Located in what was the derelict old BP Service Station the Karuah Centre celebrated its first year of function in the Karuah Community last Wednesday.

Community, council and government representatives were present to hear about the successful operations over the past 12 months.

Over 5000 visitors from overseas, interstate and throughout NSW have passed through the center’s doors.

In addition around 60 Karuah residents are assisted with inexpensive food purchases from the Smart Shop on a weekly basis.

Exercise, art and scrabble classes also function weekly.

The centre is run on the tireless work of volunteers.

The Karuah Centre was opened by the Karuah Working Together Committee after Port Stephens Council leased the land to the committee.

The committee was founded to help the town cope with the effect of the bypass and consists of representatives from all the major comities in town.

The lower floor of the building acts as a tourist bureau, arts and craft centre and a frienly corner space for locals and tourists to hand out.

The upper floor offices have been leased to the NSW Aboriginal Land Council chairperson Bev Manton and the NSW Department of Health.

A function was attended by members of the community and the cake was cut by the Karuah Centre Management Sub Committee.