders have thanked the community for its support over almost four decades after winding up operations.

The regional database comprises the details of more than 3000 non-profit community groups, clubs, organisations and services in the five municipalities that make up the Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee.

Interim chairman Barry Laird said the network was established in 1979 and overseen by a volunteer committee of management.

“We appreciate the many years of support from Horsham Rural City Council, surrounding councils and the community as we have provided an online database to the Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee communities plus a printed directory to Horsham Rural City residents,” he said.

“We are proud of the way we have been able to use community information to connect communities.”

Mr Laird said the network disbanded after the Horsham council decided to work with a new provider, My Community Directory, to promote activities across the region. Without council funding, the network will not have the resources to operate.

“To ensure the database that has been developed over many years will continue, we have agreed to transfer the WIN Wimmera Grampians and Mallee online database to the Horsham council,” Mr Laird said.

He said organisations would have an opportunity to be part of the new online community directory.

Mr Laird said the committee acknowledged the commitment of late chairman Don Johns and secretary Judith Bysouth.

“Both were the mainstay of this outstanding community information service,” he said.