Our History

Courtesy of Michelle Allen

The Horrocks Community Centre (HCC) is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation dedicated to serving and strengthening the Horrocks community. Our group evolved from the amalgamation of two long-standing local groups – the Horrocks Progress Association Inc. and the Horrocks Community Centre Inc. – into one unified community body.

We are responsible for the management and ongoing development of the Horrocks Community Centre, a vital community asset owned by the Shire of Northampton. While our name may not fully reflect the breadth of our role, our purpose is clear: to create a vibrant, inclusive, and well-supported space for the residents and visitors of Horrocks.

The journey toward our current facility began in 2011, with early discussions between the HCC Committee and the Shire around improving the former Matt Burrell Pavilion. Following community consultation, the vision for a new community centre was realised, culminating in the official opening of the Horrocks Community Centre on 2 September 2016 by Hon Shane Love MLA, representing the Minister for Regional Development.

Funding for the project was a collaborative effort, with contributions from Lotterywest, Royalties for Regions, the Shire of Northampton, and the HCC itself. The HCC contributed $20,000 in direct funding and a further $38,000 in furniture, kitchen equipment, and site improvements.

Since opening, the Centre has been managed entirely by volunteers. There are no paid staff, and all operational and maintenance work is driven by community spirit and hands-on involvement. From securing a ‘Restricted Tavern’ liquor licence to completing countless “busy bees,” the HCC Committee and broader community have worked tirelessly to develop the Centre into a vibrant, well-used hub.

Over time, the HCC has reinvested more than $135,000 into both the Community Centre and the wider Horrocks area, with ongoing improvements ensuring the facility remains fit-for-purpose, welcoming, and well-used. Our commitment extends well beyond the Centre itself. We have contributed to numerous community projects including the installation of public notice boards, shade shelters, walkways, a cricket pitch, a lookout bridge, tourist information signage, paved recreational areas, and more. These initiatives reflect our dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Horrocks and preserving the town’s unique character for residents and visitors alike.

As a volunteer-run organisation, the long-term viability of the Centre has always depended on engaging younger generations to step up and carry the torch forward. Encouragingly, this has begun to occur in recent times, with a number of new volunteers – including younger members of the community – choosing to give their time and energy to the HCC. This renewed interest and involvement is an exciting and vital step toward ensuring the sustainability of the Centre and the continuation of our community-focused work well into the future.