Progress Association president, Fred McInerney, said he was disappointed the project wasn't completed in time for the Christmas carols, but as it turned out the carols were forced indoors to the RSL Club due to wet weather.

Mr McInerney said that the community had been crying out for a stage for some years, but local groups had been waiting for Port Stephens Council to build it.

"Progress last year decided to take the bit between its teeth and have some plans drawn and submit a development application with council and see what happened," Mr McInerney said.

"A thank you must go firstly to Cliff Johnson for drawing it for us, and to Brad Sutton who helped get the application through council," he said.

Funding was obtained from Local State Member John Bartlett, for as it turned out, a little more than half the cost.

Other contributors were the Oyster and Timber Festival Committee, who have been paying for a portable stage each year for their festival, and the Karuah Working Together Committee.

"The Progress Association had over the years raised some funds with the help of the Instep Line Dancers and of course, nobody should forget the raffles run by Gwen Neil," Mr McInerney said.

"We were extremely lucky to get the volunteer tradesmen - Mark McSpadden concreting and having his name in as project manager, and Trevor Hull who did the bricklaying, both of whom saved us a considerable amount of money and made the project affordable.

"Without their contributions it is doubtful the project could have gone ahead," he added.