The transformation from delapidated BP roadhouse to Yass Valley Community Centre is finally complete, with the facility on Yass Valley Way now officially open.
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It has taken more than four years and close to $100,000 in funding, but the proverbial ribbon was finally cut on Tuesday to the elation of all those involved in making it happen.
From Yass Valley Council's general manager David Rowe, to the volunteers that brought the building up to code, it has really been a community effort.
Allan McGrath, who was the original chairman of the committee when the idea was first floated, was visibly proud of what they had achieved.
"Well in 2009 we started talking about it, so it's been a long haul," he said.
"But I never doubted it would happen, I was always confident, it was just a matter of time and money."
The money came from the council coffers, with the project unable to attract grants, and federal funding falling through. But as it was the brainchild of Mr Rowe, council were willing to foot the bill.
The general manager told the Tribune that the delay in getting it up and running actually worked in their favour.
"The time it took was related to funding, and then we had to really make sure we met all the building requirements, so I suppose in one respect it was a little disappointing to take so long. At the end of the day I think we have a better result as we got so much more interest [from the community] and we have a better handle on how it's actually going to be used," he said.
"We were really looking for something to use it for and there's been a demand for a community centre for a number of years, it's something that has been missing, and it now has that potential [to become a community hub]."
Mr Rowe was full of praise for the Yass branch of Men's Shed, who's members were instrumental in the physical renovations of the building.
"We had to meet the requirements of the 'DA', that was the biggest issue, we had consultants come in that identified what needed to be done, and the Men's Shed volunteers really assisted with that. They also liaised with us in terms of generating ideas."
Secretary of the Men's Shed, Wayne Stuart, was looking forward to utilising the space and wanted to thank council for its unwavering support.
"We made an eight page submission to council upon invitation from the general manager in 2010 and they immediately provided $10,000 worth of funding for the repair work," he divulged.
"My experience with council has only ever been supportive of these sort of community projects."
The one sobering aspect of the timing, is that Men's Shed member David Hale passed away before the centre could be opened.
As Mr McGrath explained, his friend and fellow committee member was an integral force behind the scenes, and was deservedly recognised with a room in the centre being named after him.
"I think that recognises David's contribution, he was pretty passionate about it to the extent that he was almost obsessive about getting it up and running.
"He was the first bloke that drew it to my attention and he was very passionate about it, so I guess that's an appropriate recognition of his influence."
Yass Valley Council's business services manager Tony Stevens revealed that he had already been inundated with expressions of interest.
"We have 10 or 12 [community groups] that are put down to use it, plus we've just advertised so we're expecting more," he said.
One of those groups is the Photography Club, who's members have been eagerly anticipating the opening.
"Because our club involves a lot of workshops and seminars we needed a place like this," founding president of the Photography Club Alex Tewes explained.
"It will help the club flourish in Yass because we'll have a home. I can't thank Tony Stevens enough for his tremendous work, we're very happy with the final result."
Although it has been available for use since Tuesday, the official Open Day is Saturday November 22 and will boast community group stalls and information booths.
For those who wish to use the centre, simply call council on 6226 1477.