Yalawanyi Ganya, MidCoast Council's new administration centre at Taree South, is officially open.
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A ceremony was held at the centre on Friday, February 5; a month after staff moved in and the doors opened to the public.
MidCoast Council general manager Adrian Panuccio hosted the event, which began with a Biripi dance group performing a series of traditional dances in an outdoor area of the building.
Cr Len Roberts then thanked the group for being part of the ceremony.
As a Worimi man, Cr Roberts acknowledged the land which the building stands is significant to Biripi people.
He said Aboriginal culture was incorporated throughout the planning process and the eventual design of the building.
He said the opening was a 'turning point' for the community and council.
"This is the start of the journey, not the end," Cr Roberts said.
He stressed the need to refer to the building as Yalawanyi Ganya in respect to Biripi people.
Mayor David West and deputy mayor Claire Pontin then planted a tree gifted to council in September 2019 by members of the School Strike 4 Climate group.
Councillors previously resolved to plant the tree on a significant day so they waited until the official opening.
Mr Panuccio said the tree represents council's stance and approach to climate change.
Councillors, staff, dignitaries and Biripi representatives then moved to the council chambers for the next phase of the ceremony.
In a pre-recorded message, Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said it was an important day for the council. He also spoke about the work the federal government has done with council.
Other invited dignitaries unable to attend were Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead, Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams, Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen, Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington and NSW Local Government Minister Shelly Hancock.
Former MidCoast Council administrator and Member for Myall Lakes John Turner attended the ceremony.
Cr West said "this is a proud moment not only for me but for MidCoast Council."
"Progress is impossible without change," Cr West said.
"Yalawanyi Ganga provides the Mid Coast region with a modern and technologically advanced space that will serve the community for many years to come."
He also recognised the importance of Aboriginal culture in the building, including the name Yalawanyi Ganya in Gathang.
General manager Adrian Panuccio thanked councillors for their work through the "robust" process to purchase the building and bring staff together under the same roof.
He said the building will evolve the way council does customer service.
"It adds value and builds trust," Mr Panuccio said.
Mr Panuccio labelled Yalawanyi Ganya as "the best council administration building in the State" and said it shows "Taree is open for business."
He thanked the builders and designers and said the building was completed on time and under budget.
Cr West and Cr Pontin unveiled a plaque and cut a cake to end the ceremony.