A ceremony was held at the centre last 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.

The dancers were thanked for their participation by proud Worimi man, Len Roberts.

Cr Roberts acknowledged the land which the building stood on was 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 represented 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, David Gillespie said it was an important day for the council.

He also spoke about the work the Federal government had done with council.

Cr West said: "This is a proud moment not only for me but for MidCoast Council.

"Progress is impossible without change," he 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 would evolve the way council did 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 showed "Taree was 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.

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